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Best No Gimmick Fixed Rate Electricity Plans

Do You Want a No Gimmick Fixed Rate?

Learn how no gimmick fixed rate plans may save you more depending on your yearly usuage habits.

A no gimmick fixed rate plan can make it easier to understand your electric company bill. Instead of tracking bill credits or usage tiers, you simply pay the advertised energy rate plus delivery charges. Since Oncor delivers power across much of North Texas, customers in its service area have many fixed rate plans to choose from. The key, then, is just finding one with a low price and features that fit your needs.

Many shoppers focus on the cheapest electricity advertised rate. However, that number does not always tell the whole story. Some plans include bill credits that only apply at certain usage levels. Others have pricing tiers that make your bill change from month to month. But, a true fixed rate plan avoids those surprises and gives you more predictable costs.

Why Fixed Rate Plans Are Easier To Understand

A fixed rate plan keeps the energy charge the same throughout your contract. Your monthly bill will still change as you use more or less power, but the price for each kilowatt-hour stays steady. That makes it easier to estimate your monthly costs.

Every customer in the Oncor service area also pays the same regulated delivery charges. Those transmission and delivery charges are set by regulators, not by your retail electricity provider. Because of that, the biggest difference between fixed rate plans is usually the energy charge and any extra rewards.

Five Cheapest No Gimmick Fixed Rate Plans

Champion Energy Services has two of the cheapest no gimmick fixed rate plans. Both boast rates of 13.0 cents per kWh. Although the EV Saver-12 plan appeals to electric vehicle owners, both plans have essentially the same contract terms. You don’t need an EV to enjoy this company’s low rates.

APG&E, Chariot Energy, and Energy Texas all have fixed rate plans with rates of 13.6 cents. So, you have plenty of options with competitive pricing.

Price matters, but it should not be your only consideration. A slightly higher energy rate may come with rewards that save you money over the life of the contract. At the same time, a plan without extra perks may still be the better choice if you simply want a predictable monthly bill.

Right now, Energy Texas has a highly rewarding referral program. When you get a friend to sign up, they give you rewards points equivalent to $100. Most competitors offer $50 per referral. So, their slightly higher price may be worth it for social butterflies.

Choose The Plan That Fits Your Home

A no gimmick fixed rate plan is a good choice for people who want simple pricing and fewer surprises. The plans show you how the energy charge works, and you do not have to adjust your usage to earn bill credits or reach pricing tiers. The best electricity plan depends on your home, your usage, and the features you value most. Compare plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

El Niño Alert! Shop the Five Cheapest 12 Month Electric Plans in Ft. Worth

Are You Ready For The El Niño?

El Niño is here! Learn what to look out for with Texas bill credit plans and how you can save more on your energy bills.

An El Niño alert could affect more than just the weather this winter. It could also affect your Texas electricity bill. Many of the cheapest 12-month plans in Fort Worth offer large bill credits once you use 1,000 kWh in a month. Since Oncor delivers power across the area, many customers can choose from these plans. However, if a mild winter keeps your usage below that mark, those savings could disappear.

El Niño and Your Winter Usage

Texas often sees cooler and wetter weather during El Niño years. However, every El Niño is different. The powerful 2015–2016 "Godzilla El Niño” brought above-average temps to much of Texas along with heavy rainfall and flooding. Some experts say this year's event will become another very strong El Niño, making it harder to predict exactly how winter will unfold.

Texas electricity use usually drops during late fall and again from February into early spring. Heating needs often stay low, while air conditioners remain off. As a result, many homes struggle to reach 1,000 kWh during these months.

That matters because many electric provider bill-credit plans depend on you hitting that usage level. Missing the target by a single kWh can increase your monthly bill by much more than most people expect. A plan that looks like a bargain during the summer may become one of the most expensive choices during a mild winter.

Five Cheapest 12 Month Electric Plans

The five cheapest 12 month electric plans have similar pricing structures. Each offers a low rate but all come with a $125 bill credit at 1,000 kWh.

Advertised Rate per 1,000 kWh After Bill CreditEnergy Charge per 1,000 kWh Before Bill CreditAPG&E7.1 cents13.074 centsChariot Energy7.2 cents13.22 cents4Change Energy7.7 cents13.7140 centsCompanion Energy7.7 cents13.7140 centsFrontier Utilities7.7 cents13.7140 cents

Bill-credit plans can work well for homes with steady power use. However, they are not the best choice for everyone. If your monthly usage changes with the seasons, it pays to look beyond the advertised rate. So, before signing up, review your past electric bills. If your home often uses less than 1,000 kWh during the winter, a simple fixed-rate plan without bill credits could save you more over the full year. In this case, you'll see that the lowest advertised price is not always the lowest annual cost.

With these five cheapest Fort Worth plans, you pay the full energy charge for each kWh below the 1,000 kWh level. Let’s say you miss out on the bill credit one month by using 950 kWh. You’ll spend about $10.50 less for the energy, but you’ll also miss out on $125 getting knocked off your bill. So, your 950 kWh bill is about $115 higher than your 1,000 kWh bill would have been.

So, before you lock in that 12-month contract, make sure bill credits are right for your situation.

