Lowest Rates by Area Right Now
These figures come straight from current plan data, not a fixed snapshot — they update automatically through the summer instead of going stale.
| Area | Lowest Rate | Average Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth (Oncor) | 12.0¢/kWh | 13.83¢/kWh | View Dallas-Fort Worth rates → |
| Houston (CenterPoint) | 11.1¢/kWh | 12.94¢/kWh | View Houston rates → |
| Corpus Christi (AEP Texas Central) | 11.6¢/kWh | 13.48¢/kWh | View Corpus Christi rates → |
"Lowest Rate" excludes plans with minimum usage fees, time-of-use pricing, or bill-credit structures, so it reflects a rate you could realistically get on a straightforward plan — not a teaser rate. See our guide to minimum usage fees for why that filter matters.
Why Summer Rates Are Higher
Texas summers push the ERCOT grid to its highest demand of the year. Air conditioners across the state run nearly constantly through 100°F+ days, and that demand surge drives up wholesale electricity prices — costs that show up in both variable-rate plans (directly and immediately) and new fixed-rate plans priced during summer months (baked into the rate at signup).
The pattern, year after year
Rates typically bottom out in spring (April-May) before summer demand kicks in, then climb through June-August, and ease off again in fall. If you're shopping mid-summer, you likely won't catch the cheapest pricing of the year — but comparing current rates still finds meaningful savings over doing nothing and rolling onto a month-to-month rate.
Fixed or Variable Rate During Summer?
For most households, a fixed-rate plan is the safer choice during summer. Your per-kWh rate stays locked for the contract term regardless of how high wholesale prices spike during a heat wave. Variable-rate plans can look attractive in mild months but carry real risk of a sharp price jump exactly when your AC usage — and your total bill — is already at its highest.
If you're on a variable-rate or month-to-month plan right now, summer is the highest-stakes time of year to switch to something predictable.
Find Your Rate Before the Next Heat Wave
Enter your ZIP code to compare current plans in your area — filtered to exclude teaser rates and gimmick fees.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Texas electricity rates higher in summer?
Summer demand on the ERCOT grid spikes as air conditioners run nearly constantly through 100°F+ days, pushing wholesale power prices up. Variable-rate plans pass that cost through directly, and even fixed-rate plans priced during summer tend to be higher than plans locked in during spring or fall.
Is it too late to get a good rate once summer has started?
No — rates fluctuate throughout the summer, not just at its start. Comparing current rates by ZIP code still finds real savings even in July or August; you just won't catch the lowest pre-summer pricing that's typically available in April and May.
Should I lock in a fixed rate or go variable during summer?
For most households, a fixed-rate plan is the safer choice during summer. Variable-rate plans can spike sharply during heat waves when wholesale prices surge, while a fixed rate protects you from that volatility for the length of your contract.