Fixed rate electricity plans are the most popular electricity plans in Texas, offering convenience and security.
Key Takeaways
- Fixed rate electricity plans are the most popular type of plan in Texas.
- Fixed rates give you stability, with a set price per kWh for a certain period of time, and convenience, since you don’t have to monitor when and how much electricity you use.
- Bill credit and tiered rate plans are also considered fixed rates. These plans look inexpensive at first glance but can leave you paying a higher price than you expected. Always read the electricity facts label and the fine print.
- Or, simply select Basic Fixed Rate Electricity when shopping. This screens out complex and gimmicky bill credit plans.
What is a Fixed Rate Electricity Plan?
A fixed-rate electricity plan gives you the same rate per kilowatt hour of energy for the term of your agreement. A typical fixed rate term can be 12, 24 or 36 months. The energy portion of your rate is fixed. Delivery charges are not fixed and your supplier passes those through at cost.
But be careful. Under definitions from the Public Utility Commission of Texas, a fixed rate can be basic fixed rates, tiered rates or bill credit plans. And that’s where things get tricky. Complex plans with bill credits always appear to be the cheapest rates. But you’ll seldom (if ever) pay the advertised rate, since your usage isn’t always 1000 kwh a motnh.
The plans below are basic fixed rate plans. We have excluded all bill credit plans or tiered rates.
Best Fixed Rate Electricity Plans in Houston Area (Centerpoint)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| APG&E Electricity Plans 6 | 6 | 12.2 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 9 | 9 | 12.4 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 9 | 9 | 12.5 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 10 | 10 | 12.6 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 6 | 6 | 12.6 ¢ |
| Energy Texas Come and Take It 12 | 12 | 12.9 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 11 | 11 | 13.4 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Saver 12 | 12 | 13.7 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Silver 24 | 24 | 13.8 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Saver 24 | 24 | 13.9 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 12 | 12 | 13.9 ¢ |
| TriEagle Energy Simple Savings 24 | 24 | 14.2 ¢ |
| Atlantex Power Luminous 12 | 12 | 14.2 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 12 | 12 | 14.2 ¢ |
| OhmConnect Energy TexasConnect 12 | 12 | 14.2 ¢ |
| TriEagle Energy Simple Savings 12 | 12 | 14.2 ¢ |
| TriEagle Energy Simple Savings 36 | 36 | 14.2 ¢ |
| Chariot Energy Solarize 12 | 12 | 14.2 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 24 | 24 | 14.3 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 14 | 14 | 14.4 ¢ |
Best Fixed Rate Electricity Plans in Fort Worth Area (Oncor)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| APG&E Electricity Plans 6 | 6 | 12.9 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 9 | 9 | 13 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 9 | 9 | 13.0 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 10 | 10 | 13.1 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 6 | 6 | 13.2 ¢ |
| Energy Texas Come and Take It 12 | 12 | 13.3 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 11 | 11 | 13.5 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Saver 12 | 12 | 13.8 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Silver 24 | 24 | 13.9 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Champ Saver 24 | 24 | 14.0 ¢ |
| APG&E Electricity Plans 12 | 12 | 14.3 ¢ |
| Chariot Energy Solarize 12 | 12 | 14.4 ¢ |
| Atlantex Power Luminous 12 | 12 | 14.5 ¢ |
| OhmConnect Energy TexasConnect 12 | 12 | 14.6 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 12 | 12 | 14.6 ¢ |
| Chariot Energy Solarize 36 | 36 | 14.6 ¢ |
| Champion Energy Services Green Energy 24 | 24 | 14.7 ¢ |
| Chariot Energy Solarize 24 | 24 | 14.7 ¢ |
| Rhythm Energy Simply Select 14 | 14 | 14.8 ¢ |
| TriEagle Energy Simple Savings 12 | 12 | 14.8 ¢ |
Shop Basic (No Gimmicks) Fixed Rate Plans Near You
What are the Benefits of a Fixed Rate Electricity Plan?
Fixed rate plans are the most popular type of electricity plans. The benefits of a fixed rate electricity plan include:
- Security: A fixed rate gives you security. Your have the same price per kilowatt hour of electricity for the term of your agreement.
- Convenience: With a basic fixed rate electricity plan, you don’t have to monitor your usage like with a tiered rate plan. And you don’t have to think about what your average rate will be next month, like with a variable rate plan.
- Stability: A fixed rate plan doesn’t fluctuate like a variable-rate month to month plan.
Every energy supplier in Texas offers fixed rate products. So you have a lot of companies to consider when you switch energy providers.
You can find out more about how to find the best electricity rates in our blog article on that topic.
How Do I Find the Cheapest Fixed Rate Plan in Texas?
To find the cheapest fixed-rate plan for your home, you should avoid gimmicky plans with bill credits and tiered rates. And you should shop based on your electricity usage.
That’s because the advertised rate is based on a specific usage level. Use a different amount and your average rate may be higher. That’s especially true if you choose a plans with bill credits for usage. These plans are designed to show a low rate at 1000 or 2000 kWh.
When you pick a true fixed rate plan, what we call Basic Electricity, you’ll get one price per kWh for every unit of power you use. No hidden math, bill credits or tiered rates that make it look like you’re getting a cheaper rate.
When to Shop for a Fixed Rate Electricity Plan
We recommend shopping for a new fixed rate electricity plan when you are 30-45 days from your contract expiration date.
This lets you compare offers and find the best electricity rates for your home. You can select your start date for your new rate and plan to match your contract expiration date. You’ll want to have a new rate locked in before your contract expires.
If your contract has already expired, you are likely paying your provider’s default month to month variable rate. These rates can be 50-70% higher than what you could be paying with a fixed rate electricity plan. If you are on a default rate, don’t delay, shop immediately!
If you are moving before your electricity plan expires, you will also need to shop for an electricity plan. You can take your fixed rate electricity contract to your new home, or you can shop for a new lower electricity rate. Any early termination fee is waived when you move. Just provide a forwarding address.
Need help remembering to shop for a new fixed rate electricity plan? Sign up for our shopping reminder service. We’ll make sure you don’t forget to shop. And we’ll give you shopping tips too.
Other Types of Electricity Plans in Texas
As we said, most consumers in Texas prefer the security of a fixed plan. But there are plenty of other options to pick from.
- Plans that offer free electricity at certain times are also known as time-of-use plans. You’ll pay nothing for your electricity during free weekends or free nights, then a higher rate during the other time periods. If you are aren’t home much during the week or not home until after 7pm weekdays, these could be a great option.
- Are you credit challenged or prefer to pay-as-you-go? Consider prepaid electricity plans. You’ll receive notifications when your pre-payment is running low, allowing you to top-off your account. And many providers will also let you convert to a standard fixed rate plan after you have established good payment history with them.
- Variable-rate month to month plans are also available. While we don’t recommend them, some people prefer not to be locked in to a contract. If that’s you, just be careful. Your rate can change monthly with no limits.
If you want to learn more, read this article on the differences between fixed, variable and index rates.