Shop With Your Usage In Mind

An El Niño alert is another reminder that weather can change your power bill in unexpected ways. If this winter turns out to be warmer than normal, your monthly usage could stay below the bill-credit threshold for several months. So choosing a plan based only on summer usage may cost you more when cooler weather arrives.

The best electricity plan is the one that matches how your home actually uses power throughout the year. Compare plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

The Texas Data Center Boom Round Up

What’s Happening With The Texas Data Center Boom?

Texas consumers are worrying what 248 new data centers could do future electricity rates.

The Texas data center boom is changing the state’s power needs at a rapid pace. These large computer facilities need huge amounts of power to run AI, cloud services, and other tech. An energy comparison shows just how large these projects can be, with some proposed sites needing as much power as millions of homes. At the same time, more Texans are asking if the benefits outweigh the costs.

Texas has become a top location for data centers because of available land, business growth, and access to power. However, the rapid growth has created new concerns about electric rates, water use, and the impact on local folks.

Texas Data Centers Are Growing Fast

At least 248 new projects are planned across Texas. If many of these data center projects move forward, they could greatly increase demand on the ERCOT grid. ERCOT estimates long-term demand could rise from the 2023 peak of about 85,508 MW to 367,790 MW by 2032 if proposed large-load projects move ahead.

Data centers are different from most large power users because they need steady, reliable power around the clock. That creates challenges for the grid, especially during hot Texas summers when customers already use more power.

Some projects are much larger than usual data centers. One proposed campus near Amarillo could need up to 11,200 MW of power. That is enough to serve millions of homes. It would be one of the largest power users in the country.

Why Texans Are Raising Concerns

While many leaders see data centers bringing in more jobs and investment, some towns are pushing back. Texans have raised concerns about higher power costs, water use, and environmental effects.

The biggest concern for many folks is how new demand could affect power prices. Building more power plants and power lines costs money. And those costs can eventually affect customer electric company bills if utilities need to expand the system.

New Rules Could Change The Boom

Texas regulators are now looking at new rules for large power users. One issue is whether data centers with their own power supply should be required to cut operations and supply the grid during emergencies.

Supporters say these rules could protect the grid during tight conditions. But, stricter rules may make some companies rethink big projects that bring in billions to Texas. So, finding a balance will not be easy.

What Comes Next For Texas Power

The Texas data center boom will likely look different a year from now. ERCOT and state regulators are still deciding how to manage large loads. New rules could change how projects connect to the grid, how much backup power they need, and how they operate during peak demand. A year from now, elected officials, bureaucrats, data center builders, and power retailers may still be tussling and horse trading over the finer points of rules.

For Texans, the key question is whether the state can add new demand without putting too much pressure on power prices and reliability. Make sure your home is ready for the future. Compare plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Keep Cool Under Summer Heat Domes with These 9 Chill Tips

Can You Cool Off Under Summer Heat Domes?

Don't the next Texas heat dome burn up your wallet. Check out our 9 tips to help you chill this summer and save!

Summer heat domes could make this one of the hottest summers in years. NOAA expects above-normal temperatures across much of the country. And that could mean higher cooling bills and more stress on the grid. As Texas power demand climbs, simple steps at home can help you stay cool while lowering your energy costs. Here are nine practical ways to beat the heat without breaking your budget.

Understand Heat Domes And Block The Heat

Before you can keep your home cool, it helps to know why summer heat domes make Texas feel so miserable. Keeping heat out of your home becomes just as important as cooling it down.

How Heat Domes Work. A heat dome forms when strong high pressure traps hot, dry air over one area for days or even weeks. As a result, temps stay high, and nights do not cool off as much.

Keep Sunlight Out. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day. Direct sunlight can quickly warm your home and force your HVAC system to run longer.

Help Your Air Conditioner Work Smarter

Your air conditioner does most of the work during extreme heat. However, a few simple changes can help it cool your home while using Texas electricity.

Raise The Thermostat When You're Away. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when no one is home. Then, lower it when you return, if needed.

Use Ceiling Fans. Fans help people feel cooler by moving air across the skin. That lets many people stay comfortable at a higher thermostat setting.

Replace Dirty Air Filters. A clean filter improves airflow and helps your HVAC system run more efficiently.

Seal Air Leaks. Check around doors and windows for gaps where cool air can escape. Weatherstripping and caulk are cheap ways to improve efficiency.

Reduce Heat Inside Your Home

Your appliances can make the house hotter during summer heat domes. The following simple habits reduce extra indoor heat and can also lower the bill from your electric company.

Cook Without The Oven. Use a microwave, air fryer, slow cooker, or outdoor grill whenever possible.

Run Large Appliances at Night. Big appliances, like dishwashers and clothes dryers use a lot of heat. Run them a hour after sunset when outdoor temps begin to fall.

Protect Yourself During Extreme Heat

9. Stay Hydrated And Know When To Cool Off Elsewhere. Drink water throughout the day, wear light clothing, and avoid hard outdoor work during the hottest hours. If your home becomes too warm, spend time at a library, shopping center, or community cooling center until the weather improves.

