Best Electricity Companies for Texas Apartments
The best electricity company for your Texas apartment will depend on several factors, including the apartment size, your usage habits and how many people live there.
Based on our research, several providers stand out for both excellent customer service and competitive rates for apartment usage. These providers include Energy Texas, TriEagle Energy and Champion Energy Services. Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities are also worth considering. For example, the Gexa Basic Plus 12 plan promises a $50 bill credit when your usage meets the 500 kWh threshold.
Before selecting your apartment energy company, consider these factors.
- Energy usage: Apartments generally consume less energy than homes due to having fewer occupants and less square footage. For the best rates for your apartment, compare Texas electricity rates at 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
- Contract length: Consider the timing of your lease. While it’s not required, it’s a good strategy to find a plan that matches your lease agreement. If you have a short-term lease, many energy providers offer discounted rates on three and six-month contracts.
- Rate type: Some apartment dwellers like the flexibility of a variable-rate energy plan. However, these plans charge different rates every month based on market conditions. We recommend fixed rates for predictability and stability.
Here are five providers with competitive electricity rates for Texas apartments, all offered by top-rated electricity providers.
| Company | Best Apartment Plan | Average Rate at 500 kWh (Cents per kWh) | Notable Features | Rating (Out of 5 Stars) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy Texas | Come & Take It 12 | 13.6 | $5 monthly discount for enrolling in autopay Flexible cancellation fee of $20 per month 100% green energy No base charge | 4.5 |
| Champion Energy Services | Champ Saver 12 | 15.2 | No base charges or minimum usage fees | 4.9 |
| TriEagle Energy | Simple Savings 12 | 15.7 | Flexible cancellation fee of $20 per month | 4.8 |
| Discount Power | Discount Nights 12 | 16.7 | Discount of 2 cents per kWh from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. No base charge | 4.7 |
| 4Change Energy | One Rate 12 | 17.1 | Flexible cancellation fee of $20 per month Upgrade to 100% green energy for $6.95 per month | 4.7 |
How Apartment Electricity Usage Differs from Houses
Apartments typically use less electricity than single-family homes. While the average Texas home uses around 1,146 kWh per month, a two-bedroom apartment may use 600 to 900 kWh, while a one-bedroom apartment can use only 500 to 750 kWh.
Here are the main factors that impact electricity usage in Texas apartments:
- Square footage: Smaller spaces require less energy for lighting, heating and cooling.
- Fewer exterior walls: Apartments with shared walls help insulate each other against outdoor temperatures.
- Smaller and fewer appliances than homes: Apartments often have compact appliances, such as refrigerators and laundry machines, and fewer multimedia devices.
- New construction: Many apartment buildings are built with updated energy codes and efficient materials.
- Minimal outdoor lighting: Most apartments only need lighting for a small balcony, while homes often have large outdoor spaces requiring more lights.
- No lawn equipment: Apartment dwellers don’t need to power devices like lawnmowers, trimmers and leaf blowers.
Types of Electricity Plans for Apartment Residents
Apartment dwellers in Texas have access to the same types of electricity plans as homeowners. However, rates are typically higher at lower consumption levels, such as those of apartments and small homes.
In Texas, you can enroll in any electricity plan regardless of your property type and consumption. However, if your plan isn’t a good match for your usage, you can end up paying 20 to 25 cents per kWh.
