Deregulated energy markets give customers more choices about how they power their apartments. This makes it easier to find an electricity plan that fits your needs and preferences, but the variety of options can quickly feel overwhelming. Power Wizard’s energy experts have handpicked some of the most popular apartment electricity plans to help fuel your search.
Provider | Plan | ¢/kWh | Est. Monthly Bill | Term | Rating | Checkout Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
APG&E | SimpleSaver 10 | 8.5¢ | $85 | 10 months | 4.2 | Checkout |
4Change Energy | Maxx Saver Value 12 | 8.6¢ | $86 | 12 months | 4.9 | Checkout |
Frontier Utilities | Frontier Saver Plus 24 | 8.6¢ | $86 | 24 months | 4.8 | Checkout |
Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 | 8.6¢ | $86 | 12 months | 4.8 | Checkout |
Express Energy | Flash Value 24 | 8.6¢ | $86 | 24 months | 4.7 | Checkout |
Chariot Energy | GridEdge 12 | 9.6¢ | $96 | 12 months | 4.4 | Checkout |
There are no dedicated apartment electricity plans. However, there are electricity plans designed for smaller spaces with lower energy usage. They typically serve units in multi-family buildings, where electricity usage tends to be lower (usually between 500 and 900 kWh) and more consistent than in larger single-family homes.
To find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget, ask your landlord or leasing office what the average monthly electricity usage is in your complex, and choose a plan that accommodates it.
Every resident has different needs, but a simple fixed-rate electricity plan is usually a good option for apartments because there are no surprise fees or bills.
When shopping for an apartment electricity plan, keep the following in mind:
Electricity costs in an apartment can vary based on your usage, the type of plan you choose, and the provider’s rate structure. While apartments generally use less power than single-family homes, renters can still see spikes in their bills depending on the season, monthly usage, appliance efficiency, or plan terms. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the advertised rate. Two plans with similar per-kWh prices can cost different amounts depending on the fees and structure behind them.
Typical charges that may appear on your electricity bill include:
While simple, fixed-rate plans do typically include these charges, they are usually the best option for apartments because there won’t be surprise bills.
Always read an electricity plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before enrolling for full contract and pricing details.
Actual costs vary based on your usage and other factors, but we can estimate typical bills for one- and two-bedroom apartments using publicly available energy data.
Estimated Monthly Usage:
Average Rate in Texas (based on 2024 U.S. EIA data):
Example Bill Estimates:
These averages do not include taxes, delivery fees, or base charges and may vary by provider and region.
Power Wizard makes it easier for renters to shop smart. Instead of jumping from one REP website to another, you can view apartment-friendly electricity plans and providers side by side. Power Wizard lays out the details so you can make the best decision for your space and your budget.
You can sign up for a 36-month electricity plan even if your lease is only 12 months, if it makes sense for your needs. When your lease ends, contact your REP to cancel. Let them know you’re canceling due to moving, and they’ll waive your ETF.
Not all electricity plans are built the same, and that’s a good thing! Here’s a look at the most common apartment-friendly electricity plans, including the potential benefits and trade-offs of each.
These plans lock in a set rate per kWh for the length of your contract.
With these plans, your rate can change month to month based on market conditions and other factors. This plan only helps people in very specific circumstances. 99% of people should avoid this type of plan, especially those living in apartments.
These plans offer free or reduced electricity rates during specific hours, usually evenings or weekends.
Green energy plans are powered wholly or partially by renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and more.
These pay-as-you-go plans let you load funds into your account and use electricity until the balance runs out.
Many REPs offer same-day activation if you enroll in an electricity plan before 2 pm and have a smart meter. Otherwise, activation usually occurs the next day or on a scheduled day of your choosing.
Not sure which retail electricity providers offer apartment electricity? Below are some of the top companies, what they’re known for, and their Power Wizard rating.
Provider | What They Offer for Apartments | Rating |
---|---|---|
APG&E | Plan diversity and award-winning customer service | |
Express Energy | Competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees | |
Atlantex Power | Flexible plans and a partnership with The Savings HUB | |
Frontier Energy | Simple, low-rate plans and a 60-day happiness guarantee | |
Gexa Energy | Competitive sustainable energy | |
4Change | Great referral program and charitable giving | |
Payless Power | Prepaid electricity with no credit check | |
Discount Power | No-frills energy with transparent pricing and easy switching | |
Cirro Energy | Customer-centric approach focused on simplicity and convenience | |
Chariot Energy | 100% renewable energy at great rates |
Looking to switch REPs or enroll in an apartment electricity plan for the first time? Power Wizard makes it easy! All you need to do is:
Your new REP will handle the rest. It’s that simple!
When enrolling in an apartment electricity plan, you’ll likely need to have the following information and documentation on hand:
Yes, most apartment complexes require tenants to pay for electricity. It may be included in your rent or billed separately, depending on your complex. If you live in a deregulated area and your apartment complex doesn’t use master metering, you can choose your retail electricity provider, plan, and payment method.
No, you do not have to pick the retail electricity provider (REP) recommended by your apartment complex. You can choose any REP that serves your area and offers plans that meet your needs.
If the electricity goes out in your apartment, contact your electric utility company, which is different from your REP. This company is assigned based on your location and is responsible for maintaining grid infrastructure and handling power outages. Depending on who your utility is, you may be able to reach them by phone, app, chat, or online outage tracker.
Yes, it is usually possible to get same-day electricity activation when moving into an apartment if you enroll before 2 pm and have a smart meter. If this isn’t the case, your service will typically start the next business day or the date of your choosing.
Yes, there are prepaid and no-deposit electricity plans for apartments that allow you to get electricity with bad credit. They do not require credit checks or upfront deposits. However, these plans typically have higher rates, so choosing a standard electricity plan and paying a deposit to offset your credit score may be a better option. The deposit can also go toward the last bill of your contract.
No, your electricity contract term does not have to match the duration of your apartment lease. If your electricity contract is longer than your lease, simply contact your REP to cancel. Let them know you’re canceling because you’re moving, and they’ll waive your ETF.