Small Changes Can Add Up

No single tip will cool off summer heat domes, but several small changes can make a real difference. Together, these habits can help keep your home cooler, reduce strain on the Texas grid, and lower your monthly power bill. With that in mind, be sure to compare plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Lock in the Cheapest Monthly Electric Bill in Houston

Do You Want Houston’s Cheapest Monthly Electric Bill?

Shop Houston electric plans with the lowest monthly bill to make your your budget stretch further.

You don’t have to be Ebenezer Scrooge to want a good bargain. Being in the Bayou City, you want the cheapest monthly electric bill in Houston. Of course, you do! Right now, the plans with the cheapest bills are remarkably similar. They’re all bill credit plans. With these, your electric provider knocks off a huge chunk of the cost once you reach a certain usage. They’re available in a wide range of contract lengths, so you can choose the one that suits your needs.

Three Plans From APG&E

With dozens of plans to pick from, it is rare when one retailer has three of the best plans for the cheapest monthly electric bill. But that’s exactly where APG&E stands. Their Simple Saver Smart Credit plans come in 12-, 13-, and 24-month varieties. Each one offers a bill credit of $125 at 1,000 kWh of usage. The plans’ average bills work out to between $145 and $149. The primary difference among the plans is that the retailer’s energy charge ticks up slightly as the plans get longer. The 12-month plan has a $150 early termination fee while the others have it at $250.

Taking the 13-month plan could be a great strategic move. Sign up for it now, and choose your plan next year when prices tend to come down in the fall. You pay a little more now for a better chance to save a lot next year.

Chariot Energy’s Big Winners

The next cheapest average bills are from Chariot Energy. Like the other plans, the GridPlus 12 and GridPlus 13 boast a bill of $147 at 1,000 kWh. The early termination fee works differently. You pay $15 for each month left in your contract. After a couple of months, this works out to a lower fee than the plans outlined above. Like the other plans, the 13-month plan is a better long-term play.

4Change Energy’s 12-Month Plan

4Change Energy rounds out the top plans with the cheapest monthly electric bill. Their Maxx Saver Value 12 plan offers the same bill credit as the others. And with an average bill of $149, it compares well to the other cheapest plans. Its early termination fee is $20 for each month remaining on the contract, so it gives you good flexibility at a decent price.

Bill Credits For Monthly Bill Savings

Bill credits can be a great tool for saving on your electric bill. But make sure your home’s normal usage always reaches the bill credit’s threshold. With these plans, that is 1,000 kWh per month. If that doesn’t work for you, peruse more Houston plans at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates/texas/houston. You can find just the right plan for your home.

How Hot Will It Get This Houston Summer?

Will This Houston Summer Be Scorching?

Learn how extreme heat in Houston this summer affects your electricity bills and could strain the Texas grid as never before.

This Houston summer could bring extreme heat and high power demand. That mix puts stress on the grid, especially during long hot nights. During this Houston summer, demand is expected to stay high for long stretches. At the same time, CenterPoint is working on upgrades to improve grid strength before peak season.

Forecasts point to a hot summer, even if major hurricanes stay limited. El Niño may reduce storm activity in the Atlantic, but it does not reduce heat risk. Instead, Houston faces steady demand from air conditioning across the region. That high Texas power demand often stays high overnight, not just during the day.

New Poles And Grid Upgrades

CenterPoint has started a resiliency upgrade program focused on stronger poles and newer equipment. The goal is to reduce outages and improve grid reliability. Crews are replacing aging poles with stronger designs built to handle wind and flooding.

These upgrades matter because Houston’s grid faces both storms and heat. Even if hurricanes are weaker this year, steady demand can still strain the system. As a result, infrastructure work is only one part of the solution.

Rising Summer Heat And Rising Houston Demand

Studies show Texas nights are getting warmer. This makes it harder for homes and buildings to cool at night. This keeps air conditioners running longer and raises overnight demand. During this Houston summer, that means less recovery time for the grid between peaks.

In addition, large power users like data centers continue to add demand. As more load comes online, the gap between supply and demand can shrink. Some experts warn that long heat waves could create tight conditions and higher prices on the grid.

Will The Grid Hold Up?

ERCOT and utilities have added more solar and battery storage in recent years. These resources help during peak daytime demand and short spikes. However, they do not fully solve long periods of high overnight usage.

CenterPoint’s upgrades help reduce outage risk on local lines, but they do not add new power supply. That means reliability still depends on how much power ERCOT can deliver during extreme heat. If demand stays high for too long, tight conditions can still occur.

What This Means For Houston Residents

For residents, this Houston summer will come down to managing usage during peak hours. Even with stronger poles and grid upgrades, heat remains the main driver of stress on the system. Planning usage can help avoid high-cost periods during tight grid conditions. It can also help keep your bills lower.

If you are shopping for power plans in Texas, it still makes sense to compare options based on your usage and price needs. You can review current plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

What Are VPPs and How Do They Work in ERCOT?

How Do VPPs Work?

Learn how Texas homeowners with solar and EVs can band together to form VPPs and sell their excess electricity to help power the Texas grid..