Below, we compare the main types of electricity plans in Texas and what you can expect in each case as an apartment resident.
| Plan Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate | Renters who want stable pricing and predictable bills | Locked-in rate for the entire contract term | Early termination fee (ETF) Often include a base charge regardless of your usage |
| Variable rate | Renters who prioritize flexibility over stable pricing | No minimum contract term No cancellation fee | Rates can change monthly, leading to unpredictable bills |
| Prepaid | Renters who prefer to buy electricity upfront in smaller amounts, instead of paying a monthly power bill | No monthly billing cycle No credit check or security deposit required | Higher rates than postpaid plans Service interruption if your balance runs out |
| Bill credit | High-consumption apartments that meet specific usage thresholds | Monthly bill credits of up to $150 if your usage exceeds a minimum threshold, usually 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh per month | Rates can exceed 20 cents per kWh in months when you don’t earn the bill credits |
| Time-of-use | Renters who can shift their usage towards low-rate hours | Lower rates during off-peak periods Some plans offer free nights or free weekends | High rates if you can’t shift your usage away from peak-demand periods |
| Green energy | Renters looking to reduce their carbon footprint | 100% renewable electricity (most plans in Texas have less than 30% green energy) Often available with fixed rates | Green electricity plans without fixed rates can have volatile prices |
If you live in an apartment, we recommend fixed-rate plans that offer a rate below 16 cents per kWh for a monthly usage of 500 kWh. However, watch out for base charges, which can exceed $20 per month. Look for energy plans with low or no base charge for savings.
Just because you’re renting an apartment doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your eco-friendly goals. Many Texas light companies offer 100% green energy plans for Texas apartments. These providers include Energy Texas and Rhythm Energy. Prepaid plans can be practical for avoiding a credit check or deposit, but may come with higher rates than traditional postpaid options.
Time-of-use plans with nighttime discounts may be viable for apartment dwellers who are usually away during business hours. However, if your apartment has a high daytime usage, these plans can drastically increase your monthly bills.
Bill credit plans promise a discount if your usage meets a set threshold. However, make sure that the required kWh level matches your apartment usage before signing up. Most bill credit plans promise discounts at 1,000 or 2,000 kWh, which wouldn’t be viable for most apartments.
Variable-rate plans charge different rates every month based on market conditions. This leads to unpredictable monthly energy costs. However, with no cancellation fees, they can make sense as a short-term option while you shop for better rates.
How To Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your Apartment
Selecting the best electricity plan for your apartment starts with understanding your energy usage.
One-bedroom apartments in Texas typically use 500 to 750 kWh per month, while two-bedroom units range from around 600 to 900 kWh.
However, your actual consumption depends on how many people live in your apartment, how often you use air conditioning and your usage habits. For example, if you work from your apartment, you can expect higher bills than someone who is away most days.
When comparing electricity plans in Texas, focus on actual rates rather than advertised prices. You can identify deceptive rates or hidden fees by reviewing the electricity facts label (EFL), including the “fine print” not mentioned in marketing materials.
Also, consider provider reputation and customer service. A low advertised rate may not be worth the hassle if you must deal with frequent billing issues or slow customer service.
Here are six key factors to consider when comparing apartment electricity plans in Texas:
- Contract length relative to lease term: A long-term plan offers price stability while eliminating the need for frequent shopping. However, short-term plans often have promotional discounts.
- Deposit requirements: Most traditional plans require a credit check and security deposit. You can avoid these requirements by choosing a prepaid plan.
- Early termination fee (ETF): If you switch a plan before its contract ends, you must normally pay an ETF. However, Texas law exempts you from cancellation fees if you switch plans while moving to a different apartment.
- Base charges and minimum usage fees: Watch out for plans advertising low rates while applying a high base charge or a penalty for low consumption.
- Green energy options: Several providers offer 100% renewable plans with competitive pricing, even at low usage levels.
- Same-day service options: Most electricity providers in Texas offer same-day electricity connections, but note that the cutoff time varies by company.
Top Electricity Providers for Texas Apartments
However, here are six energy providers that offer affordable rates and other useful features at low consumption levels as of June 2025.
Energy Texas
Energy Texas offers affordable fixed-rate plans for all consumption levels, with 12, 24 or 36 months contract terms. As of May 2025, the Come & Take It 12 plan offers one of the lowest fixed rates in the market: 13.6 cents per kWh. A typical apartment using 500 kWh per month results in a monthly electricity bill of only $69.
