Finding The Best Electric Rates, & Plans in Conroe, Texas

Are you a new resident of Conroe, Texas, or do you plan to switch electricity providers? Whatever reason you may have for looking for an energy company, you’re in luck as numerous electricity companies operate in the area. From big-name providers to locally-owned businesses, Conroe has it all when it comes to electricity.  

Still, pinpointing the electricity plan or electric company that works for you can be a chore. Manually browsing the websites of various Conroe electricity providers takes time, patience, and energy. No worries. We’re glad to lend a hand by giving you some tips on how to get excellent electricity service in the city. 

Conroe Electricity Rates

You start the selection process by looking at the energy plans offered by different Conroe electricity providers. Getting the cheapest electricity rates is just part of the picture. You’ll need to consider other factors, such as plan length, types, and fees the various companies charge. 

For a start, however, let’s compare different Conroe electric companies, the plans they offer, along with their rates. This could help you create a short list of companies from where you’ll pick your new electricity provider. 

If you’re in a hurry, you can enter your zip code on our website to see a comprehensive list of plans and electricity rates in Conroe, Tx

Average Electric Bill in Conroe, Texas

How much you’ll pay for electricity depends on several factors. These include your energy usage habits, your electricity plan, and the price of electricity in your area.  

If you compare Conroe electricity rates with other parts of the country, you’ll discover it’s relatively more affordable. For example, the average per kWh price of residential electricity in the city is 11 cents per kWh. This is 21% less than the average residential electricity rate in Lone Star State, which is 13.53 cents per kWh.  Meanwhile, Conroe’s average residential power rate is 53% lower than the nation’s 23 cents per kWh average.  

Residents in the city spend approximately $161 on electricity a month. This adds up to $1,932 a year, 18% lower than the country’s average electricity bill of $2,351. 

Conroe, Texas Electric Companies

Conroe electricity rates may be less pricey than those of other states, but you can still find ways to save on your bill. Enter your zip code to compare electric rates in the area or browse the websites of various energy providers. 

Fortunately, several reliable power companies operate in the city, increasing your chance of finding the best electric company. Here are some of the most well-known energy providers that serve the Conroe area. We’ve also provided their contact details to make it easy for you to contact the electricity company you’re considering. 

Factors That Affect Electricity Rates

The utility company doesn’t pluck the amount it puts on your bill out of thin air. It’s based on several fees, the largest of which is the per kilowatt-hour price of electricity. In turn, various factors are considered in pegging the per kWh rate. Knowing what those are can help you understand why the amount you pay dips and surges. 

Fuels

One of the factors that affect Conroe electricity rates is the price of fossil fuels. For now, these fuels are still the main source of electricity generation in the US, so where the cost of those fuels goes, so do the electricity rates. 

Oil, coal, and natural gas, the fossil fuels commonly used for electricity generation, are fast-depleting. As such, they don’t come cheap. Moreover, their supply, and thus, their price, get easily affected by several variables, such as the amount produced, the cost of extraction, and global demand. As the cost of these fuels increases, the electricity rates rise as well. 

Power Plant Prices

Electricity gets generated in power plants. Without these infrastructures, there won’t be any electricity. The thing is, building these plants requires a significant amount. How much it costs to construct a power plant depends on its type. For example, plants that use traditional fuel sources, like coal and natural gas, are more expensive than those that produce electricity from renewable energy suppliers like solar and wind power. 

Additionally, the amount that goes into these plants’ maintenance and operation also affects Conroe’s electricity rates. For example, a coal-fired power plant costs an average of $39.9 million a year to operate and an additional $6.2 million to maintain. Those figures become part of the computation of electricity prices in the area. 

Transmission and Distribution Area System

The transmission and distribution system is an integral component of the electric grid. It is essential in getting the electricity produced in power plants to where it’s needed – the consumers. It’s a complex infrastructure that delivers electric power to homes and businesses at the correct voltage and frequency. Thus the need to maintain it correctly to ensure it provides a stable supply of electricity to power users.

Being a complex structure, it requires plenty of greenbacks to operate and maintain. The maintenance includes repairing lines, poles, transmission or relay towers, and other components. Keeping up with technological advances is also a must to ensure that the system is always in top operating condition. 

Including the costs in the computation of the electricity rates in Conroe is one way of recouping the expenses associated with the building, operation, and maintenance of the infrastructure. 

