North and West Texas have their share of cold weather and even snow. But those on the Gulf Coast are less familiar with what to do when a Texas cold front is on the way. Here’s your checklist to prepare for below freezing weather in Texas.
Texas
Texas Electric Delivery Rates Soar to Highest Level in 5 Years
Delivery rates for Texas electricity change twice a year, in March and September. And as of September 2023, the price you pay per kilowatt hour to get power to your home is at its highest level in five years.
2024 Update: Utility delivery rates have dropped since this article was written in 2023, but are still higher than previous years. Find current and historical delivery rates using the links below.
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What are Market Securitization Charges?
Market securitization charges are a new line item on Texas electricity bills. They’re a direct outcome of Winter Storm Uri, paying for some of the extraordinary costs of that storm.
The Texas legislature passed House Bill (HB) 4492 in 2021 in response to the storm’s financial impact on the ERCOT power region. The legislation allows Texas REPs to add the charge to their bills for the next 30 years
You can’t avoid paying these fees, which are from a regulatory change. But you might as well understand them, since you’ll be paying them for the next 3 decades.
How to Lower Your Electricity Bill this Winter
It’s the Texas double whammy for electricity bills. We often think that only our summer electricity bills are high. But your winter electricity bill can also be expensive depending on our winter weather.
Winter energy savings tips focus on insulation, keeping your “building envelope” secured against the elements, and setting your thermostat at the proper level.
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Will Electricity Prices Fall this Fall in Texas?
We get questions like this all the time from customers, friends and neighbors. Will electricity prices fall this fall?
Normally we would say, of course! Electricity prices always drop in the fall in Texas. And this year is no exception, based on what we’re seeing with pricing. Prices are dropping… just not as far as we all hoped.
This article was written in Summer 2022. See our Texas Electricity Rate Trends 2023 article for the latest electricity price forecast for 2023.
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Cheapest Electricity Rates in Texas (July 2024)
Finding the cheapest electricity rates in Texas doesn’t have to be hard. Every month we update our recommendation for the top 3 cheapest electricity companies in Texas, and our cheapest electricity rates for fixed rates plans. Here’s the July 2024 update.
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Best Cities for Solar Panels in Texas
Texas is a top state for residential solar panels. According to Google Project Sunroof, 90% of Texas buildings are solar friendly. But what are the top cities for solar panels in Texas? And why are they the best cities to consider rooftop solar? Here’s our summary of the best cities for solar in Texas, based on third party data.
How to Get Help Paying Electric Bill
Times are tough right now with inflation. And with rising electricity costs, it may get hard to pay your electricity bill.
Texas has many programs that can help with electric bills. The central resources for financial assistance with electric bills is 211 Texas. Dial 2-1-1 from your phone, call 877-541-7905 or go online to 211texas.org.
You also have other options including payment arrangements and deferred payment plans.
Why are Texas Electricity Prices So High?
In 2022, we had some of the highest electricity prices since deregulation. But now? Prices have come down by 30% or more vs. last year.
Here’s a recap on why prices are so high some years (and during the summer) and some strategies on how to get the best price for your home or business.
Texas Electricity Trends for 2022
Texas electricity rates in 2022 continue to show the greatest value with long terms plans. The other big trend? More green energy electricity plans as Texas moves generation to renewable energy.
(In a hurry? Jump right to our recommendations on the best residential Texas electricity plan for 2022.)