Our Methodology
Transparency is at the core of everything we do. Here's exactly how we source, calculate, and display electricity rates to help you make informed decisions.
1. Data Source: Official PUCT Marketplace
All electricity plan data on Simple Texas Energy comes from the official Texas electricity marketplace regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
- •Official source: State-mandated marketplace for electricity comparison
- •Regulated data: All retail electricity providers must submit accurate rate information
- •Complete coverage: Every licensed REP in Texas is included
We do not receive compensation from electricity providers for placement or rankings. Plans are displayed based on price and user-selected filters only.
2. Update Frequency
Rate Data
Electricity plan rates are refreshed from official sources:
- • Daily updates for active plans
- • Real-time validation when you search
- • Automatic removal of expired plans
TDU Delivery Charges
Transmission and distribution utility rates change on a fixed schedule:
- • March 1 - Spring rate adjustment
- • September 1 - Fall rate adjustment
- • We update within 24 hours of PUCT announcements
3. How We Calculate Rates
The rates shown on our site are all-inclusive prices per kilowatt-hour (kWh), calculated at specific usage levels. This is the actual cost you'll pay, not a teaser rate.
What's Included in Our Rates:
- ✓Energy charges - The provider's rate for electricity generation
- ✓TDU delivery charges - Transmission and distribution fees (Oncor, CenterPoint, etc.)
- ✓Base charges - Fixed monthly fees from the provider
- ✓Bill credits - Usage-based credits factored at the specified usage level
Usage Levels
We display rates at three standard usage levels, matching the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) format:
| Usage Level | Typical Home | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | Small apartment, 1-2 people | Shows impact of fixed fees on low users |
| 1,000 kWh | Average Texas home | Industry standard comparison point |
| 2,000 kWh | Large home, summer months | Shows if plan rewards high usage |
Always compare rates at YOUR actual usage level. Check your past bills to find your average monthly kWh.
4. Understanding TDU/TDSP Areas
Texas has six Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs), also called TDSPs. Your TDU is determined by your physical location and affects your electricity rate because each utility has different delivery charges.
Texas TDU Service Areas
Oncor
Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco, Killeen, Midland
CenterPoint
Houston metro area
AEP Texas Central
Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen
AEP Texas North
Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
Texas-New Mexico Power
Lewisville, Texas City, Galveston
Lubbock Power & Light
Lubbock (joined deregulated market in 2023)
When you enter your ZIP code, we automatically detect your TDU and show only plans available in your area with the correct delivery charges included.Learn more about TDU delivery charges →
5. Editorial Independence
What We Don't Do:
- ✗No paid placements - Providers cannot pay for higher rankings
- ✗No sponsored results - Search results are based on price and filters only
- ✗No hidden fees - We show the all-in rate, not teaser prices
- ✗No data selling - We don't sell your personal information to providers
6. How We Make Money
Simple Texas Energy may earn a commission when you sign up for an electricity plan through our site. This is how we keep our service free for consumers.
Important: Commissions do not affect plan rankings or the rates you see. You pay the same rate whether you sign up through us or directly with the provider.
We believe in full transparency. If a provider offers us a higher commission, that does NOT move their plans higher in our results. Price and your selected filters are the only factors that determine ranking.
7. Limitations
While we strive for accuracy, there are some limitations to our data:
- •Marketplace listings only: We show plans listed on the official Texas electricity marketplace. Some providers may have additional plans on their websites that aren't listed publicly.
- •Residential only: We currently focus on residential electricity plans. Commercial and industrial rates are not included.
- •Rate changes: Providers can update their rates at any time. Always verify the current rate on the provider's website before signing up.
- •Promotional offers: Some time-limited promotions may not be reflected in our database immediately.
Questions About Our Data?
If you notice a discrepancy between our rates and a provider's website, or have questions about our methodology, we want to hear from you.
Contact Us