In addition to its low rates, Energy Texas offers 100% green electricity in all its plans. If you need to switch your plan before it ends, it charges $20 per each remaining month in your contract. You can also enjoy a modest discount of $5 off per month when you sign up for autopay.
TriEagle Energy
TriEagle Energy earned 4.8 out of 5 stars in our review and stands out for its competitive rates and straightforward pricing structures. The Simple Savings 12 plan offers a rate of 15.7 cents per kWh at a usage level of 500 kWh per month, with a slightly lower rate of 15.3 cents per kWh if you choose the 24 or 36-month contract.
In addition to affordable rates, TriEagle Energy offers a base charge of only $4.95 per month and an ETF of $20 per remaining month. The company also offers a 100% green energy plan.
Champion Energy Services
Champion Energy offers fixed-rate plans with no base charges or minimum usage fees, which are ideal features for apartments.
- The Champ Saver 12 plan offers a rate of 15.4 cents per kWh at 500 kWh.
- The Champ Silver 24 plan offers a lower rate of 15 cents per kWh for customers aged 60 or older.
- The Green Energy 24 plan offers 100% wind energy and a rate of 15.7 cents per kWh.
Champion Energy’s main downside is having a fixed cancellation fee of $150 for 12-month plans and $250 for 24-month plans.
Discount Power
As its name suggests, Discount Power often offers budget-friendly electricity plans. In particular, the Discount Nights 12 plan can be suitable for apartments that are usually empty during the daytime. This plan normally charges 16.5 cents per kWh, but its rate drops to 14.5 cents per kWh from 8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. In addition, the plan has no monthly base charges.
The main drawback of Discount Power is having flat cancellation fees, starting at $150 for 12-month plans. The company also lacks 100% green energy options, with a 24% renewable energy content in all its plans.
4Change Energy
4Change Energy stands out for its affordable rates and flexible cancellation fees, both attractive features for renters. The One Rate 12 plan offers a rate of 17.1 cents per kWh and a cancellation fee of $20 per remaining month. For higher-usage apartments, the Maxx Saver Select plan offers a $100 bill credit when you consume 1,000 kWh or more, bringing the effective rate below 11 cents per kWh.
Payless Power
Payless Power offers prepaid electricity plans with no credit check or security deposit. The company also locks in your rate for a contract term of six or 12 months, while most prepaid energy providers use variable rates that can change monthly.
However, Payless Power plans are generally more expensive than postpaid options. The company offers a rate of 18.5 cents per kWh at 500 kWh, while the most affordable postpaid options range from around 14 to 17 cents per kWh.
No-Deposit Electricity Options for Apartment Renters
Most electricity plans in Texas require a security deposit, which can be up to two months of your estimated monthly usage. There are only two ways to avoid this upfront requirement:
- Some providers may waive the security deposit if you have a high credit score.
- Prepaid electricity plans require no credit check or security deposit.
However, electricity providers aren’t transparent with their deposit policies, and even customers with a high credit score may be asked to pay. If you want to avoid deposits consistently, the best option is to sign up for a prepaid energy plan, also known as a no-deposit plan.
While prepaid plans require an initial payment to establish service, this amount is added to your usable energy balance and is significantly lower than the usual security deposit. Initial payments can range from $40 to $75.
Below, you can compare four prepaid electricity plans available in Texas. All these plans let you pay as you go without following a billing cycle, as long as you keep a positive balance:
| Provider and Plan Name | Minimum Payment To Start Service | Average Rate at 500 kWh per Month | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payless Power 12-Month Prepaid | $40 | 18.5 cents per kWh | Fixed rate 6-month version available |
| Reliant Prepaid Power | $75 | 18.4 cents per kWh | Variable monthly rate |
| Pogo Energy | $60 | 18.5 cents per kWh | Variable monthly rate 100% green energy |
| Pronto Power Pronto Saver | $50 | 19.3 cents per kWh | Variable monthly rate |
Special Considerations for New Apartment Move-Ins
Setting up your electricity service is key when moving into a new apartment in Texas. Not only does this ensure you have your lights on when you arrive, but it’s often a requirement. In Texas, many landlords actually request proof of electricity service before handing over the keys.