Area Regulations

In areas with regulated electricity, governing bodies, such as state public commissions (PUCs), set the electricity rates. The PUCs also approve infrastructure projects, issue permits, and enforce safety standards.  

Meanwhile, the energy providers set the electricity rates in states with a deregulated energy market. These power providers can be traditional utilities or retail electricity providers (REPs). Because customers are free to choose their electricity company, energy companies try to reduce their electricity rates as much as possible. 

Weather Conditions

To some extent, the weather conditions can also cause Conroe electric rates to dip or surge. Extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, cold snaps, and storms, often cause an increase in electricity demand, leading to higher electricity rates. 

A hot summer day will drive people to crank up their air conditioners, hiking the electricity demand. Cold winter days can also lead to increased demand for electricity as people turn up their thermostats to stay warm. Meanwhile, severe storms cause power outages, resulting in an increase in electricity rates as utilities work to restore service and repair damaged infrastructures. 

Types of Electricity Plans in Conroe, Texas

Aside from employing conservation measures, you can lower your electricity bill by choosing the energy plan that will help you save money. Because of deregulation, Conroe provides a wide range of electricity plans. You can ask the electricity company for their portfolio so you can pick the one that best suits your needs and budget.  

Let’s discuss the different plan types to help you make an informed decision when you switch to a new plan or electricity company. 

Fixed-Rate Plans

With fixed-rate plans, you sign an agreement with the electricity company specifying the electricity rate you’ll pay for a predetermined period, usually 12–36 months. During that time, your rate won’t change regardless of fluctuations in electricity prices in the market.

A fixed-rate plan provides you peace of mind and allows you to easily budget your energy expenses as you don’t have to worry about rate changes. It also lets you save on your electricity costs if you manage to lock in your rates at a time when the per kWh prices are low. However, you’ll typically need to pay an early termination fee if you end the contract before it expires. You can check with the electricity company about when to terminate the agreement without incurring early termination charges.  

Does this type of plan work for you? Use your zip code to find Conroe energy companies that offer this type of plan. 

Variable-Rate Plans

Another plan type that Conroe energy companies have on their portfolio is the variable-rate plan. Variable-rate plans are the direct opposite of fixed-rate ones because your electricity rate varies every billing cycle. That’s because the power rates are based on the current market price of electricity. 

While this plan type doesn’t offer price stability, it can still let you save on your bill when market prices are low. Moreover, it provides more flexibility when switching to another plan or electricity company, as variable rate plans don’t require a contract. 

Prepaid Energy Plans

For some consumers, cheap electricity rates are not their only basis for picking a particular electricity company or plan. Those who hate putting down a deposit or undergoing a credit check may opt for prepaid energy plans instead.   

Also called a no-deposit plan, a prepaid energy plan allows you to pay for your electricity in advance rather than getting a monthly bill from the utility company. You can purchase a certain amount of electricity (based on your estimated monthly consumption), which you pay for upfront. As long as you keep your account topped up, the electricity company will continue delivering electricity to your home. 

Business Energy Plans

Are you a business owner looking to save on your energy bills? A business energy plan may just be the answer. This plan type has features specially designed for business consumers’ needs.  

For example, some plans may provide customer service hours specifically for business customers or provide customer support in multiple languages. Other plans may include discounts for using certain types of electricity, such as renewable energy sources. Businesses may also be able to take advantage of special promos or discounts during specified times of the year. 

Most providers in Conroe offer this plan type. Comparing plans and rates will help you select the electricity company that fits the unique needs of your business. Use your zip code to find the energy provider that offers the best electricity rates for business energy plans.   

Green Energy Plans

Texas ranks high on the list of states that produce and deploy renewable energy. It generates the most wind energy in the US and is among the top 5 states that use solar power to produce electricity. As such, all energy plans in the area have a mix of green energy; some are even 100% renewable-energy-sourced. This means Conroe residents have plenty of options if they want to reduce their carbon footprint by switching to a green energy plan. 

Green energy plans may have higher per kWh rates than plans using traditional energy sources. However, you’re likely to find an electricity company that offers renewable energy plans with rates that match those of fossil-fuel-based electricity. Enter your zip code on our website to browse electric companies in the area. 

Energy Deregulation in Texas

The deregulation of the energy market in Texas began in 2002, intending to create a more competitive market and give consumers more choices in their energy providers. With deregulation, customers can choose their electricity provider rather than being forced to use traditional utilities. Each provider offers a different combination of prices, renewable energy sources, and other features. 

