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Houston electricity rates
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 4/23/2025, 1:46:32 PM CDT for ZIP Code 77002. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
*All pricing shown in cents per kWh
Houston utility companies and energy providers
Utility companies and providers perform different roles in Texas’s deregulated electricity market. Utility companies are responsible for delivering power to homes, maintaining electrical lines, restoring power during outages, and responding to other emergencies. CenterPoint Energy is Houston’s utility company.
Energy providers sell electricity to residents through various rate plans and handle your electricity bill. Popular Houston energy companies include 4Change Energy, Frontier Utilities, and TXU Energy. Use the Choose Energy marketplace to compare rates and plans from over a dozen top Houston electricity providers. On our online marketplace, you can filter for plans by rate type, term length, provider, and more.
Power outages in Houston
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) anticipated a mild, dry winter, which could also make the next few months a good time to shop energy rates in Houston. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) also predicted that there would be plenty of grid capacity to meet demand this winter.
However, if you encounter a power outage, it’s important to follow safety procedures to avoid damage to yourself or your property. Visit our power outage safety resource to learn more about how you can prepare for a power outage in Houston.
If you experience a power outage in Houston, contact CenterPoint Energy at 1-800-332-7143 or report an outage online. You can receive updates on when your service will resume. Do not contact your energy provider — they are not responsible for restoring energy during a power outage, so they cannot provide updates.
Types of residential electricity plans
When searching for electricity plans in Houston, you’ll likely encounter several different plan types. The most popular options include fixed-rate, variable-rate, and no-deposit plans. Rates and plan types on the Choose Energy marketplace are all-inclusive, meaning the price you see includes base fees and transmission and distribution (TDU) charges. However, the prices will not include tax. Discover more about the types of available energy plans with Choose Energy.
Contract term lengths
If you decide to go with a variable-rate or no-deposit plan, you won’t have to worry about electricity contract term lengths. With a fixed-rate plan you will have a contract for a certain period of time, usually ranging from six to 36 months. You will most commonly find plans with 12-, 24-, and 36-month terms. Longer electricity contracts can often lead to more affordable rates if you are able to commit to them. Shorter term lengths are a good option for renters or those who like to shop around.
Fixed-rate plans
With a fixed-rate plan, you will be protected from fluctuations in market prices and will gain more stability in your electric rate than with other types of plans. Your electric rate will not change over the length of your term agreement, which usually lasts between 12 and 36 months. If you want to cancel your electricity contract before your term is complete, you may have to pay an early termination fee (ETF). However, this fee will not be required if you are moving out of the coverage area.
Variable-rate plans
Variable-rate plans come with some risk because the rate you pay every month changes based on the wholesale cost of electricity. When demand is low during milder temperatures (usually spring and fall), you can take advantage of lower rate trends. However, your electricity rate may increase during periods of high demand when temperatures are more extreme. Variable-rate plans don’t require an electricity contract, allowing you to switch plans at any time.
Prepaid and no-deposit plans
Your energy provider might require a deposit before starting your service, depending on your credit score. If you want to bypass the credit check and deposit, consider no-deposit energy plans. A common no-deposit option is a prepaid electricity plan, which lets you pay for your power upfront. When your funds begin to deplete, your provider will send a reminder to add more money to your account.
Enter your ZIP code and filter for “all credit-approved” plans on the Choose Energy marketplace to find prepaid plans in your area.
Houston green energy
Texas is a national leader in green energy generation, especially wind energy and solar power. Houston residents can choose from various green energy plans from several electricity companies.
Every Texas energy plan includes a percentage of green energy. To find the exact amount in a plan, check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). A Houston energy provider that offers 100% green energy plans is Gexa Energy.
Enter your ZIP code and filter for green energy plans offered near you.
Business electricity rates
Houston businesses can also use the Choose Energy marketplace to secure affordable business electricity rates. Our energy experts can compare business electricity rates from the top Houston energy providers and help you build a customized commercial plan for your business. Visit our commercial energy page to request a quote for your Houston business.
Compare cheap electric rates in my area
When you compare energy rates in Houston, it’s important to search for plans in your ZIP code since energy rates can vary by location. The local utility company determines utility transmission charges, which can change depending on where you live. Residents in one part of Houston may pay a different rate than those living in another area.
The Choose Energy marketplace allows you to compare accurate energy rates and plans near you. Enter your ZIP code on this page to find the current electricity rates in your area.
How to switch electricity companies
Switching to a new energy company? Choose Energy provides accurate, up-to-date information about the rates and plans available near you. Follow these steps to sign up for a new plan today.
Compare energy providers and plans
Enter your ZIP code to view and compare the available energy rates and plans in your area. You can filter your search by provider, term length, rating, and more.
Review plan details
Be sure to review the details of your new plan prior to signing up. When you use the Choose Energy marketplace to explore plans, you can view each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which will break down each part of your plan. Check for delivery fees, contract length, and more.
Begin your new plan
When you’re ready to sign up, Choose Energy makes the process simple. Click “Check Availability” on the plan card you choose and proceed through the following steps. Once you’ve signed up, your new provider will set up your new service with no interruption to your electricity.
Same-day electricity
Some providers on the Choose Energy marketplace offer more flexibility with same-day electricity. You can have your new energy plan power your home within 24 hours after your account is set up, without any interruptions to your electricity service. Call to find out which providers offer same-day electricity options in Houston.
Houston Power to Choose
In a deregulated energy market, the power to choose your electricity plan and provider offers more freedom and savings. You can shop and compare rates from several providers in your area to find the one that fits your needs and budget.
Choose Energy offers a simple and streamlined place to browse providers in your area and select a plan that meets your needs. You can find cheap electricity in Houston and sign up for your new plan quickly and easily using our marketplace.
How to compare electricity rates with ChooseEnergy.com
Finding a cheap Houston electricity rate is simple with the Choose Energy marketplace. To compare energy plans near you, follow these easy steps:
- Enter your ZIP code. Explore a list of the best energy rates and plans available in Houston on our marketplace. You can filter for your preferences and compare your options.
- Sign up for a plan in minutes. Once you’ve found the best energy plan for your needs, we’ll walk you through the signup process in minutes.
- Enjoy your new electricity plan. Your new Houston electricity provider will coordinate with your utility company to set up your service. There should be no disruption to your service during the transition.
Moving to Houston?
Houston is the most populated city in Texas, situated in the southeastern part of the state in proximity to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Its public parks, theater centers, museums, and Space Center make it a popular destination.
If you’re planning to relocate to Houston, the Choose Energy marketplace is here to help. You can enter your ZIP code to explore your electricity options and sign up for a new plan today.
Frequently asked questions about Houston energy
What is a good price for electricity per kWh in Houston?
Houston winters are typically mild, and rate trends tend to decrease due to less demand on the energy market. Electricity rates are listed from low to high price on the Choose Energy marketplace, making it easy to identify the best rates in your area.
Who has the best rates for electricity in Houston?
The best electricity rates in Houston on the Choose Energy marketplace right now are from Flagship Power. Energy rates can change daily, so enter your ZIP code to check your area’s current rates.
Why are electric rates so high in Houston?
Electricity prices in Houston tend to spike during its hot summer months when energy demand rises. Make sure to shop for energy plans in Houston when temperatures are more moderate, such as spring and fall.
Is electricity expensive in Houston?
Electricity prices in Houston can be high depending on the time of year, as well as external factors in the political and environmental atmosphere. You can reduce your electricity bill by switching to a plan with a lower electric rate or free usage periods. Also check out our guide for reducing your electricity bill.