Updated January 2026 • Reviewed by ElectricChoice.com's Editorial Team
Houston is home to the nation's largest deregulated electricity market, giving you more power over your power bill than residents of any other U.S. city. With 100+ retail providers competing for 2.6 million CenterPoint customers across Greater Houston, you have the power to choose.
- Houston is the largest deregulated electricity market in the U.S. - more choice than any other city
- Some of the lowest Houston fixed-rate plans start at 9.7¢/kWh - that's $97/month at 1,000 kWh
- Houston homes average 1,300 kWh/month (30% higher than national average) due to 8+ months of AC
- Switch providers in 1-3 business days - same CenterPoint power, different rate
- Shop in February-April or October-November when rates are 15-20% lower than summer
- All 100+ ZIP codes from Katy (77494) to Clear Lake (77062) have access to the same providers
- Houston summers can push bills to $300-500/month - lock in a fixed rate before May
Featured Electricity Plans in Houston
These are the top plans available to CenterPoint customers in January 2026. Rates shown at 1,000 kWh usage.
Why Houston Has More Electricity Choice Than Most U.S. Cities
When Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002, Houston became ground zero for consumer choice. Today, Harris County and its surrounding suburbs form the nation's largest competitive electricity market, with over 2.6 million meters and 100+ retail providers fighting for your business. This competition has driven Houston residential rates 15-20% below what Austin and San Antonio residents pay on their regulated utility bills. CenterPoint Energy (headquartered right here in Houston since 1866) owns all the poles, wires, and smart meters across Greater Houston - they'll deliver your power reliably regardless of which retail provider you choose.
Freedom to Choose
Select from dozens of Houston providers. Compare rates, terms, and features to find the best deal for your home or business.
Competitive Rates
Market competition drives Houston rates lower than regulated Texas cities like Austin and San Antonio. Save 15-25% vs. default rates.
Plan Variety
Fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid, renewable, free nights - Houston has every type of electricity plan to fit your lifestyle.
Example Houston Plans by Usage Level
Houston usage is all about your home size and AC habits. A Montrose apartment uses 500 kWh/month, a typical Heights bungalow hits 1,000 kWh, and a Memorial-area estate can exceed 3,000 kWh in summer. Here's how to pick the right plan for YOUR Houston usage pattern.
- No minimum usage fees
- 100% renewable energy
- 12-month fixed rate
- Bill credits for high usage
- 12-month fixed rate
- No early termination fee
- Bill credits at higher usage
- 24-month price lock
- Long-term savings
- Maximum bill credits
- 24-month fixed rate
- Best for high usage
Houston's AC Reality Check
Houston's 90%+ humidity means your AC works harder than in drier Texas cities. Expect your summer usage to be 2-3x your spring usage. A home that uses 800 kWh in March might hit 2,000+ kWh in August. Always compare plans at BOTH 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh to avoid bill shock when Houston's Gulf Coast summer arrives.
Houston Commercial Electricity Rates
Power Your Houston Business for Less
Houston's Energy Corridor, Galleria, downtown, and Texas Medical Center all have access to some of Texas's most competitive commercial rates. From a Heights boutique or Westheimer restaurant to a Pasadena refinery or Ship Channel warehouse, the deregulated market means you're never locked into a single utility rate. Houston businesses switching from default rates save 15-30% on average.
Galleria & Retail
From 7.8¢/kWh for shops, restaurants, and offices
Medical Center
24/7 reliability plans for healthcare facilities
Ship Channel
Industrial rates for refineries and manufacturing
Energy Corridor
Corporate plans with usage flexibility
Houston Suburb & Neighborhood Electricity Guide
Whether you're in Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, or anywhere in Greater Houston, you have access to the same 100+ providers and competitive rates. Here's what makes each area unique:
Katy
Katy residents (ZIP codes 77449, 77450, 77493, 77494) have access to all Houston-area electricity providers. As one of Houston's fastest-growing suburbs, Katy features many newer, energy-efficient homes that benefit from fixed-rate plans.
- Many Katy homes are newer with good insulation - you may use less than Houston average
- Consider 24-month plans for maximum savings if you're not planning to move
- Summer AC usage is high - look for plans with no minimum usage requirements
- Katy ISD calendar affects when families are home - factor this into usage estimates
Sugar Land
Sugar Land residents (ZIP codes 77478, 77479, 77498) enjoy competitive electricity rates in one of Houston's most affluent suburbs. The city's diverse housing mix - from townhomes to large estates - means usage varies widely.
- Sugar Land's larger homes often use 1,500-2,500 kWh/month in summer
- Many residents prefer renewable energy - Gexa and Green Mountain are popular
- Check rates at multiple usage tiers - the best plan at 1,000 kWh may not be best at 2,000 kWh
The Woodlands
The Woodlands residents (ZIP codes 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389) have access to all Houston-area providers through CenterPoint and Entergy (depending on location). This master-planned community features a mix of homes from starter to luxury estates.