VPPs are becoming a bigger part of the Texas power market. Short for “virtual power plants,” VPPs group many small power resources into one larger system. These can include rooftop solar, home batteries, and electric vehicles. Some light companies now use VPP programs to help manage demand during peak hours.

Instead of building a new power plant, a VPP links many small devices through software. This aggregated power system can cut demand or send stored power back to the grid when ERCOT needs support. In simple terms, it turns many small home systems into a shared grid resource.

How VPPs Work In ERCOT

A virtual power plant does not make power on its own. Instead, it coordinates power from many homes and businesses. For example, a home with solar and a battery may allow a VPP operator to use its stored power during peak demand.

When many homes take part in a VPP, those small actions add up. In this way, a VPP can act like a real power plant by supplying power or lowering demand when the grid is tight. As Texas adds more solar, batteries, and electric vehicles, VPPs could play a larger role in ERCOT’s system.

Challenges For Homeowners

VPPs can help homeowners, but they also bring tradeoffs. Homeowners who own solar panels and batteries may earn bill credits or payments. However, they may also lose some control over when their battery power is used. During extreme demand, their energy may be sent to the grid instead of being saved for later use.

Some homeowners also gain less if they lease systems or join third-party programs. In those cases, the provider often controls the equipment and keeps most of the benefit. Homeowners may still see lower bills, but their control is reduced.

Cost is another challenge. Solar and battery systems require a large upfront investment. Incentives can help, but not every home is a good fit.

Do VPPs Really Help The Grid?

Supporters say VPPs can help ERCOT during peak demand. When thousands of devices respond at once, they can reduce stress on the grid. This matters most during hot summer afternoons when power use spikes.

Still, VPPs are not a replacement for large power plants. Their impact depends on customer participation, weather, and battery supply. If fewer homes join, the effect is smaller.

Even so, VPPs give ERCOT another tool to manage the grid. As more Texans install solar and batteries, they will likely become more useful.

What This Means For Texas Energy Customers

For Texas energy customers, VPPs are one more way the grid is changing. These programs give some homeowners a chance to use solar, batteries, and EV charging in a more active way. In some cases, they can earn credits or payments during peak demand.

However, VPPs are not the same as choosing a power plan. Most customers still pick plans based on price, terms, and usage. If you are shopping for electricity in Texas, it still makes sense to compare plans based on your usage and price needs. You can review current plans and rates here: https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Batch Zero Study Outcome

What Happened With The Batch Zero Study?

Find out what ERCOT plans for large load requests in the wake of its Batch Zero study.

The Batch Zero study was ERCOT's response to a growing wave of requests from data centers, crypto mining sites, and other large power users. Over the last few years, firms have rushed to connect new facilities to the Texas grid. As a result, ERCOT needed a faster way to review projects and plan for future Texas power demand. The findings from the Batch Zero study are now shaping a new process for handling large power requests. They also could someday impact cheap electricity across Texas.

Why ERCOT Created The Batch Zero Study

Before the Batch Zero study, ERCOT reviewed large load requests one at a time. That way worked when only a small number of projects entered the queue each year. However, the growth of AI data centers and other large facilities quickly overwhelmed the process. In some cases, dozens of new requests arrived in a single quarter.

ERCOT started this study to score as many projects as it could all at once instead of studying each one separately. This gave planners a better view of how future demand could affect the grid. It also helped identify ways to reduce delays and improve efficiency.

Why ERCOT Adopted The Findings

The biggest takeaway from the Batch Zero study was that the old process could no longer keep pace with demand. Reviewing projects one by one created a growing backlog. But while projects are unique, many share similar factors. So, this forced ERCOT to repeat studies for similar projects whenever new connection requests came in. As a result, project timelines became harder to predict.

After putting in a lot of work, no one wants to go back to stage one. So, ERCOT made a better way.

What This Study Means For The Grid

Batch Zero does not change ERCOT's criteria for approving new projects. All that remains the same. Instead, ERCOT changes how it studies large load requests. By reviewing projects in groups, planners can better prepare for future power lines, substations, and other grid needs. This cuts repeating studies and helps planners see the big picture.

What Happens Next?

The Batch Zero study was designed to help ERCOT plan for rapid growth more efficiently. ERCOT now plans to expand the batch study model to use as the foundation for future large load reviews. A smoother review process can help the grid keep pace with demand while supporting reliability across Texas. For consumers, it could mean stable pricing and, hopefully, lower rates to power Texas homes.

To power your home, compare plans and rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electric-rates.

Shop Best EV Charging Plans in Dallas

Which EV Charging Plans Are Best For Dallas?

Find out how to get the most from EV charging plans and save more on your Dallas electricity bills!

Because of rising fuel costs, more people are shifting to electric vehicles. For Dallas drivers, EV charging plans can help them cut charging costs by doing it late at night. In the Oncor area, several retail power providers now offer plans built around time-of-use pricing. These plans offer you very low overnight rates. In turn, they charge higher day time prices. So, it’s a simple tradeoff.

This setup works well for many EV owners. Most of them charge their cars overnight anyway. However, EV charging plans are not always the cheapest option for every home. In fact, some plans work best for heavy night charging. Others can lead to higher daytime costs if you use a lot of power during peak hours. So, knowing your home’s needs is key.

