Average Electricity Bill in Texas

Texas is a popular relocation destination if you are moving. And you want to make sure to plan for your electricity bill.

Below we review what goes into the average electricity bill in Texas. And then we’ll cover the average electricity bill in Houston and the average electricity bill in Dallas Texas. Plus the average electricity bill for a home that is 2000 sq feet, the average sized Texas home.

Related Topic: How to Find Cheap Power in Texas.

What is the Average Electricity Bill in Texas?

The average energy bill in Texas is much higher than the national average. That’s driven not so much by the cost of electricity (Texas has some of the lowest rates in the country) but by the usage level.

Combining the average electricity costper kWh in Texas multiplied by the average kwh per month in Texas, you will get the average electric utility bill in Texas. Let’s get started on the math!

What is the average cost of electricity in Texas?

The average cost of electricity in Texas is 12.28 cents per kWh. That’s based on EIA data for February 2022. That includes both regulated and deregulated Texas markets, and is electricity and delivery costs.

However, electricity prices in Texas have been soaring since early April 2022. There are a number of reasons for this, primarily tied to high natural gas prices and global economics.

Below you will find average electricity rates in Texas, updated daily with information on ElectricityPlans.com. This gives you a good idea of what to look for when shopping.

How much electricity does the average home in Texas use?

Texas homes use more electricity than the national average, for two reasons. First, our homes are bigger. Second, cooling costs have a big impact on our usage.

The average home in Texas uses 1,176 kWh a month, or 14,112 kWh a year, based on EIA data.

What’s the average electricity bill in Texas?

Combining the average cost of electricity per kWh in Texas multiplied by the average kwh per month in Texas, you get the average electricity bill in Texas.

The average electricity bill in Texas is $144.41, plus taxes and fees. That’s based on an average rate per kWh of 12.28 cents multiplied by average Texas electricity usage of 1,176 kWh a month. But based on May 2022 costs, assuming the 16 cent per kWh rate in Oncor, the average electricity bill in Texas in 2022 is $188.16.

What’s the cost of electricity for a one-bedroom apartment in Texas?

A one-bedroom apartment in Texas is usually around 750 square feet. And a typical home in Texas uses 6.94 kWh per square foot annually, so your small apartment will use 500 kWh a month. Based on 16 cents per kWh (May 2022 Oncor average rate) your average electricity bill is $70/month.

What’s the cost of electricity for a two-bedroom apartment in Texas?

A two-bedroom apartment in Texas is usually around 1000 square feet. And a typical home in Texas uses 6.94 kWh per square foot annually, so your small apartment will use 600 kWh a month. Based on 16 cents per kWh (May 2022 Oncor average rate) your average electricity bill is $96/month.

What is the cost of electricity for a large home in Texas?

Texas is home to the big home. House of 4,000 square feet are not unusual. If you have a larger home, your electricity bill will be much larger. Of course, if you have a new home, you will have the benefit of double paned windows, efficient appliances and excellent insulation. Your 4,000 square foot home in Texas will use around 2,300 kWh a month. Based on 16 cents per kWh (May 2022 Oncor average rate) your average electricity bill is $370 a month.

What is the Average Electric Bill in Houston?

In Houston, it’s not just the heat, it’s the humidity. Since Houston has a higher level of humidity, it takes us more air conditioning to cool our homes to a comforable level. Homes in the Houston area have the highest electricity usage in Texas.

Based on ERCOT data, the average home in the Houston / Centerpoint area uses around 15,600 kWh a year, or 1,300 kWh a month.

Texas electricity prices in May 2022 are soaring and show no signs of slowing down. As of today (5/20/22) a 12 month electricity plan in Houston is around 18 cents per kWh, making the average electricity bill in Houston $234.

That average electricity usage level includes single family homes and multi-family homes / apartments. So if you have a large home (the average size home in Houston is 1952 square feet) you may pay more than that.

Your average electric bill for your Houston home may be more or less than that. It will depend on the age and energy efficiency of your home, your preferences for air conditioning setting, and the number of people in your home. And it depends on the price per kWh you are paying for your electricity plan.

Houston electricity rates are competitive. You can easily compare electricity rates online.

What is the Average Electric Bill in Dallas?

Based on ERCOT data, the average home in the Dallas / Oncor area uses around 11,255 kWh a year, or 937 kWh a month. That means the average monthly electricity bill in Dallas is $115.06. That’s based on 937 kWh a month and an average Texas electricity price of 12.28 cents per kWh as of February 2022 EIA data.

But hold on. That February 2022 average price is way out of date. Because the price of electricity in Dallas right now (5/20/2022) is around 16 cents per kWh. And that means the average electricity bill in Dallas is $149.92, plus taxes and fees.

That average electricity usage level includes single family homes and multi-family homes (apartments). But the reality is, Dallas has some of the largest homes in the country. The average size home in Dallas is 1,861 square feet. So your usage may be 10-15% higher than the numbers shown above.

So why is the average electricity bill in Dallas cheaper than the average electricity bill in Houston?

First, Dallas is a more moderate climate than Houston. They have less humidity, and fewer days that the air conditioning is running. They are also more likely to have snow in the winter, switching to natural gas for their heating.

Second, wholesale power in the Dallas area is cheaper than in the Houston area. That means not only do they use less, they pay less for it per kWh.

And third, delivery rates in Dallas (Oncor) are cheaper than delivery rates in Houston (Centerpoint).

Want more? Here’s our guide to finding the best electricity rates in Dallas.

What is the Average kWh Usage for a 2000 sq ft Home in Texas?

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average Texas home uses 14,112 kWh a year. And the average size home in Texas is 2,031 square feet. That means:

A 2000 sq foot home will use around 14,112 kWh a year or 1,176 kWh a month, with an average monthly electricity bill of $188.16 plus taxes and fees, based on typical rates in the Oncor area as of May 20, 2022.

How Can I Estimate Electricity Usage Based on Square Feet?

Here’s a way to estimate your kWh usage by square foot for your home in the Lonestar State.

We know an average Texas home is 2,031 square feet. And we also know that the average home uses 14,112 kWh a year. Doing the math that’s 6.94 kWh per square foot for a home in Texas.

Here are some examples of how you can use that.

• 4000 square foot home uses around 27,760 kWh a year.
• 3000 Square foot home uses around 20,820 kWh a year.
• 1000 square foot home uses around 6,940 kWh a year.

Your electricity usage is going to vary tremendously based on the age and energy efficiency of your home, and your heating and cooling habits. If you are buying an older home, consider doing a DIY Home Energy Audit. That can tell you where the problem areas are.

The best thing you can do when you are moving into a new home is ask for utility bill information from your realtor or the person you are buying / renting the home from.

And then make sure you shop for your electricity based on your average monthly electricity usage.