Compare Houston electricity rates

In deregulated markets, energy providers and utility companies perform different roles. Before deregulation, the utility company handled the entire process, from generating electricity to selling it to consumers. Now, the utility is responsible for delivering power to homes, maintaining electrical lines, and restoring power when there’s an outage. In Houston, CenterPoint Energy is the utility company.

Energy providers, on the other hand, generate electricity and sell it to consumers. There are several popular Houston electric companies you can choose from, including 4Change Energy, Direct Energy, and TXU Energy. You can use the Choose Energy marketplace to compare electric rates and plans from the top Houston energy providers in your area. Our online marketplace lets you filter for providers, green energy options, contract length, plan type, and more.

Power outages in Houston

If you experience a power outage in Houston, your utility company is in charge of restoring your service. In the event of a power outage, contact CenterPoint Energy to report the outage and receive updates on when your service will be restored. Do not contact your energy provider — they will not be able to provide any updates and are not responsible for restoring a power outage.

If you experience a power outage, it’s important to follow safety procedures to avoid damage to yourself or your property. Visit our power outage safety guide to learn more about how you can prepare in advance for a power outage in Houston.

There are a few different types of energy plans you may encounter during your search. All of the plan types and rates you find on the Choose Energy marketplace are all-inclusive. Here is a brief summary of the most common types of plans you will find with Choose Energy.

Fixed-rate plans

With a fixed-rate plan, your provider will charge you a single rate for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that you use. Fixed-rate plans protect you from changes in the market cost of electricity and are more stable than some other types of plans. Fixed-rate plans normally require a contract, which can last between 12 and 36 months. If you end your contract before your term is up, you may be charged an early termination fee.

Variable-rate plans

Under a variable-rate plan, the rate you pay every month changes based on the wholesale cost of electricity. When demand in the energy market is low, you may be able to take advantage of a low rate. But your rate could spike during times of high power demand. This means that there is some risk associated with variable-rate plans. These types of plans don’t require a contract, so you could switch to another plan at any time.

Prepaid and no-deposit plans

Depending on your credit score, your energy provider might require a deposit before starting your service. For customers who want to skip paying a deposit, some providers offer no-deposit energy plans. A common no-deposit option is a prepaid electricity plan, which lets you pay for your power upfront. When your account begins to run low, the provider will send a reminder and you can add more funds to your account. Prepaid plans ensure that you only pay for the electricity you use. With the Choose Energy marketplace, you can filter for “all credit approved” plans to find prepaid plans in your area.

Enter your ZIP code above to explore no-deposit energy plans in Houston.

Houston green energy

Texas is a national leader in renewable energy generation, especially wind energy and solar power. Consumers can choose from a variety of green energy plans offered by Houston energy companies. 

Every Texas energy plan includes a percentage of renewable energy in the mix. To find the exact amount for a plan, check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). There are also energy providers that only offer 100% green energy plans, including Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, and Chariot Energy.

You can find green energy plans starting at 10.4 cents per kWh from Gexa Energy on the Choose Energy marketplace. If you enter your ZIP code above, you can filter for green energy plans offered near you.

Houston energy for business

Houston businesses can also use the Choose Energy marketplace to secure affordable commercial energy rates. Our energy experts will compare business energy rates from the top Houston electricity providers and help you build a customized commercial energy plan for your business. You can visit our commercial energy page to receive a quote for your Houston business.

Houston electric rates in my area

When shopping for an electricity plan in Houston, it’s important to compare the energy rates and plans in your area because rates can vary by location. Utility transmission charges — which come from the local utility company — can change based on where you live, so residents in one part of Houston could be charged a different rate than those in another area.

With the Choose Energy marketplace, you can compare accurate electricity rates and plans near you. Enter your ZIP code above to explore the current energy rates in your area.

Energy deregulation in Houston gives residents the freedom to choose their energy provider from a variety of available companies. With the Choose Energy marketplace, residents can compare electricity prices and plans from the best providers in Houston.

Finding a low Houston electricity rate is simple with the Choose Energy marketplace. To compare Houston energy plans near you, follow these easy steps:

• Enter your ZIP code above. We’ll show you a list of the best Houston energy rates and plans in your area. You can filter for what matters most to you 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 sign-up process in a matter of minutes.
• Enjoy your new electricity plan. Your new Houston electricity provider will coordinate with your utility company and handle setting up your service. There should not be any disruption in your service during the transition.

Which provider has the cheapest energy rates in Houston?
Currently on the Choose Energy marketplace, the cheapest Houston energy rate is 10.2 cents per kWh from Frontier Utilities. Remember, energy rates can change from day to day, so you should enter your ZIP code above to check the most accurate and current rates in your area.

What is the best Houston energy provider?
The answer to this question will depend on your energy needs. If you are searching for the provider offering the cheapest Houston energy rate, Frontier Utilities might be best for you. If you want to sign up for a green energy plan, Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, and Chariot Energy are good options. Looking for the most popular Houston energy provider? Consider TXU Energy or Reliant Energy. If you enter your ZIP code above, you will find plans that we recommend based on customer satisfaction and popularity with our users.

How can I lower my electricity bill in Houston?
The simplest way to lower your energy bill in Houston is to reduce your energy consumption. There are several ways to do this, ranging from investing in energy-efficient appliances to turning off lights in unused rooms. You could also reduce your energy bill by switching to an electric plan with a lower rate or free usage periods. Read our guide to lowering your energy bill for more tips.

When is the best time to shop for a Houston energy plan?
Like in much of the Lone Star State, Houston tends to experience very hot summers and milder winters. Because of this, energy rates fluctuate throughout the year. Energy demand is usually lower when temperatures are cooler in the spring and winter. Consumers who shop during low-demand times of the year may be able to secure a cheaper energy rate.