Short term electricity contracts are a great option if you want to shift your contract expiration date or take advantage of a low rate. In this article we review 6 month electricity plans and discuss the pros and cons of going short term.
Pro-Tip: Before signing up for a 6-month electricity plan, check other contract terms. You may be surprised to find a lower rate with a 9-month, 12-month or an odd-term 14-month plan. Don’t limit your options to only 6-month plans, until you’ve seen what other plan terms are available. Shop all rates.
6-Month Electricity Plans in Houston
| Provider | Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chariot Energy | Chariot Energy GridEdge 6 | 6 | 8.9 ¢ |
| APG&E | APG&E SimpleSaver 6 | 6 | 9.0 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy | Rhythm Energy Simply Select 6 | 6 | 14.5 ¢ |
| APG&E | APG&E Electricity Plans 6 | 6 | 14.5 ¢ |
| Atlantex Power | Atlantex Power Luminous 6 | 6 | 14.7 ¢ |
6-Month Electricity Plans in Dallas
| Provider | Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chariot Energy | Chariot Energy GridEdge 6 | 6 | 8.3 ¢ |
| APG&E | APG&E SimpleSaver 6 | 6 | 8.3 ¢ |
| Atlantex Power | Atlantex Power Luminous 6 | 6 | 14.3 ¢ |
| APG&E | APG&E Electricity Plans 6 | 6 | 14.4 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy | Rhythm Energy Simply Select 6 | 6 | 14.5 ¢ |
Shop Short-Term Electricity Rates by Zip Code
Pros & Cons of Choosing a 6-Month Electricity Plan
Pros of a 6-month plan
- Avoid commitment. A short term 6-month plan gives you flexibility if you only need a short term solution.
- Shift expiration date. Often we recommend short term electricity plans (or odd term plans like 14 or 21-months) to shift your expiration date to a shoulder season like spring or fall.
- Lower cancellation fee. Some 6-month plans have a lower cancellation fee if you change your mind. Look for a plan that pro-rates your early termination fee.
- Test a new provider. Try a new provider to see if you like them before committing to a longer term plan. (Or find a plan with a satisfaction guarantee of 30-90 days if you’re concerned about switching.)
Cons of a 6-month plan
- Short renewal cycle. A short term contract means you’ll be shopping again in 4-5 months. Make sure to set a contract expiration reminder so you don’t forget to shop.
- Risk of expiring when rates are higher. That short term 6-month plan you sign in the fall could have you expiring close to summer, leaving you exposed to higher rates for your next contract.
Recommended shopping approach: Enter your zip code and expected monthly usage. Then select only Basic Fixed Rate plans and sort low to high to see your best options at different contract term lengths. Use the Compare Plans tool to narrow down your top three options and compare plans side by side.
6-Month Electricity Plan FAQs
There are several reasons why someone would choose a 6-month electricity plan. First, they’re often the lower-priced option in energy “shoulder seasons” of fall and spring. Second, they’re a good way to try out a new provider to check out their customer service or billing practices. Third, they’re a good way to shift your contract expiration date from a summer expiration to a spring expiration, when rates are typically lower.
Not necessarily. Pricing for 6-month electricity plans depends on the time of year. A 6 month plan that runs from October to March may be less expensive because it only includes fall and winter months, which are typically cheaper on the wholesale market. A 6 month plan that runs from May to October would be more expensive since it runs through the summer months when demand (and pricing) are high. Your best bet is to evaluate different contract term lengths and find the cheapest electricity plan for your home at the time that you are shopping.
A 6-month electricity plan will give you price certainty of a fixed rate for a set period of time. A month-to-month electricity plan may offer a low initial rate, but your price will change monthly with no limits to it’s variability. Check the rate history on any variable price electricity plan before you enroll.
You don’t have to match your electricity contract to your lease term. Under Texas law, moving lets you cancel your electricity contract with no early termination penalty. So you can sign up for a 6-month electricity plan if that’s the best rate for your apartment. Or you can sign up for a longer term plan with no risk. Upon moving out, you have a choice. You can transfer your electricity contract with you if it’s a good rate, or provide proof of your move, cancel your contract and your early termination fee is waived.
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