Electricity rates in Houston change frequently and vary depending on your provider, plan, usage, ZIP code. Some plans include usage tiers, base fees, or bill credits, so make sure you read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each one to identify the cheapest plan for you before enrolling. Enter your ZIP and usage to see today’s prices for your home.
| Provider | Plan | ¢/kWh | Est. Monthly Bill | Term | Rating | Checkout Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chariot Energy | GridEdge 24 | 9.6¢ | $96 | 24 months | 4.4 | Checkout |
| APG&E | SimpleSaver 9 | 9.6¢ | $96 | 9 months | 4.2 | Checkout |
| Frontier Utilities | Frontier Saver Plus 8 | 9.7¢ | $97 | 8 months | 4.8 | Checkout |
| 4Change Energy | Maxx Saver Select 24 | 9.8¢ | $98 | 24 months | 4.9 | Checkout |
| Gexa Energy | Gexa Eco Saver Plus 8 | 9.8¢ | $98 | 8 months | 4.8 | Checkout |
| Express Energy | Flash 24 | 9.8¢ | $98 | 24 months | 4.7 | Checkout |
In Houston, you’ve got more than one option when it comes to electricity—and that’s a big deal. With the city’s hot, humid summers and unpredictable weather, finding the right plan can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost. Houston is part of Texas’s deregulated energy market, which means you can choose the electricity provider that works best for your home and usage habits. We’ve compared some of the city’s top-rated providers below to help you get started.
| Company | Best Known For | Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| 4Change Energy | 4Change Energy offers a great referral program and is known for charitable giving in Texas. | 4.58 |
| Chariot Energy | Chariot supports solar power plants and is known for their 100% renewable energy plans at great rates. | 4.42 |
| Veteran Energy | Veteran Energy is known for competitive rates and aiding Veteran Support organizations. | 4.67 |
| Gexa Energy | Gexa offers competitive, sustainable energy plans and exceptional customer service. | 4.28 |
| Atlantex Power | Straightforward plans with a 90 day satisfaction guarantee. | 3.78 |
| Express Energy | Express Energy offers competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. | 4.67 |
| Frontier Utilities | Frontier is known for simple, low-rate plans and a 60-day happiness guarantee! | 4.92 |
| Rhythm Energy | Rhythm Energy provides exceptional service and user-friendly technology with 100% renewable energy plans. | 4.83 |
| Payless Power | Payless Power offers affordable power and is known for prepaid electricity plans with no deposit. | 3.94 |
| APG&E | APG&E carries a wide range of energy plans with award-winning customer service. | 4.19 |
| TXU Energy | A leading REP known for their commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative energy solutions. | 4.92 |
| TriEagle Energy | Competitive electricity rates and straightforward, easy-to-understand plans. | 4.75 |
| CleanSky Energy | CleanSky offers both 100% renewable electricity from wind and solar, as well as 100% carbon-neutral energy. | 3.55 |
| Octopus Energy | 100% green energy plans plus smart technology. | 4.75 |
| BKV Energy | BKV Energy offers simple fixed-rate plans along with loyalty rewards and annual customer payouts tied to their profits. | 4.83 |
| Discount Power | Discount Power focuses on offering no-frills energy with transparency in pricing and easy switching. | 3.72 |
| Cirro Energy | Customer-centric approach, providing reliable energy service with a focus on simplicity and convenience. | 3.55 |
| Green Mountain Energy | Providing electricity sourced from renewable resources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to promote environmental conservation. | 3.55 |
Looking to switch REPs in Houston? It’s easier than you might think! Just plug your ZIP code into Power Wizard’s tool to compare plans and rates in seconds. Your new provider takes care of the switch with no service interruption. Some even offer same-day electricity if you’re in a hurry, or contact your provider before 2:00 PM CST. Just keep an eye on your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) from your current retail electricity provider (REP) for any early termination fees (ETFs) before you make the leap. If you’re moving out of a premise, your provider may waive any ETFs.
Springtime, especially April, and fall tend to bring some of the best rates due to lower demand, so it’s the perfect season to shop smart and save.
There’s a big difference between your electricity provider and your utility company. Your electricity provider sells you the plan, but the utility company delivers the power to your home. In Houston, the utility company is CenterPoint Energy — they maintain the lines, handle outages, and keep the energy flowing safely. You can pick your provider, but you can’t swap utilities because they’re assigned based on where you live. You’ll see CenterPoint’s fees (listed as TDU or TDSP charges) on your bill separately, so don’t be surprised by the additional charges.
In Houston, utility charges include a base fee and a per kWh fee that can change multiple times a year. This may be a factor if you see an increase in your electricity bill.
If you experience a power outage in Houston, it’s important to remember: your electricity provider won’t be able to help you restore service — that job falls to CenterPoint Energy, the utility responsible for maintaining the power lines and infrastructure.
Instead of contacting your REP, contact CenterPoint by:
CenterPoint Energy’s teams are on call 24/7 to handle storms, downed lines, and grid repairs throughout the greater Houston area, from Sugar Land to Kingwood.
Getting the right electricity plan for your Houston home starts with knowing how much energy you use. You can check your past electric bills to get a clear idea of your typical usage. From there, use Power Wizard to compare key details side by side: price per kWh, term length, contract type, and provider reviews to find the best rates and plan. Here’s how it works:
Houston businesses, from small shops in The Heights or Montrose to industrial warehouses near EADO, have access to a wide range of electricity plans. Companies can choose Fixed-rate plans, Market-indexed plans or Renewable business plans to meet their energy needs and goals.