Champion EV Saver-12

The Champion Energy Services EV Saver-12 plan currently ranks among the lower-priced EV charging plans in Dallas. Rates run about 13.0¢ to 13.6¢ per kWh depending on usage. This plan works best for drivers who charge mostly at night and want a lower overall rate structure.

One positive is the lower average price compared to other EV plans. However, families still must mind their day time usage. If your home uses a lot of power during expensive hours, savings can shrink quickly.

TXU Free Nights & Solar Days

The TXU Energy Free Nights & Solar Days plan takes a different approach. Instead of slightly cheaper nighttime power, the plan boasts free night usage during set hours. This also lets EV owners who charge every night to shift their laundry or dishwasher usages into free periods. However, daytime prices run much higher than standard fixed-rate plans. That means folks who cannot move enough usage to dark hours could end up paying more overall.

Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power

The Twelve Hour Power plan from Direct Energy gives homes a long overnight discount window. However, the advertised rates are still much higher than many competing EV charging plans in Dallas.

Because of this, the plan may work best for households with very high overnight power use. Drivers who charge large cars overnight every day could benefit more than casual EV users. Still, power users should carefully review the plan's electricity facts label before signing up because daytime pricing can become costly.

Free Weekend Plans And Other Options

Some Dallas drivers may also consider plans like Champion Free Weekends-24. While not designed only for EV owners, weekend free-power periods can still help lower charging costs on weekends.

Other providers now offer flexible EV charging plans with bill credits, free charging periods, or lower overnight rates. As more EVs hit Texas roads, power retailers will likely continue building new plans aimed at EV owners.

Which EV Charging Plans Work Best?

The best EV charging plans depend heavily on your schedule and charging habits. Drivers who charge every night after work may benefit from free-night plans. Meanwhile, customers with more balanced power use may prefer lower flat overnight pricing instead of highly variable daytime rates. No matter which setup you choose, compare total costs carefully before signing up. Shop carefully and compare Dallas plans here: http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Save on Houston High Use Home Electricity Rates

Which Plan Is Good For Houston High Use Homes?

Understanding Houston bill credits for high use homes can help you save more when combined with the right electric plan.

Big homes come with big power usage. But just because your home uses a lot of power, your bill doesn’t have to be out of control. Texas power companies have a wide range of plan offerings for Houston high use homes. Sorting through them can usually be confusing. But now for something completely different! We've sorted out the three best 12-month plans right here for your consideration.

To Bill Credit Or Not To Bill Credit

Two of the three best 12-month plans for Houston high use families include bill credits. The Power Maxx Saver 12 plan from 4Change Energy boasts an average bill of $253. Its $100 bill credit kicks in at 2,000 kWh of usage which makes it optimal for mansions in River Oaks and West University Place.

But watch out for missing the bill credit window! If you use 1,500 kWh, your bill is actually about $21 higher than if you use 2,000 kWh. And this demonstrates the power of the bill credit.

The Cirro Energy Bill Bonus Saver 12 plan has a similar set-up. The average bill is $258. And when you fiddle with the usage amounts, you get an even more stark picture. This plan’s 1,500 kWh bill is $59 higher than the 2,000 bill. The moral of the story: make sure your usage consistently reaches a plan’s bill credit target before you sign up.

A Simple Houston High Use Plan

As Monty Python often said, now for something completely different. The EV Saver-12 plan from Champion Energy Services is designed for electric car owners. But having a Tesla or Prius in your driveway isn’t mandatory. The plan offers a reduced rate in the overnight hours when most EV owners charge their vehicles.

The plan’s average bill comes in at $256 which is the amount of a bill at precisely 2,000 kWh. The distinction with this plan is there are no bill credits. The plan assumes a 70/30 split between daytime and overnight usage. Unlike other plans, your bill actually falls when you use 1,500 kWh … by about $63.

Your Power Choice

Ultimately, the decision about your home’s power is yours to make. And you can find the best information right here at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electric-rates. Compare plans side-by-side using the most important information. Plus, read reviews from real customers from across Texas so you’re confident in the final selection for your Houston high use home.

Solar Power's Star to Shine in Texas This Summer

Will Solar Power Boom in Texas This Summer?

Output from solar power projects in Texas will out pace power from coal fired generators this summer. But, will it keep your bills lower?

Texas could see a major jump in solar power production this summer as new projects come online. ERCOT expects strong demand during another hot season, which means Texas will need every available source of power. As a result, solar power could help keep prices low among light companies during high demand.

New forecasts show solar power output in Texas could pass coal this year. However, solar still trails wind and natural gas by a wide margin. Even so, growth continues quickly as developers build large solar farms across Texas. So, what's behind this jump in building solar plants?

Why Solar Power Is Passing Coal

The biggest reason for building more solar power comes down to cost. In many cases, companies can now build and run solar projects for less money than it takes to keep older coal plants running. Coal plants also face rising fuel costs, higher repair costs, and costly air quality upgrades as they age.

