Texans love their air conditioning, and for good reason—the average summer temperature in Texas is around 90 degrees. But how much does that love cost, and how much are the rest of your electricity expenses going to cost you?

Check out our breakdown of the average monthly cost of an electric bill in Texas to see how your state ranks.

Key Takeaways

The average electricity price varies in Texas depending on where you live in the state and what size your house is.
The average rate is around $133 per month, but this depends on a lot of different information, such as how much electricity you use, the weather conditions, and the average residential rate for your zip code.
You can often negotiate a lower electricity rate by switching providers or by taking energy-saving steps like using your washing machine less or switching off the lights.

How is an Electricity Bill Calculated?

Understanding how your electricity bill is calculated can help you to make informed choices about your energy usage and save money.

The first step in understanding how your electricity bill is calculated is to understand your electricity usage. Your electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. This is the amount of electricity you use in an hour multiplied by the number of hours you use it.

For example, if you use a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours, you have used 1 kWh of electricity. To find your hourly electricity usage, divide your monthly usage by the number of days in the month and then by the number of hours in the day, 24.

Now that you know your hourly usage, you can calculate your monthly bill. To do this, you will need to multiply your hourly usage by the price per kWh that your utility company charges.

This price varies depending on where you live and what type of plan you have, but it is typically between $0.10 and $0.30 per kWh. So if your utility charges $0.15 per kWh and you use 1,000 kWh per month, your monthly bill would be $150.

In addition to the cost of power, your electricity bill may also include other charges such as a monthly service fee, taxes, and delivery charges. These additional charges vary depending on your location and provider. By understanding how your electricity bill is calculated, you can make informed decisions about your energy usage and save money on your monthly bill.

What’s the Average Cost of an Electricity Bill in Texas?

In Texas, the average monthly electricity bill hovers around $180. This is higher than the national average but lower than the average in other states. Consumers in one zip code might pay higher electricity prices than those in others—it all depends!

The cost of electricity in Texas varies depending on the type of plan you have, the amount of electricity you use, and the price of electricity at the time of billing.

For example, if you have a fixed-rate plan, your rate will not change no matter how the price of electricity fluctuates. However, if you have a variable-rate plan, your rate will change along with the price of electricity.

In addition, some plans have minimum usage fees or other charges that can increase your bill even if you don’t use much electricity.

Avg. rate of electricity per kWh	12 cents/kWh
Amount of electricity used in average home in Texas per month	1503 kWh
Avg. monthly electricity bill	$133

As any Texas resident knows, the state’s electricity rates can fluctuate quite a bit depending on the season. In general, rates are highest in the spring and summer months when demand is highest and lowest in the fall and winter months when demand is lower.

This seasonal variation can be significant, with some Texans seeing their bills nearly double during the summer. While this may seem unfair, it’s actually just a matter of supply and demand.

Spring	$207
Summer	$283
Fall	$114
Winter	$138

Comparing Average Electricity Bills in Texas

There is a wide range of prices across the state with bills in some cities costing nearly twice as much as others.

Austin	$126
Dallas	$188
San Antonio	$194
Houston	$171
Fort Worth	$176
El Paso	$218
Arlington	$162
Corpus Christi	$174

What Other Factors Will Impact My Bill?

Many factors can affect your monthly electricity bill. Obviously, the more appliances and devices you use, the higher your bill will be. But there are other factors to consider as well.

For example, the type of appliances you have are a factor—energy-efficient models will cost less to operate than older, less efficient ones. The climate can also play a role —in hot weather, you may use more air conditioning, which will increase your bill. And in cold weather, you may use more heating, which will also drive up costs.

Here are two more often overlooked factors in determining your electricity rate.

Size of Your Living Space

The size of your living space is one of the key factors that will impact your bill for electricity in Texas.

1 bedroom avg. cost – $ 97/month
2 bedroom avg. cost – $181/month
3 bedroom avg. cost – $267/month

This difference is due to the fact that larger homes require more electricity to power lights, appliances, and air conditioners. They tend to have more square feet and so the kilowatt-hour is naturally increased.

As a result, it’s important to factor in the size of your living space when budgeting for your monthly electricity bill, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

Number of People Living There

Of course, the number of people living in your home will determine the average electric bill you pay, too. The average price per kWh won’t change, but how much is being used will.

Identifying Energy Drainers

Identifying energy drainers can be helpful in managing your overall fatigue levels.

If you’re not careful, your home can bleed electricity without you even realizing it. Standby power consumption from electronics, appliances, and lights can add up quickly, so it’s important to be mindful of your usage.

Lighting

Lighting is the biggest energy drainer, but it’s easy to address. One way to do this is by using natural light like solar tubes and skylights. You can also use energy-efficient light bulbs, which last longer and use less energy than traditional light bulbs.

Finally, be sure to turn off lights when you leave a room, and invest in timer or motion-sensor lights for areas that need consistent lighting, such as porches or bathrooms.

Water Heaters

Many people don’t realize how much energy their water heater uses. In fact, it is one of the biggest energy drainers in the home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heaters account for about 18% of a typical household’s energy usage. That means that for every dollar you spend on your electricity bill, almost 20 cents is going towards heating your water. There are a few things you can do to reduce your water heater’s energy consumption.

One is to insulate your tank. This will help to keep the heat in and prevent your water heater from having to work overtime to reheat the water. Another is to turn down the thermostat. Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but you can save energy by turning it down to 120 degrees.

Finally, make sure your water heater is the right size for your needs. A tank that is too large will use more energy than necessary, while a tank that is too small will be constantly running out of hot water.

Space Heaters/Air Conditioners

In the summer, the last thing you want is a stuffy house. And in the winter, you don’t want to be shivering under a pile of blankets. So you rely on space heaters and air conditioners to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. However, these devices can be real energy hogs.

Luckily, there are ways to minimize the impact of these devices on your energy bill. For instance, you can use a space heater with an automatic shut-off switch, and you can set your air conditioner to 78 degrees when you’re home and 82 degrees when you’re away. By making small changes like these, you can help to keep your energy costs under control.

Electric Vehicles/At-Home Charging Stations

Drive an electric car? You’re not alone. In the last few years, electric vehicles have become much more popular, as people look for ways to save money on gasoline and reduce their environmental impact. However, charging an electric car can be a bit of a drain on your home’s electricity supply. That’s why many people are opting for at-home charging stations.

These are great, but keep in mind that while your fuel bills will go down, your electricity rates will likely increase.

Conclusion

The average monthly cost of an electric bill in Texas might be higher or perhaps even lower than you expect, depending on where in the state you live.

However, there are ways to reduce your electric bill and save money on your energy costs. Check out our tips for reducing your electric bill below to start saving today!

Questions Others Are Asking

How can I lower my electricity bill?

One way to reduce your electricity bill is by making your home more energy efficient. Something as simple as replacing old light bulbs with LED bulbs or using your washing machine less can make a big difference in your average monthly electric bill.

Are solar panels worth it in Texas?

In Texas, the amount of sun you get is an important factor to consider. Solar panels need direct sunlight to work effectively, so if your home doesn’t get a lot of sun, you may not see the same results as someone who lives in a sunnier climate.

How do I measure power usage at home?

You can measure power usage at home by using a wattmeter. A wattmeter will show you the power being consumed by each appliance in your home. You can find these devices online or at most hardware stores, but many newer homes have them already installed.

Are there any low-income electricity options in Texas?

Yes, there are low-income electricity options. If you don’t have an excellent credit score, there are still many affordable energy plans available (i.e., prepaid plans, month-to-month plans, no deposit plans).

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