Because of deregulation, the Texas electricity market became one of the most competitive in the country. The Lone Star State has also seen an increase in renewable energy sources. That’s because the competition among electricity providers encouraged providers to invest in and deploy renewable energy sources like wind power and solar energy.  

Customers benefited from these developments through lower electricity rates, more green energy options, and a more comprehensive selection of energy providers. 

How To Find the Best Energy Plan?

With so many companies and plans in the area, choosing the best energy plan can take time. Here’s how to ensure you get the one that suits your budget and lifestyle. 

• Review the contract with your current electricity company: Do you have a fixed-rate or variable-rate plan? When does the agreement expire? There is usually a fee for early termination if you have a fixed-rate plan. Variable rate ones typically allow you to switch providers at any time. 
• Research the different plans available in Conroe: Each plan comes with varying features. Check the plan details to ensure you get the option that matches your requirements. Read everything, including the fine print, to avoid any surprises. 
• Determine your usage level and pattern: Knowing how much electricity you consume and what times you use it the most will help you decide which plan will save you money. For example, some energy plans in Conroe may offer discounts for a specified consumption level. Other providers let you use electricity for free at certain times of the day (usually at night).  
• Choose your plan: After carefully considering the pros and cons of each plan and electricity company, pick the one that matches your needs and budget.

How To Switch Your Electricity Provider?

You may wonder if one electricity company in Conroe is really different from another. Well, yes. Aside from offering varying rates, the level of customer service also differs between companies. 

If you’ve stayed with your current electricity company for the longest time, you might have forgotten how to switch providers. Don’t worry, it’s a pretty straightforward process. To start, determine which power companies have Conroe in their service area, then choose the one with the plan and rates that work for you. Once you’ve done that, follow these simple steps.

1. Contact the provider: Be ready to provide the necessary information, such as your address and contact information. 
2. Make a request to switch: The new power company will verify the information you provided and begin the process of shifting you to their service. There’s no need to inform your old provider. The new company will handle the task. 
3. Confirm the switch: Your new power company will often notify you when the switch has been completed. 
4. Monitor your meter reading: Take a picture of your meter on your scheduled switch day. This will help you verify the meter reading when your old provider sends your last electricity bill. 

About Conroe, Texas

Conroe is a fast-growing city in Montgomery County, Texas, in the Houston–Woodlands–Sugar Land metropolitan area. It has a total area of 37.9 square miles, with a population of 82,286, according to the 2020 estimated census. 

The city got its name from Isaac Conroe, a former Union Cavalry officer who founded a sawmill in the area. The community’s economy was built around the lumber industry and, as a result, attracted an influx of workers and residents who were enticed by the industry’s rapid growth.

Located in a hilly section of the state, Conroe is surrounded by forests, which provide a variety of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike. The climate is subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The hot months are from May to September, with August being the warmest. Meanwhile, the cool weather prevails from November to February, with January having the coldest temperatures. 

Popular ZIP Codes

Conroe is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Lone Star State. A vibrant economy, excellent learning institutions, and lush greenery make the place one of the best places to live in the country. 

The city has several popular zip codes. These include the following. 

•  77304: The most popular and populated zip code, it covers areas in the northern part of the city and includes the neighborhoods of Imperial Oaks, Conroe, and the Woodlands.  
• 77385: This zip code is located in the western part of the city and includes the neighborhoods of River Plantation and Oak Ridge North.  
• 77302: Located in the southern part of the city, this zip code includes the neighborhoods of Conroe and Sterling Ridge.  

Living and Moving to Conroe

Conroe is a bustling city known for its natural beauty, public parks, and numerous outdoor recreational activities. It’s an ideal place if you’re looking to move to a city with a small-town feel. Conroe offers a wide array of housing options ranging from single-family homes to townhomes and apartments. There are also plenty of shopping and dining options and a vibrant nightlife. 

You’ll be glad to know that housing costs in the city are 17% cheaper than the nation’s average, while utilities are 4% lower. Also, compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living in Conroe is 3.4% less expensive. This makes the city an affordable place to call home.   

FAQs

Conclusion

You won’t run out of choices when it comes to electric companies in Conroe Tx. Whether you’re looking for lower rates, excellent customer service, or electricity plans that help save the environment, you’ll find one among the many providers in the area.  

The best plan when it comes to electricity service is one that meets your needs and is easy on the pocket. Researching the various plans and comparing the rates and services of the various power companies are the key to finding that energy plan.  

Updated on 09-12-23