So, Texas keeps adding new solar farms at a rapid pace. Developers build these projects because solar panels cost far less than they did just a few years ago. In addition, crews can build solar farms faster than large fossil fuel plants. This helps Texas add more power sooner.

Timing plays into this, as well. Solar power makes the most energy during hot sunny afternoons. That also happens to be when Texas power demand peaks. This gives solar an important role during summer heat waves when cooling systems put extra strain on the grid. That means solar could save your home from blackouts!

Batteries Are Changing The Solar Story

Battery storage also helps solar power grow faster across Texas. Large battery energy storage systems, often called BESS, store extra power made during the day. They then send it back to the grid later in the evening after sunset when demand rises. Because of this, solar projects can support the grid long after the sun goes down.

This solar-plus-storage setup is becoming more common across Texas. Builders now pair batteries with many new solar farms to improve grid support and increase the value of each project. As more battery projects come online, solar power could take on a larger role during evening demand spikes.

Texas Still Debates Solar

Even with rapid growth, solar power still faces political debates. Some state lawmakers argue that natural gas plants provide more dependable power during extreme weather and high demand. As a result, many state leaders still support new gas-fired plants alongside green growth. Gas-fired plants are better in emergencies; green projects are better for the power mix.

Still, solar power keeps growing because the economics keep improving. And without fuel costs, they help keep electricity prices low. But, power demand across Texas keeps rising, so more projects are coming online and more batteries are being added. That means solar will likely remain a major part of the state’s future power mix.

For consumers, growing solar power could help keep grid prices stable. And stable pricing give consumers more choices when they shop Texas light companies. And it's already working! Just compare plans and rates at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Smoked Dessert Treats to Sweeten Your Memorial Day and Save Energy!

Will You Celebrate With Smoked Dessert?

Keep your Texas home cooler this Memorial Day weekend with a home-made smoked apple pie or cheese cake dessert! Check out these drool-worthy ideas!

Memorial Day is a great time to fire up the smoker, enjoy good food, and spend time outside. With Texas power demand rising during warmer months, many people also look for ways to cook without heating up the kitchen. That is where a smoked dessert can be a fun twist. Instead of turning on the oven, you can use your smoker for sweet treats that still bring big flavor.

Why Smoked Dessert Works So Well

A smoked dessert works because low, steady heat adds flavor without drying out food. This is because the smoke gives a rich taste you cannot get from a regular oven. It also keeps the kitchen cool, which matters during hot summer days when cooling systems already work hard and Texas electricity rates are surging.

Smoking can also use less home power than baking. A standard oven may use around 2,000 to 5,000 watts per hour. A pellet smoker often uses far less electricity, especially once it is running steady heat. And drum and off-set smokers don’t use any electric power at all! That means a smoked dessert can be a small way to reduce home energy use.

Smoked Apple Pie and Smoked Peach Cobbler

Two of the best smoked dessert options are apple pie and peach cobbler. Both hold up well to low heat and pick up a light smoky flavor that blends with fruit and sugar.

Smoked apple pie turns soft and rich, with a warm crust and deeper fruit taste. Smoked peach cobbler brings a juicy, caramel-like finish that works great with ice cream. Both desserts feel familiar, but the smoker adds a new twist that makes them stand out.

These classics also show how flexible a smoked dessert can be. You do not need fancy tools or special recipes, just steady heat and time.

Smoked Brownies and Smoked Cheesecake

If you want something richer, brownies are another easy win. The smoke adds a deeper chocolate flavor, almost like a campfire version of a bakery treat. They stay moist and pick up just enough smoke without turning bitter.

Smoked cheesecake is another decadent option. It cooks low and slow, which fits the smoker well. The result is a creamy texture with a light smoky edge that surprises most first-time tasters.

Both options show how a smoked dessert can go beyond fruit and into richer, heavier sweets.

Smoked Cream Cheese and Simple Energy Wins

For something simple, smoked cream cheese works well as both a sweet or savory bite. You can top it with honey, fruit, or cinnamon sugar for a quick dessert-style dip. It is also one of the easiest items to make on a smoker with almost no prep. For a savory version, just score the top of the block and apply your favorite barbecue rub on all sides.

Overall, a smoked dessert is not just about flavor. For families, it's an easy way to enjoy something different and still end the meal on a sweet note. It can also help reduce oven use during hot months when home cooling matters most. While it will not change the whole Texas power grid, every small bit of lower home energy use helps you save more. And so does the best power plan at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electric-rates.

Best Small Home Electric Rate Deals in Houston

Who Has Small Home Electric Deals?

Learn the important features to shop for to get the best low electric usage deal for your small home in Houston.

In “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” each bear has items appropriate to their needs. The Great Big Bear didn’t sleep in the Little Wee Bear’s bed. Rather, the porridge, chairs, and beds matched each bear. In the same way, your two-bedroom bungalow or one-bedroom apartment shouldn’t have an electricity plan built for a mansion. The good news is that each plan in the Texas deregulated market has a target customer in mind. The tricky part is that you need to find the plan that best matches your needs. Fortunately, retail electric providers are in hot competition for Houston customers in small homes.

Low Rates and Low Bills

When you think of a small home’s usage, a good figure to work with is 750 kWh per billing cycle. If you’ve been in your home for a year or more, use your home’s average usage instead. But for the sake of argument, we’ll use 750 kWh.

