Arlington residents benefit from a deregulated energy market, giving them the power to choose from dozens of Texas electricity providers and plans. Since deregulation began in 2002, competition between energy companies has driven down costs and improved service options for homeowners across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, which includes Arlington.
Your choice of electricity provider can significantly impact your monthly energy bills, especially during Arlington’s hot summers when air conditioning usage peaks.
Current Arlington Electricity Rates
Arlington electricity rates range from about 10.2 cents per kWh to over 23 cents, depending on usage and contract terms.
A “good” rate is more than just a low price; it includes transparent pricing without hidden fees, predictable monthly bills and contract terms that match your energy habits. Many plans offer attractive introductory rates but may include credits that apply only at specific usage levels, which can lead to higher costs if your usage changes.
Understanding tiered rates is crucial when comparing Arlington plans, as providers often price differently for usage levels of 500, 1,000, or 2,000 kWh per month. Rates are typically lowest in spring and fall due to decreased energy demand, while summer rates rise with increased air conditioning use across the metroplex.
| Provider | Plan name | Term | Rate (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Frontier Utilities |
Frontier Saver Plus 12 |
12 months |
10.9 |
|
Express Energy |
Flash 12 |
12 months |
11.0 |
|
Gexa Energy |
Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 |
12 months |
11.0 |
|
Express Energy |
Flash 24 |
24 months |
11.0 |
|
4Change Energy |
Maxx Saver Select 24 |
24 months |
11.0 |
|
4Change Energy |
Maxx Saver Select 12 |
12 months |
11.0 |
|
Gexa Energy |
Gexa Eco Saver Plus 24 |
24 months |
11.0 |
|
Frontier Utilities |
Frontier Saver Plus 24 |
24 months |
11.0 |
|
Cirro Energy |
Simple Bill Credit 24 |
24 months |
11.4 |
|
Cirro Energy |
Simple Bill Credit 12 |
12 months |
11.4 |
|
Tri-Eagle Energy |
Simple Savings 12 |
12 months |
15.8 |
|
Frontier Utilities |
Frontier Budget Saver 12 |
12 months |
16.3 |
|
Veteran Energy |
Secure 12 |
12 months |
16.3 |
|
4Change Energy |
One Rate 24 |
24 months |
16.7 |
|
4Change Energy |
One Rate 12 |
12 months |
16.7 |
|
Gexa Energy |
Gexa Light Saver 12 |
12 months |
17.2 |
|
Frontier Utilities |
Platinum 12+ |
12 months |
18.4 |
|
TXU Energy |
Simple Rate 12 |
12 months |
19.3 |
|
Payless Power |
12 Month – Prepaid |
12 months |
19.3 |
|
Gexa Energy |
Gexa Eco Saver Advantage 12 |
12 months |
21.2 |
Rates are updated daily based on the Oncor service area for the ZIP code 75001. The average rates apply to a home with a monthly usage of 1,000 kWh.
Average Electricity Rates in Arlington
According to current market data, Arlington electricity rates average 17.8 cents per kWh. However, Arlington’s electricity rates can start as low as 10.2 cents per kWh. By comparing providers and plans, you can find electricity rates lower than the statewide average, which is 15.30 cents per kWh, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
What Makes a Good Rate in Arlington?
A competitive electricity rate in Arlington can range from 14 to 18 cents per kWh for standard residential plans. You’ll find cheaper energy prices per kWh, sometimes as low as 9.0 or 10.0 cents per kWh. However, we suggest caution before signing up for such plans. Ultra-cheap rates often come from bill credit plans, which can lead to bill surprises when you don’t qualify for the discounted rate.
The best rates offer competitive pricing and clear contract terms, avoiding gimmicks like bill credits or complex tiers that can lead to surprises. Look for plans with straightforward per-kWh pricing and contract lengths that suit your housing and energy needs.
Factors influencing Arlington’s electricity rates include the strong transmission infrastructure via Oncor Electric Delivery and proximity to natural gas production.