Many Retail Electric Providers (REPs) also offer commercial perks such as:
Need help finding the right business electricity plan? Visit Power Wizard’s Business Electricity page to connect with one of our energy experts.
With so many electricity providers in Houston, picking the right one can feel like sorting through a spellbook full of fine print. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s what to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting a plan that works for you (not one that just looks good).
Why the Lowest Electricity Rate Might Not Be The Cheapest. A rock-bottom rate might look tempting on the surface, but it can have hidden costs. Some providers advertise promotional rates that only apply for a short time or require you to use a specific amount of electricity to qualify. If you go under or over that range, your bill could go up.
Contracts and Cancellation Fees. Many electricity plans come with long-term contracts, and breaking them early can cost you. Whether you’re a renter who might need flexibility or a homeowner looking to lock in a stable rate, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. Power Wizard makes it easy to compare contract lengths and cancellation terms so you can avoid expensive surprises down the line.
Customer Service From Your Electricity Provider Can Make or Break Your Plan. Cheap electricity isn’t worth it if you can’t get help when you need it. From billing issues to power outages, responsive customer service matters more than you think. Some companies are quick to pick up the phone, while others leave you stuck in a loop. Power Wizard’s score takes customer service into account so you know what you’re getting into ahead of time.
What “Free Nights” and “Free Weekends” Really Mean. Free nights might sound like a great deal, but you could end up paying more during the day to make up for it. Unless you shift most of your energy use to overnight hours, these plans may not actually save you money. The same logic applies to free weekends. Having said that, certain households can benefit from these plans. It all depends on your lifestyle and habits.
Choosing Green Energy. Houston has a growing number of renewable energy plans, but not all of them are created equal. Some plans are 100% wind or solar, while others only include a small percentage. If going green is important to you, make sure you review each plan’s renewable energy content details.
Fine Print Matters. What to Watch For. It’s easy to get caught off guard by extra charges hiding in the fine print. From base fees and usage minimums to rate hikes after a promotional period ends, there’s a lot to look out for. Always read the EFL for full details before enrolling.
Variable Rates Plan Double-Edge Sword. Variable-rate plans may start low but can change from month to month, especially during high-demand seasons. That unpredictability can lead to bill shock when summer heat sends rates soaring.
With Power Wizard, you get a clear view of your options to make the best decision for your lifestyle. Whether you’re switching, saving, or just getting started, we’ll help you plug into a plan that works for you.
From cheering on the Astros at Minute Maid Park to relaxing at Discovery Green, Houston residents rely on dependable utilities every day. If you’re moving to Houston, instead of digging through multiple websites, use this guide to get your essential services set up quickly.
CenterPoint Energy provides natural gas service in Houston. You can start or transfer service online at CenterPoint’s website or by calling customer support at (713) 659-2111.
The City of Houston Public Works Department manages water and sewer services. Residents can apply for service, pay bills, or handle transfers online, by calling (713) 371-1400, or at 611 Walker Street, Houston, TX. Business hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT.
Houston’s Solid Waste Department handles trash, recycling, yard waste, and heavy trash pickup. To set up service or check collection schedules, call 3-1-1 or visit the Solid Waste Management website.
Providers such as Comcast Xfinity, AT&T Fiber, and Astound Broadband serve Houston households. Availability depends on your neighborhood, so confirm options by address.
Power Wizard’s Utility Concierge services can also take some of the load off your shoulder. We can help you set up internet, home warranty, pest control, and more — all in one step.
Houston’s energy rates change with the weather, the market, and even your ZIP code. When summer’s 100°+ days hit or a winter freeze rolls through, demand surges — and so do prices. Natural gas costs, grid conditions, and seasonal shifts also affect rates. Plus, each neighborhood can have slightly different utility delivery fees based on CenterPoint’s service zones.
Between relentless summer heat and the occasional Gulf Coast cold snap, your AC or heater has to work overtime, which spikes electricity demand and drives up costs. However, spring and fall have milder temperatures and lower demand, meaning they’re a smart time to shop for a new electricity plan and lock in lower rates.
The “best” provider depends on what you need most. Gexa Energy and 4Change Energy are local favorites for competitive pricing. TXU Energy gets points for stability and strong customer service, while Chariot Energy is a go-to for green energy fans looking for solar buyback perks. No one-size-fits-all — the best provider for you depends on how much you use, whether you prefer renewable plans, and if you want to lock in a rate for a year (or longer).
The best electricity plan in Houston depends on your lifestyle. If you want budget stability, a fixed-rate plan might be your best bet. Need flexibility because you’re renting short-term near Rice University or the Heights? A month-to-month or variable plan could work. Prepaid plans can help if you’re avoiding deposits or have tricky credit. Green energy options are rising fast in Houston — wind and solar plans are more available (and more affordable) than ever.
Houston homes have big cooling demands, but small tweaks can help you save:
Most households prefer fixed-rate plans for price stability. Variable can work short term but fluctuates. Time-of-use/free nights fits users who can shift usage. Prepaid/no-deposit helps avoid credit checks/deposits but may have higher effective costs.