Right now, the lowest rate and lowest bill both come from a 15-month plan from BKV Energy. At 13.1 cents per kWh and a $98 average bill, it looks like you can’t go wrong. However, there’s one important factor you might not notice at first glance. But once you do notice it, you can see it staring you in the face. The plan’s 15-month length means you’ll shop for a new plan in August 2027, right when prices tend to be at their highest.

So, you may want to look at other plans with low rates like 12-month plans from Rhythm and Constellation. They offer rates at 13.3 cents. Or, you can check out plans with low average bills like 12-month plans from Energy Texas and Champion. They have average bills of $100. BKV Energy has a 12-month plan very similar to these, as well.

Therefore, the competition is tight among plans beneficial for small homes. It is hard to go wrong when rates and prices are so close among competing providers. Compare electric companies using real customer reviews to see how your neighbors like doing business with them. These real experiences could sway your decision when choosing among similar plans.

Just Right For Small Home Electric

If you’re in the market for a new power plan, find your “just right” plan at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates. All the information is at your fingertips to tell which plans make sense for your needs. With a few clicks and a small bit of information, you can set up your new electric plan in just a few minutes.

Best High Usage 2 Year Electric Rates in Dallas

What Are Dallas’s Best High Usage Rates?

High electricity usage homes in Dallas also need plans that fit their needs while saving money. Find out the right ones and which ones to avoid.

Big Dallas hairstyles may have come and gone, but J.R. Ewing’s hometown has plenty of big houses. They’re not just confined to ritzy areas like Highland Park and Westover Hills. You can find them all over the Metroplex. And with those large homes come sizable energy usage. If your home has 3, 4, or more bedrooms, you should shop for the best high usage electricity plans in Dallas. To make it even better, lock in your price for two years to skip shopping next year.

Best High Usage Plans For 2 Years

Your cookie cutter McMansion or sprawling ranch style home probably has 2,000+ square feet and more than one air conditioner. To heat and cool such a home requires a lot of power. So, finding the right plan can save you a lot of money.

The table below outlines the five cheapest 2 year plans for homes using more than 2,000 kWh per month.

PlanTermRateAvg. BillBill CreditETFBKV Energy Lantana 2424 months13.8 cents$275None$20 x Months RemainingCirro Energy Bill Bonus Saver 2424 months11.9 cents$278$150 @ 2,000 kWh$295BKV Energy Lantana Green 2424 months14.0 cents$275None$20 x Months RemainingChampion Champ Saver-2424 months14.0 cents$280None$250Chariot Energy Solarize 2424 months14.0 cents$280None$15 x Months Remaining

Fixed Rate Power

Firstly, most of the best high usage plans do not include bill credits. As a result, your bill rises and falls in proportion to your usage. In turn, this translates to high Safe-Rate™ scores for these plans. These plans deliver on the promise of predictable power bills.

However, you may want a bill credit plan if your home’s usage always lands above the 2,000 kWh threshold. For example, do you have a pool? Air conditioned out buildings? A two-story living room with abundant natural light? If so, your usage might be massive and warrant signing up for a bill credit plan. For this reason, you'll want to check your home’s past bills to see for sure.

Lastly, beware that if your home’s usage falls below the mark, that advertised rate won’t be what you pay on a bill credit plan. Your real rate could be several cents higher resulting in a bill hundreds of dollars more than you expect. Some consumers prefer predictability over stalking the electric meter at the end of each billing cycle.

Select What Works For You

Choices among power plans give you opportunities to save money. Bill credits or not, you have plenty of solid options at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates. Review your options and make an informed choice on your next electric contract.

Who Has the Best Electricity Rate Deals in Texas?

Which Electricity Rate Deals Are Best?

Learn which Dallas and Houston electricity plans offer the best rate deals to save more this summer and beyond!

When you pay for something month after month, you want to get a good deal. Every time HBO or Netflix raises its rates, people grumble. And when you think about it, your electric provider offers a subscription service, too. So, you want to find the best electricity rate deals that make sense month after month.

Usually, April shouldn't have high electric bills, but you've probably started to run your AC system already. Springtime is here, but the dog days of August are just around the corner. Therefore, you should lock in a fixed rate plan before prices tick up with the outdoor temps.

Deals are available, but prices won’t be this low for long!

Electricity Rate Deals in Dallas

The two cheapest plans in Dallas are 15-month plans from APG&E and Chariot Energy

Both have incredibly low rates and average bills. However, the catch is right in front of your face. Yes, you’ll have average bills around $115, but you’ll pick your next plan in July 2027 right when prices tend to be the highest. If you’re fine with that, go ahead and save for the next 15 months.

But you may want to pick APG&E’s lowest price 12-month plan. You’ll pay a few dollars more, but you’ll pick a new plan in April 2027. Also, all these plans have bill credits and these can hike your bill during low usage months. So, if you want to avoid them, you can have an average bill of $137 with a 12-month plan without bill credits from Energy Texas.

