Simple shopping with Texas Electric Rates

Deregulated energy means Texans can get a lot more value out of their energy supply. But it also means more research, more options, and more time spent shopping. That’s where Texas Electric Rates comes in. Our online platform is designed to get you through the electricity buying process as quickly and easily as possible.

We work with top energy providers to bring you an easy-to-understand list of the plans and rates available in your area, alongside filters you can customize to fit your needs. Not sure where to start? We’ll give you a crash course in energy choice and get you moving toward the right plan for you. Here's how energy shopping with Texas Electric Rates works:

• Enter your ZIP Code. We work with the top energy providers in Texas so we can show you a variety of rates all in one place – and make finding a plan a lot easier.
• Narrow your search. Cut through the clutter with filters to match your needs, including rate type, contract length, and usage.
• Sign up for your plan. When you find an electricity plan you like, sign up online or over the phone in just a few minutes. Your new provider will handle the rest. That’s it!

Electricity plan terms you should know

Understanding a few common terms is the key to getting the energy rate and plan that fit your needs best. If you're new to energy choice or simply need a refresher course, take a few minutes to read through these definitions and questions.

Rate structure: This refers to how the rate you pay for electricity is determined. Typically, Texas electricity supply plans are organized around one of the following three rate structures: fixed rates, variable rates or indexed rates.

• Fixed rates: Fixed-rate supply plans are stable and do not to fluctuate with energy market lows and highs. With fixed rates, the price you pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of usage is secured for the duration of your agreement.
• Variable rates: With a variable-rate supply plan, the price you pay for electricity will change periodically, based on overall market conditions. The electricity market in Texas is fluid. Prices can change from month to month.
• Indexed rates: Indexed rates fluctuate depending on the market price of a specific commodity they're tied to. In many cases, indexed rates on electricity products are tied to another energy commodity, such as natural gas.

Billing options: This can include prepaid and pay-as-you-go energy as well as traditional options. Additionally, many energy companies prefer paperless billing, so you’ll have to double check if by-mail billing is important to you.

• Prepaid billing: Also called pay-as-you-go, prepaid energy plans allow you to pay in advance for the energy you will use that month. If you run out, you can top up your account as needed. Prepaid plans are a popular no deposit and credit-check-free option.
• Level billing: Some energy providers offer level, or average payment, billing as a different way to think about your energy costs. With a level billing option, your provider will distribute your energy charges so you pay the same amount every month, even if you use more one month and less the next.

Which electricity plan is best?

This will depend on your usage and your needs. In the Texas Electric Rates marketplace, you can filter by provider, rate type, usage, and other factors to better narrow your choices.

Indexed rate plans are less common, so the majority of the options you will see in the Texas Electric Rates marketplace are fixed, variable, and prepaid plans. Enter your ZIP Code above to see a detailed list of plan offerings in your area.

How to compare energy plans

Many electricity plans look the same, making it hard to decide or find differences between them. There are a few ways to sort through what you’re seeing to find what will work for you.

Rate Type: This is where fixed, variable, and indexed options come in. Once you decide between the three, it will greatly filter your choices.

Energy Provider: If there is a certain provider who you know you want to buy from, this can be a good way to filter quickly.

Term Length: Knowing how long you want your plan to last will be a big help in sorting through the options. Plans run anywhere from one month to 36 months.

Plan Details: In Texas, every electricity plan has its own Electricity Facts Label, or EFL. Along with the Terms of Service, these documents can tell you the exact details of the plan, including any surprise charges that may pop up.

Plan Perks: This includes green energy, bill credits, free periods, and much more. They can be found in the plan description or the EFL. If you are deciding between, for example, three fixed-rate plans from the same provider with the same term length, the perks may make the difference.