Top Recommended Electricity Companies in Arlington
Arlington receives electricity distribution through Oncor Electric Delivery, the largest transmission and distribution utility (TDU) in Texas, which maintains the power lines and infrastructure serving your home. While Oncor handles delivery, you can choose from over 100 retail electricity providers (REPs) competing for your business in the Arlington market.
To help you narrow down your options, we surveyed 1,600 Texans in deregulated areas to gather firsthand customer information on electricity companies. Based on our review, Green Mountain Energy, Reliant Energy and TXU Energy earn our highest ratings, each scoring 4.9 out of 5 stars or higher.
Our top pick for predictable energy costs is TriEagle Energy, while Gexa Energy, Frontier Utilities and 4Change Energy tie for the lowest advertised rates.
| Provider | Top Recommended Plan | Our Score | PUCT Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Green Mountain Energy |
Pollution Free e-Plus 24 |
4.9 |
4 |
|
Reliant Energy |
Power Savings 12 |
4.9 |
4 |
|
Champion Energy |
Champ Saver-24 |
4.9 |
5 |
|
TXU Energy |
Simple Rate 12 |
4.9 |
5 |
|
TriEagle Energy |
Simple Savings 12 |
4.8 |
3 |
|
Express Energy |
Express 12 |
4.8 |
N/R |
|
4Change Energy |
One Rate 24 |
4.7 |
N/R |
|
Discount Power |
Wise Buy 12 |
4.7 |
2 |
|
Gexa Energy |
Gexa Light Saver 12 |
4.6 |
3 |
|
Direct Energy |
Live Brighter Lite 24 |
4.6 |
4 |
|
Frontier Utilities |
Frontier Budget Saver 24 |
4.5 |
3 |
Understanding Arlington’s Energy Market
Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002, creating competition that benefits Arlington residents with lower rates and better service. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the power grid, ensuring reliable delivery to over 27 million Texans, including Arlington’s more than 400,000 residents.
In Arlington’s market, Oncor Electric Delivery maintains the infrastructure—power lines, transformers, and meters—while retail electricity providers compete to sell electricity. This separation enables you to compare the best rates and services while ensuring reliable power delivery through regulated infrastructure.
ERCOT coordinates supply and demand across Texas, managing the wholesale market where your retail provider purchases power. During peak demand, such as Arlington’s summer heatwaves, ERCOT ensures an adequate electricity supply while wholesale prices fluctuate.
The deregulated system offers Arlington residents significant advantages, including competitive pricing, diverse plan options, and the ability to switch providers without changing their service. You can choose plans based on your priorities: lowest rates, renewable energy, or predictable billing.
How To Choose the Right Electricity Plan
Selecting the right electricity plan for your Arlington home requires evaluating multiple factors beyond the advertised rate, including your household’s energy usage patterns and service preferences. Your choice impacts both your monthly budget and your satisfaction with customer service, billing accuracy, and contract flexibility.
Consider these essential factors when comparing Arlington electricity providers:
- Analyze your monthly usage: Review 12 months of electricity bills to understand your typical consumption patterns. Arlington’s extreme weather variations can create significant usage differences between summer cooling and mild spring and fall months.
- Decode the electricity facts label: Every Texas electricity plan includes a standardized electricity facts label (EFL) showing exact costs at different usage levels, helping you calculate real monthly expenses rather than relying on promotional rates.
- Short-term versus long-term contracts: Different contract lengths may have better rates. However, just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you need to secure a short-term contract. Some long-term contracts may provide discounted rates, while short-term plans may require more proactive energy shopping.
- Research early termination fees (ETFs): Understand cancellation costs if you need to switch providers before your contract expires, especially important given Arlington’s transient population and active housing market.
- Evaluate customer service quality: Look for providers with strong customer satisfaction ratings and reliable digital platforms, as you’ll need support for billing questions, plan changes, and service issues.
- Identify additional fees: Watch for monthly service charges, connection fees or other costs that can significantly impact your total electricity expenses beyond the per-kWh rate.
Types of Electricity Plans
Arlington residents can choose from several electricity plan structures, each designed for different usage patterns and preferences.