Here are the main steps to set up electricity when moving into a new apartment in Texas:
- Compare plans and contact providers early: You can start the process as soon as you know your move-in date.
- Gather and submit the required information: Your provider will ask for your contact details, service address and preferred start date.
- Obtain proof of service before your move-in date: Your provider will usually send a confirmation email or letter, which you can show to your landlord.
- Schedule your connection during business hours: If there are any issues while establishing your service, the provider can respond immediately.
- Set up your payment preferences: Many providers offer options such as autopay or average billing, which can help you avoid deadlines.
Thanks to smart meter technology and deregulation, setting up electricity in Texas is now a simple task. Most providers offer same-day service if you submit your request before their cutoff time, typically between 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, you can often find better rates by setting up your electricity service in advance.
Ways To Save on Your Apartment Electricity Bill
Finding a low electricity rate is a great start, but apartment renters can take additional steps to reduce their monthly power bills. Major improvements aren’t always viable in apartments, unless you’re renting the same unit for several years. However, here are some quick and cost-effective ways to save energy in apartments:
- Upgrade to LED lighting: LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. Switch to LEDs to save and get more out of your lights.
- Plug electronic devices into smart power strips: Devices in standby mode draw power and could be costing you. Smart power strips help eliminate this “phantom load” by cutting off power to devices not in use.
- Use a smart or programmable thermostat: These devices can optimize temperature settings for space heaters and air conditioners, helping you save on power bills all year.
- Use removable window treatments: Adhesive window films and thermal curtains can help reduce heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. They’re renter-friendly and easy to remove when you move out.
- Choose Energy Star appliances: Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, which meet strict efficiency guidelines from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Request regular maintenance: Ask your landlord to inspect and service your air conditioner before summer. A well-maintained AC unit is more efficient and generates less noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the electricity provider my apartment complex recommends?
No, you have the right to choose your electricity providers, even if their landlords suggest specific options. Some landlords have partnerships with some providers and earn commissions for enrolling tenants, but they cannot force you to choose a specific company or plan.
How much electricity does the average apartment use in Texas?
A typical one-bedroom apartment in Texas uses 500 kWh to 750 kWh per month on average, while a two-bedroom unit uses 600 kWh to 900 kWh. However, actual consumption can vary depending on factors like apartment size, insulation level, appliance efficiency and your energy usage habits.
Do I need to match my electricity contract to my apartment lease?
You don’t have to match your energy contract to your apartment lease. If your electricity plan is shorter than your lease, you can select another one when it ends. On the other hand, if your plan is longer than your lease, you can move to another apartment and switch plans without paying cancellation fees, as long as you show proof of your new address. This means you can choose the most affordable plan for your apartment regardless of contract length.
Can I get same-day electricity service for my apartment?
Yes, you can get same-day lights for your apartment. Most electricity providers offer same-day service if you submit your request before the cutoff time, which can vary from around 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, same-day service is not normally available on Sundays and holidays.
What if my apartment has a master meter?
If your apartment is master-metered, the landlord chooses an electricity provider for the entire building, which means you don’t have the option of switching. In this case, monthly electricity costs may be included in your rent or billed separately by the landlord. If you want to use a specific provider, look for an apartment with an independent power meter.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team supports our energy provider ratings and recommendations with a transparent, research-backed provider review methodology. Our process includes surveying electricity customers in deregulated markets like Texas, analyzing customer review trends, conducting mystery shopping, and consulting with energy experts. Each provider is scored based on performance in customer satisfaction, loyalty, digital experience, and service quality to produce a final rating on a 5-point scale.