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 Increase
Delivery rates for Texas electricity change twice a year, in March and September. Rates always drop in March and increase in September. This September, rates for CenterPoint and TNMP customers will experience sizable increases, with smaller rate changes for Oncor, AEP Central and AEP North.
Find current and historical delivery rates using the links below.
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 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 & Plans in Texas (June 2026)
Finding the cheapest electricity rates in Texas doesn’t have to be a chore or require tons of research. Every month, we update our recommendation for the top three cheapest electricity companies in Texas, and highlight the cheapest electricity rates in your area. Here’s the June update.
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How to Get Help Paying Electric Bill
With rising electricity costs, you may need help with your power bill. If you need help with your electric bill in Texas, there are three basic options.
- Contact Your Electricity Provider: Your REP is the first point of contact if you need help paying your power bill in Texas. Working with them can give you a bill payment extension and keep you from being disconnected.
- Call 211 Utility Assistance: Texas 211 is a central clearing house of resources. The 211 operator may be able to match you to available aid programs.
- See if you qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program provides bill payment assistance for those on SSI or that earn less than 150% of the Federal Income Poverty Guidelines.
Below we provide additional information on each option. Plus ideas for bill payment help for those who are not low income.
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.)
What the Best Thermostat Setting When on Vacation?
The plans have been made. The bags are packed. You deserve a vacation. But what are the best thermostat settings for vacation to keep your electricity bill low? In other words, when you’re in vacation mode, is there a vacation mode for your house?
Key Takeaways
The best approach for vacation thermostat settings is 10 degrees higher (summer) or lower (winter) than you normally set it when away from home. This lowers the amount of time your HVAC system is running while you are away.
- Summer vacation thermostat setting 80-85°
- Winter vacation thermostat setting: 50-60°
- If you have pets at home, consider their comfort as well when choosing a vacation thermostat setting.
- Never turn your thermostat completely off when on vacation, to avoid mold and mildew or freezing pipes.
If you’re planning your trip now, consider our tips for adjusting the thermostat settings to reduce energy, create a comfortable environment for your pets and lessen household damage risks.
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