- Fixed-rate plans
- Variable-rate plans
- Bill credit plans
- Time-of-use plans
- Green energy plans
- No-deposit plans
Fixed-rate energy plans are typically the best bet for predictable monthly energy costs, but green energy plans and prepaid plans may also meet your needs.
We don’t generally recommend bill credit plans, time-of-use plans or variable-rate, month-to-month plans. These offerings typically have complicated, confusing rate structures that inevitably lead to bill surprises.
That said, many green energy plans come with fixed rates, which helps ensure predictable monthly energy costs. And one provider, Payless Power, offers prepaid, no-deposit plans with fixed pricing, which makes it our top pick for no-deposit lights in Texas.
Business Electricity Rates in Arlington
Commercial electricity rates in Arlington typically range from 8 to 12 cents per kWh, often lower than residential rates due to higher usage volumes and more predictable consumption patterns. According to March data from the EIA, the average commercial energy rate in Texas is 9.0 cents per kWh.
Businesses benefit from additional plan options, including demand charge structures, time-of-use rates, and customized contracts tailored to their specific operational needs.
Arlington’s robust business community, anchored by major employers such as General Motors and the University of Texas at Arlington, fosters a competitive commercial electricity market with providers offering specialized services tailored to different industry sectors. The City of Arlington Economic Development Department provides resources for businesses evaluating energy costs as part of location and expansion decisions.
Making the Switch: How To Change Providers
The best time to switch electricity providers in Arlington is typically during spring or fall when energy demand and rates are most stable, allowing you to avoid peak summer pricing when making your decision. While some providers offer same-day energy service, we recommend scheduling your new energy plan in advance for peace of mind.
Review your current contract carefully before switching, paying attention to ETFs that could offset savings from a new plan. Many Arlington residents find the most savings by switching at contract expiration, though potential savings may justify paying the cancellation charges.
Steps To Switch Providers
- Compare plans in your ZIP code: Use an energy comparison marketplace like Home Energy Club to compare providers, plans and rates in your neighborhood.
- Filter based on your energy needs: From home size to green energy content, you can filter plans based on your usage preferences.
- Sign up for your new plan: Once you’ve selected the plan for your home, signing up takes just a few minutes. Simply provide your information, service address and start date, and your new provider will handle the rest.
Arlington Power Infrastructure and Outages
Oncor Electric Delivery maintains Arlington’s electrical infrastructure, including transmission lines, distribution systems and smart meters that serve residential and commercial customers. During power outages, contact Oncor directly or report outages through their mobile app, as your retail electricity provider cannot restore service or provide outage updates.
Arlington’s power grid has undergone significant weatherization improvements since the February 2021 winter storm, including enhanced equipment protection and improved emergency response protocols. The city works closely with Oncor and ERCOT to ensure grid reliability during extreme weather events that challenge electricity supply and demand across North Texas.
Visit Oncor’s website for real-time outage maps, restoration timelines and emergency preparedness information specific to Arlington neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What company has the cheapest electricity rates in Arlington?
Rates vary constantly based on market conditions and your usage level, but Gexa Energy, 4Change Energy and Frontier Utilities currently offer bill credit plans with rates starting as low as 10.2 cents per kWh. For more predictable monthly energy costs, consider offerings from TriEagle Energy or Rhythm Energy.
What company provides electricity service to Arlington?
Oncor Electric Delivery maintains the power lines and delivers electricity to all Arlington homes and businesses. At the same time, you choose your retail electricity provider from over 100 companies competing in the deregulated market. Your retail provider bills you for electricity usage, while Oncor handles grid maintenance, outages and meter reading.
What’s the best electricity company in Arlington for homeowners?
The best provider depends on your specific needs, usage patterns, and service preferences; however, top-rated companies consistently offer transparent pricing, reliable customer service, and contract terms suitable for Arlington homeowners. The highest-rated providers in our review include TXU Energy, Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy. All three providers scored well for customer satisfaction and retention, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars in our review.
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.