How Electric Choice Works in Texas
Texas shoppers generally choose among retail electric providers, while a local transmission and distribution
utility still handles delivery. That means the company you compare is not the same as the company that
maintains the poles and wires. In Texas, utilities such as Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, and Texas-New
Mexico Power still sit in the background even when customers shop among suppliers.
That distinction is important because it helps shoppers understand what is really changing. Supplier choice
affects the plan and price structure. The utility still handles the local delivery relationship. When people
know that, they usually feel more comfortable comparing plans instead of assuming a switch changes service reliability.
Average Electric Rates in Texas (2026)
Texas electricity plan pricing can move quickly, especially when demand is elevated or suppliers are pricing
aggressively around major metro areas. Shoppers often see offers clustering from the high single digits to
low-to-mid teens per kWh, but real comparisons can vary by ZIP code, utility territory, and expected usage.
That is one reason a Dallas-area shopper may see a different best option than someone outside Houston.
Common comparison range
9.0c to 14.0c / kWh
Peak-demand periods
10.0c to 15.5c / kWh
Best habit
Compare before renewal or market spikes
These are estimated market guideposts, not promised prices. Their value is helping people understand why it
is smart to compare before an existing plan quietly becomes a weaker deal.
Top Cities in Texas
Dallas electricity rates
Dallas shoppers often compare plans across Oncor territory and watch how summer demand changes the market.
Dallas electricity rates
Other major Texas cities
Houston, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio customers can still use the ZIP comparison tool to check current options.
Compare rates by ZIP
Common Mistakes When Switching
Choosing based on teaser pricing alone
Some Texas plans look great at first glance but only if the customer never thinks about how long the rate
stays attractive. If you compare once and forget the timeline, a “good” plan today can become a frustrating
one later.
Ignoring early termination fees
Leaving a current plan early can be more expensive than shoppers expect. It is always worth checking the
current supplier terms before assuming a new deal is immediately worth it.
Assuming they will remember to compare again
Texas electricity shopping often rewards people who check back before a contract window ends. Most households
do better when an app handles the reminder instead of relying on memory.
How ChooseMyElectric Helps
ChooseMyElectric helps Texas shoppers in a way that fits how people actually behave. The website is fast for
search and ZIP-based comparison. The app is where you track your current plan, upload a bill for better
context, and get alerts before a low rate expires. That combination makes the first comparison easier and the
second comparison much more likely to happen on time.
Texas Electricity FAQ
Can I switch anytime?
You can usually shop among suppliers, but current contract terms still matter if you want to avoid fees.
Will power shut off?
No. The transmission and distribution utility still handles delivery, so switching suppliers does not mean service gets interrupted.
Are there fees?
There can be, especially if you leave a current plan too early or overlook a specific contract term.
How long does switching take?
It is usually part of a normal enrollment and billing-cycle process, not a physical service cutover at your home.
What happens if I do not switch?
You can stay on your current plan, but that does not mean it remains competitive. Texas shoppers often benefit from checking before a current rate goes stale.