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Key Takeaways - Things to Know About Apartment Electricity Plans
- When choosing an electricity plan for your apartment, consider your expected usage. Apartments typically use between 500 and 900 kWh per month.
- If you live in a deregulated area, you can choose your retail electricity provider (REP), even if you’re renting an apartment. Just make sure electricity isn’t part of your rent before enrolling.
- You can choose from fixed-rate, variable-rate, time-of-use, green energy, prepaid, and no-deposit electricity plans, depending on your location and whether your apartment has a smart meter. We recommend sticking with a simple fixed-rate plan.
- Explore active REPs and electricity plans in the Power Wizard marketplace to find the best fit for your lifestyle, apartment, and budget.
Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your Apartment
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.
| Plan Name | ¢/kWh | Est. Bill | Term | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| APG&E - SimpleSaver 12 | 6.2¢ | $62.00 | 12 mos. | 4.8 |
| Companion Energy - Companion Savings + Benefits 12 | 6.3¢ | $63.00 | 12 mos. | 4.3 |
| 4Change Energy - Maxx Saver Value 12 | 6.3¢ | $63.00 | 12 mos. | 4.9 |
| Gexa Energy - Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 | 6.3¢ | $63.00 | 12 mos. | 5 |
| Frontier Utilities - Frontier Saver Plus 12 | 6.3¢ | $63.00 | 12 mos. | 4.8 |
| Energy Texas - The Lone Saver Plus 12 | 6.4¢ | $64.40 | 12 mos. | 4.7 |
| Chariot Energy - GridPlus 12 | 6.7¢ | $67.00 | 12 mos. | 4.4 |
| Express Energy - Flash Value 12 | 6.8¢ | $68.00 | 12 mos. | 4.7 |
| Rhythm Energy - Rhythm Max Saver 24 | 6.8¢ | $68.00 | 24 mos. | 4.8 |
| Octopus Energy - Octopus Lite 12 | 8.8¢ | $88.20 | 12 mos. | 4.1 |
How Apartment Electricity Differs from Home Plans
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.
Considerations for Apartment Electricity Plans
When shopping for an apartment electricity plan, keep the following in mind:
- You can choose any REP that services your area—you’re not locked into the one your landlord or leasing company recommends.
- You do not have to match the term of your electricity contract with your lease.
- Choose your electricity plan based on your estimated monthly usage and your usage habits. It’s common for 1-bedroom apartments to use between 500 and 750 kWh per month, and for 2-bedroom apartments to use between 750 kWh and 1,000 kWh per month.
- Shorter electricity contracts and no-deposit or prepaid plans may have a higher rate per kWh. This means choosing a fixed-rate 12-month plan with an ETF may save you money, even if your lease is less than 12 months.
- Electricity plans with bill credits typically aren’t a good fit for apartments because their target kWh is usually higher than what most apartments use each month.
What Affects the Cost of Electricity in an Apartment?
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.
Plan Pricing Components to Watch For
Typical charges that may appear on your electricity bill include:
- Base rate charge: A flat monthly fee charged by your provider, regardless of usage
- Energy charge: The per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate for the electricity you use
- Delivery and transmission fees: Set by your local electric utility to maintain the power grid and deliver electricity to your building
- Taxes and government fees: Charges required by your city or state
- Payment or processing fees: Extra charges for using certain payment methods or billing options
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.
Pro Tip:
Always read an electricity plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before enrolling for full contract and pricing details.
What’s the Average Electric Bill for an Apartment in Texas?
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:
- 1-bedroom apartment: ~830 kWh/month
- 2-bedroom apartment: ~850 kWh/month
Average Rate in Texas (based on 2024 U.S. EIA data):
- 14.94¢/kWh
Example Bill Estimates:
- 1-bedroom (average on a given month): 830 kWh x 14.94¢ = ~$124
- 2-bedroom (average on a given month): 850 kWh x 14.94¢ = ~$127
These averages do not include taxes, delivery fees, or base charges and may vary by provider and region.
