The Top Energy Providers for Apartments in Texas

Are you moving into an apartment that requires you to pay your utilities? It can be a hassle, we know. Still, it has its perks, too. One of these is the opportunity to reduce your electricity bills even if your electricity usage remains the same as when you live in your own home.  How? By choosing among the different apartment electricity plans available to you. 

However, with so many electricity companies operating in the country, picking the one that will help lower your electric bill can be time-consuming. To avoid the inconvenience of wading through volumes of information, we’ve compiled a list of companies you can consider providing electric service to your apartment. Simply enter your zip code to view the list of power providers in your area.  

Read on for other tips on how to get cheap apartment electricity. 

Apartment Energy Costs

The good news is that smaller homes often mean lower electricity bills. Some may argue that it’s not usually the case, but in many instances, the electricity usage of apartments is less than that of a typical American home. Of course, how much energy you use will still dictate the amount of your bill. 

An apartment’s average electricity usage falls between 500 to 1000 kWh per month. Those with larger floor areas may consume more and smaller ones will likely use less. Based on our computation using Texas’ average electricity rates of 13.15 cents per kWh, your electricity bill will be approximately $65.75 to $131.50 a month.  

Let’s see how much electricity, and consequently, how much you’ll need to pay, depending on your apartment size.

Studio or small one-bedroom apartment 

On average, a studio or small one-bedroom apartment consumes around 300 to 500 kWh per month. Multiplying that kWh usage by the average Texas rate means you can expect an electric bill amounting to $37.68 for 300kWh and $62.80 for 500kWh consumption. 

Large one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment 

You’ll usually have to pay a higher electric bill for a large one-bedroom or a two-bedroom apartment. The typical energy usage of these types of apartments is around 1,000 kWh per month. That translates into an average electricity bill of $125.60. 

Apartment with three bedrooms or one with a larger floor area 

Expect an average consumption of around 1500 to 2,000 kWh for an apartment with three bedrooms. So if you move into an apartment of this size, your monthly electricity service could cost between $188.4 (for 1500 kWh) to $251.20 for (2000 kWh).   

Top Electricity Plans for Your Apartment

Choosing the electricity plan with the most affordable apartment electricity rates can be challenging. You can enter your zip code on our website to view the various electric companies and the apartment electricity plans they offer. Alternatively, you can check our list of Texas’s most trusted electricity providers. 

Apartment Energy Plans

Even though apartment electricity plans abound in Texas, you’ll need to do some shopping around to come up with the best electricity plan for your home. This will help you lower your energy costs and get excellent customer service. 

Aside from your power usage and the electricity company you choose to work with, knowing the different types of apartment electricity plans will give you a leg up on your quest for affordable electricity rates. 

The types of electricity plans apartment dwellers can choose from are: 

• Fixed-rate plans 
• Variable-rate plans 
• Green energy plans 
• No deposit energy plans 

Let’s dig deeper into what these plans offer.

Fixed-Rate Plan

Do you prefer paying a fixed monthly rate for your apartment electricity? If you said yes, then a fixed-rate electricity plan will likely work for you. If you opt for this type of plan, your per kWh rate won’t vary from month to month. Instead, you’ll pay a set price for your kWh consumption until your agreement with the electricity company ends. 

A fixed-rate apartment electricity plan offers the advantage of price stability because the energy rates won’t dip or rise no matter the price of electricity on the market. However, you’ll often need to pay an early termination fee if you end the agreement with your current electricity provider to switch to a new electric company. 

Variable-Rate Plan

A variable-rate electricity plan is the opposite of a fixed-rate one. Whereas the per kWh price you pay for a fixed rate plan remains constant each month, the price for each kWh will vary in a variable-rate plan. That’s because the power rates depend on the cost of electricity on the market. As such, you’ll have a more challenging time anticipating your electricity expenses. 

This type of apartment electricity plan is not without some merits, however. For one, a variable-rate plan has no monthly contract. This makes it easy for you to switch to other electricity plans if you wish to do so. You also have a chance to save on your power bills with this plan. That’s if the price of electricity on the power market dips. 

Green Energy Plan

Are you an advocate for the environment? Then, you’ll be glad to know that electricity companies in Texas offer green energy plans. These apartment electricity plans use renewable energy, which can help you lower your carbon footprint.  

In Texas, wind and solar energy are the most common sources of green energy. Moreover, some of these plans offer lower rates than those with electricity coming from fossil fuels. 

No-Deposit Energy Plan

When you apply for an apartment electricity plan, the company often reviews your credit history before you get an electricity contract. You’ll also need to put down a deposit. A no-deposit electricity plan is an excellent alternative if you want to sidestep these requirements.  

With no-deposit electricity plans, you don’t have to undergo a credit check or have a good credit score before getting electricity service. On the downside, this plan type often has higher per kWh rates. 

Best Energy Companies for Apartments

Because of energy deregulation, Texas residents have multiple options when it comes to energy companies. Enrolling in any of their apartment electricity plans can help you get a handle on your electricity costs and save a few bucks on your monthly bills. 

Here are some of the best electricity companies in Lone Star State. 

How to Find the Best Electric Company for Apartments?

With so many reputable power companies in Texas, you’ll need to research to pick the best energy plan for your apartment. Here are some tips on selecting the company that will help lower your monthly bill. 

Determine your Energy Usage

Knowing your energy usage will help you choose the best rate for your power needs. To find out how much electricity you consume, you can use Smart Meter Texas. Otherwise, go over your bills from the utility company for the past 12 months and see how much kWh you normally use.    