Houston’s Cheap Power Plans

The scenario in Houston is almost exactly the same as Dallas. The providers, plans, and terms are the same. The prices are a little different by a few dollars per month, but the same advice applies. If you want bill credit plans, they’re your cheapest options. But beware of when those plans expire. And rest assured you have good fixed rate options if you don’t want to sweat out your final usage each month.

Pick A Plan Now

You’ll always get electricity rate deals at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates. No matter which provider and plan you choose, make sure you examine what real customers have to say right here. But if you want the lowest pricing of the year, you need to act now. Great plans have even greater prices today, but those prices are almost sure to increase in the next few weeks. Get your springtime rate that lasts all year or longer.

ERCOT Large Load Connection Queue Spikes to 410 GW

Why the Connection Queue Surge?

Worried about more data centers? Learn what the spike in large load connection queue requests means for your future Texas electricity rates.

The large load connection queue spike reflects a sharp jump in big sites trying to connect to the Texas power grid. ERCOT now reports about 410 GW of new large-load capacity sitting in its grid queue. Data centers and other large users drive much of this as they try to lock in grid access years before they build. As a result, the connection queue spike signals growing future power pressure across Texas markets.

Large Load Connection Queue Growth

Fast growth in data centers across Texas is the main reason the queue is stacking up. Large tech and computing projects are sending in grid requests at a faster pace than in past years. Texas keeps drawing this growth because of open land, lower power prices, and a flexible grid system.

In addition, these requests come from across the state. However, most are very early in the process, often before funding or build plans are set. Because of that, the queue can grow fast even when real power demand has not changed yet.

A Large Queue Is Not Demand

Even though the total figure is large, it does not equal future electricity use. Instead, it shows early-stage projects moving through planning, design, and funding review. Because of this, many projects in the queue will never materialize.

Some developers lose financing, while others scale back or relocate projects. Timelines also stretch out for years, and proposals cancel entirely. Therefore, the hookup queue growth is best viewed as potential demand, not confirmed load on the grid.

Solar Growth, Nuclear Investment, And Grid Expansion

At the same time, Texas is planning for future supply growth on the supply side. Governor Greg Abbott recently launched a $350 million program to support advanced nuclear development. The goal is to add steady power that can run all the time and help meet rising demand.

Meanwhile, a large pipeline of solar projects sits in the ERCOT queue. If even a portion of these projects move forward, they could add new production capacity. However, like the demand-side queue, many developers may not build these projects.

What This Means For Prices

Taken together, these trends put more stress on the grid. As the connection queue spike grows on both the demand and supply side, Texas will need more wires, lines, and upgrades.

These costs are usually recovered through utility delivery charges. That usually means customers pay for them over time. So if more projects move from plan to build, transmission costs could rise and show up in future power bills. However, the final impact depends on how many projects come true.

For consumers, the key takeaway is simple: things are changing fast! So it helps to stay flexible and compare plans at http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates.

Who Has the Cheapest 24 Month Electric In Houston?

What is Houston’s Cheapest 24 Month Electric Plan?

The 24 month plan with the cheapest rate won't always save you money year 'round. Learn what you need to compare to get the best Texas electricity deal.

For many Texans, inflation is out of control. So it’s natural to want something constant in your life. Houston’s cheapest 24 month electric plan can lock in savings for the next two years. But the cheapest plan for you might not be the cheapest one for your CenterPoint neighbor. With all the different pricing structures available, it is important to know your typical usage. After that, you can discern whether bill credits, tiered rates, free nights, free weekends, or other plans are right for you.

Bill Credit and Cheapest 24 Month Plans

When you peruse all the helpful information here at Texas Electricity Ratings, the average bill estimate pops off the screen. The plans with the lowest bills are bill credit plans from APG&E and Chariot Energy. Their average bills are $120 and $121, respectively. But to get those low bills, you must use 1,000 kWh in a billing cycle. Only then do you earn a $125 bill credit. Therefore, you can get a whopper of a bill if you use less than 1,000 kWh.

But if you know how much you normally use, you can predict whether you’re likely to get the hammer from a spring or fall bill. So, leave the hammering to Jim Adler, not your power bill.

Top Safe-Rate™ Scores

Plans without bill credits don’t look so good on their faces; however, they might be the right choice. Two plans with 10 out of 10 Safe-Rate™ scores come from Constellation. And their estimated average bills clock in at $137 and $139. They’re not simple fixed rate plans, but they still give you the predictability you expect from a high Safe-Rate™ score plan. Your bill rises and falls in proportion to how much power you consume. And that’s something you definitely don’t have with bill credit plans. But how big can that difference be?

Comparing Texas Power Plans

Let’s take the cheapest 24 month electric plans from both sets and compare them at 999 kWh. At this usage, the Constellation plan’s bill weighs in at $137 while the APG&E plan comes in at $205. That’s a $68 savings!

But when you roll over to that next kWh, the scenario flips. All of a sudden, the APG&E bill falls to $80. That bill credit makes this plan’s bill better by $57. So, the lesson is to do your homework because your usage is the primary driver in your bill.

And there’s no better place to proverbially crack open the books than http://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electric-rates. You can shop plans and use the information available to pick the best one for your home.

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