How Power Wizard Helps Renters Find the Best Apartment Electricity Plans
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.
What to Look for
- Low minimum usage requirements: Helps avoid penalties if your usage is under 1,000 kWh/month
- Contract terms (3–36 months): Your electricity contract term doesn’t have to match your lease. Choose one that matches your estimated usage, habits, and budget.
- Deposit, credit check, and payment method flexibility: Easier setup for first-time renters or those with limited credit history
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming electricity is included in your rent: Not all apartments offer bundled utilities, so double-check your lease
- Choosing based only on intro rates alone: Look beyond the teaser rate and review the plan’s long-term pricing. You should also check the rate at both 500 kWh and 1,000 kWh. If the plan you’re looking at has a bill credit, the rate at 1,000 kWh can vary drastically from what you’d pay at 500 kWh. In other words, check the EFL.
- Overlooking the EFL: The Electricity Facts Label spells out exactly what you’ll pay and other details about the plan—don’t skip it
Pro Tip:
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.
Plan Options for Apartment Electricity
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.
Fixed-Rate Plans
These plans lock in a set rate per kWh for the length of your contract.
Pros:
- More predictable monthly bills
- Easier budgeting
- Protection from rate spikes
Cons:
- May have an ETF if you cancel early
- Might require a longer contract
- Rates may be higher than other plan options
- Watch out for plans with bill credits—check rates at 1,000 kWh and 500 kWh
Variable-Rate Plans
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.
Pros:
- No long-term commitment
- Great for short-term renters
- Potential for lower rates in low-demand months
Cons:
- Rates can increase unexpectedly
- Harder to budget for
- Requires active usage monitoring
Time-of-Use Plans
These plans offer free or reduced electricity rates during specific hours, usually evenings or weekends.
Pros:
- Great for night owls and those away from home during weekdays
- Potential for savings if your usage habits match the plan structure
- Encourages energy efficiency
Cons:
- Higher rates outside of evenings and weekends
- It may be harder to manage in shared apartments
- Requires a smart meter
Green Energy
Green energy plans are powered wholly or partially by renewable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and more.
Pros:
- No solar panels required
- No change in electricity usage or habits necessary
- Usually competitively priced
Cons:
- Limited availability compared to other plan types
- No solar buyback options for apartments
Prepaid/No-Deposit Plans
These pay-as-you-go plans let you load funds into your account and use electricity until the balance runs out.
Pros:
- No deposit or credit check needed
- Offers more control over monthly energy spending
- No long-term contracts
- Can choose to reload your account automatically through auto-pay
Cons:
- Service may be disrupted if your account balance runs low
- Requires regular account monitoring
- May have higher per-kWh rates than standard plans
Pro Tip:
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.
Top Electricity Providers for Apartments in Texas
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 Energy | Great referral program and charitable giving | |
| Payless Power | Prepaid electricity with no credit check | |
| Rhythm Energy | No-frills, green energy with transparent pricing and creative plans | |
| Energy Texas | Straightforward green plans with a great referral program | |
| Chariot Energy | 100% renewable energy at great rates | |
| Octopus Energy | 100% green energy plans at competitive rates supported by the latest technology | |
| Veteran Energy | Competitive rates and supporting Veteran organizations. |
How to Switch or Enroll in an Apartment Electricity Plan
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:
- Enter your ZIP code into Power Wizard’s smart comparison tool
- Filter the results by what matters most to you
- Thoroughly review and compare the available electricity plans
- Choose the best plan for your apartment and enroll directly through the Power Wizard website
Your new REP will handle the rest. It’s that simple!
Required Information
When enrolling in an apartment electricity plan, you’ll likely need to have the following information and documentation on hand:
- Apartment address
- Service start date
- ID or social security
- Payment method, if you need to pay a deposit
Apartment Electricity FAQs
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.