Look Carefully at Promotional Rates

Some power companies offer incentives for enrolling in their electricity plans. These incentives include cash-back bonuses, gift cards, or a smart thermostat. Meanwhile, some electricity plans offer free electricity during specified times. 

Factor in Deposits, Charges, and Fees

If you live in an apartment, there’s always the possibility of moving. Thus, it won’t make sense to consider fixed-rate plans that last for 36 months. Enrolling in a long-term fixed-rate plan carries the risk of paying a cancellation fee if you move and switch providers before the contract’s end. This fee varies widely depending on the power companies, so scrutinize the plan details before signing the contract. 

Read Energy Company Reviews

Looking at what power consumers have to say about a company is one of the ways you can employ in choosing the best electricity company. This gives you an idea of how the electric company treats its customers. As such, you’ll know which companies offer excellent service and which ones to avoid. 

Look for an Energy Efficient Apartment

When you live in your own home, it’s easy to invest in energy-saving innovations, such as self-programmable thermostats and specially optimized HVAC systems. Installing such innovations will likely help lower energy usage and, consequently, your power bill. But what if you’re renting? How do you go about looking for an energy-efficient apartment? 

Although some tenants make an effort to make their apartment complex energy-efficient, you’ll often discover that you have limited options. The good news is that even if the apartment unit doesn’t come with energy-saving features, there are some things you can do to reduce your electricity usage. 

Here are the various areas where you can curb your power consumption. 

Lighting

Replace your most frequently used light fixtures with Energy Star-certified bulbs. This can save you nearly $45 a year on your lighting costs. Consider purchasing LED bulbs. These provide high-quality light output while using 90% less electricity than incandescent bulbs. Moreover, they last 15 times longer, saving you money on replacement costs. 

Cooling

If you can control your apartment’s thermostat, you can turn it down by 7 to 8 degrees before going to bed. Doing so will let you save around 10% on your yearly heating and cooling expenses. If you don’t have pets, consider dialing down the heat during the times when you’re not home to boost your savings further. 

Electronics

Have you heard of phantom or vampire power? This is the energy your devices or appliances consume when plugged in. Your tv, game consoles, computers, chargers, and toasters continue sucking up electricity even when they’re not turned on if they remain plugged into the socket. To be more energy-efficient, pull the cords out of the power socket. Alternatively, you can purchase smart power strips that automatically turn off the devices when they’re not in use. 

Apartment’s physical aspects

Maintaining your living space at an optimum temperature during the summer and winter consumes electricity. To lessen the kilowatt-hours required to keep you comfortable, you’ll need to minimize the amount of hot or cold air that escapes from your apartment. Weatherstripping your windows and draft-proofing your vents and outlets will seal in the hot or cold air. If you’re renting in an old building, you may need to use two layers of weatherstripping material to prevent the loss of hot or cold air. 

Household chores

You can be energy-efficient while doing your everyday tasks. For example, even if your apartment unit has a washer and dryer, you can consider washing your clothes with cold water. That could save you several dollars a year on your electricity expenses as a washer’s hot or warm cycle consumes plenty of electricity. The kWhs go into heating the gallons of water needed for the cycle.  

Other Apartment Utilities

Aside from electricity, you’ll need to look into other utilities you’ll need, such as water, gas, trash, and the like if you’re renting an apartment. Discuss with your tenant which of these are included in the rent payment and the process for coming up with the amount you’ll have to shoulder.  

Here are the utilities that help make your apartment habitable.

Water/Sewer

This utility service refers to the water you use in the bathroom and kitchen and the water that goes into the sewage system. That’s the reason why the water and sewer services often go hand-in-hand, and in most instances, go into one bill. 

How much you pay for these utilities depends on several factors, such as your consumption level, where you live, and the type of rate. On average, expect a bill of $50 a month for water and $16 for sewer service. 

Natural Gas

Most apartments come with electricity and natural gas for cooking and heating. You won’t get a gas bill if you don’t use natural gas. However, this fuel source is often used for water heating, depending on the apartment’s wiring. 

How you’ll be charged is often based on your agreed-upon rate with your tenant. If you are paying for this utility on your own, the amount can range between $10 to $63 a month, depending on what the gas powers and where you live. 

Trash

This utility service refers to the removal and recycling of organic and inorganic waste. The city’s waste management company often takes care of this service. However, your tenant may contract other waste removal companies.  

The city sets the price for this service, along with the removal schedules for the different kinds of waste. Expect a bill of around $20 to $50 a month.  

Internet, Cable, and Phone

These may not be considered essential services, but most people require these technologies for business or personal use. They’re often bundled together, with only one company providing all 3 services.  

The city doesn’t take charge of these utilities. Instead, you choose the company you want to work with and the level or type of service you want. Your subscription plan often determines how much you’ll pay each month. For example, faster internet speeds often come with higher rates. Set aside around $100 for this service. 

Security System

Safety is a priority for many apartment renters so most apartment buildings and complexes make arrangements to secure their premises. If your apartment has no security system, you can speak with the owner or property manager about installing one.  

How much you pay for this service depends on the utility company that provides the monitoring system. You’ll often have to pay upfront for the equipment and installation expenses and then get billed monthly for the monitoring services. The price of home security equipment ranges between $199 and $399. Meanwhile, the monitoring fee falls between $25 and $50. 

FAQs

Conclusion

Your agreement with your tenant will determine which utilities you’ll need to shoulder. If you’ll pay for your energy use, choose among the plans with the most competitive apartment electricity rates. Doing so will help you save money on your power expenses.  

We can help you with the task of selecting the best electricity plan for your apartment. Simply enter your zip code on our website to see the list of energy companies in your area. 

Updated on 09-12-23