- Check your TDU - some areas are served by Entergy instead of CenterPoint
- The Woodlands' tree coverage can reduce cooling costs vs. other Houston suburbs
- Many newer homes in The Woodlands have smart thermostats - look for time-of-use plans
- Fixed-rate plans are recommended for budget predictability
Pearland
Pearland residents (ZIP codes 77581, 77584, 77588) enjoy competitive electricity rates in one of Houston's fastest-growing southern suburbs. The community's proximity to the Gulf means slightly higher humidity and AC usage.
- Pearland's growing community means many new residents - look for new customer promotions
- Humidity can increase AC runtime - consider plans with high-usage bill credits
- Fixed-rate plans protect against summer price spikes
- Compare plans quarterly as rates change with market conditions
All Houston-Area ZIP Codes
Looking for electricity service in your Houston-area ZIP code? Here are all the ZIP codes in CenterPoint Energy's deregulated service territory:
Houston Proper
77001, 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77013, 77014, 77015, 77016, 77017, 77018, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77022, 77023, 77024, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77028, 77029, 77030, 77031, 77032, 77033, 77034, 77035, 77036, 77037, 77038, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77042, 77043, 77044, 77045, 77046, 77047, 77048, 77049, 77050, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77055, 77056, 77057, 77058, 77059, 77060, 77061, 77062, 77063, 77064, 77065, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77071, 77072, 77073, 77074, 77075, 77076, 77077, 77078, 77079, 77080, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77084, 77085, 77086, 77087, 77088, 77089, 77090, 77091, 77092, 77093, 77094, 77095, 77096, 77098, 77099
Katy Area
77449, 77450, 77493, 77494
Sugar Land / Missouri City
77459, 77469, 77478, 77479, 77489, 77498
The Woodlands / Spring
77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389, 77373, 77379, 77388
Pearland / Friendswood
77546, 77581, 77584, 77588
Clear Lake / League City / Pasadena
77058, 77059, 77062, 77501, 77502, 77503, 77504, 77505, 77506, 77507, 77508, 77530, 77536, 77539, 77546, 77565, 77571, 77573
Humble / Kingwood / Atascocita
77338, 77339, 77345, 77346, 77396
Cypress / Tomball
77375, 77377, 77429, 77433
Moving to Houston? Start Your Electric Service
Whether you're relocating from another state or moving within the Houston metro, setting up electricity at your new home is simple. Here's your step-by-step guide to getting power turned on.
Confirm Your Service Address
Make sure your new Houston address is in CenterPoint Energy's deregulated territory. Enter your ZIP code or address to verify you can choose your provider. Most of Houston and surrounding suburbs (Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Pearland, Pasadena, Clear Lake) are in CenterPoint's area.
Compare Houston Electricity Plans
Shop rates from 100+ providers to find the best plan for your situation. Consider your expected usage (apartments: 500 kWh, average homes: 1,000-1,300 kWh, large homes: 2,000+ kWh). Look at rates, contract terms, cancellation fees, and plan features.
Sign Up Online or by Phone
Once you've chosen a plan, sign up with your new provider. You'll need: your new Houston address, preferred start date (allow 2-3 business days), Social Security number or driver's license, and contact information. Most sign-ups take under 10 minutes.
CenterPoint Connects Your Service
Your new retail provider coordinates with CenterPoint Energy to activate service. In most cases, power is turned on remotely within 1-3 business days. No need to be home unless your meter requires manual connection (usually older homes).
Houston Move-In Pro Tips
Schedule your electricity service at least 5 business days before your move-in date to ensure power is on when you arrive. If you're moving during Houston's hot summer months, arriving to an air-conditioned home is essential. Many providers offer same-day or next-day service for an additional fee if you're in a time crunch.
How to Switch Houston Electricity Providers
Already have power and want a better rate? Switching providers in Houston is easy and takes just a few minutes. Here's how:
Check Your Current Contract
Review your current plan's end date and early termination fee (ETF). Most ETFs are $50-200. If you're within 14 days of your contract end, you can typically switch without a penalty. Your savings from a lower rate may outweigh the ETF even if you switch early.
Compare New Houston Plans
Shop current rates and compare to what you're paying. If you're on an old plan or rolled onto a variable rate, you could save 3-5+ cents per kWh. At 1,000 kWh/month, that's $30-50 in monthly savings or $360-600 per year.
Enroll With Your New Provider
Sign up for your new plan online or by phone. Your new provider handles everything - they'll notify your old provider and coordinate the switch with CenterPoint. You don't need to call anyone else.
Service Switches Automatically
Within 1-3 business days, your service transfers to the new provider. There's zero interruption - the same power flows through the same CenterPoint lines. You'll receive a final bill from your old provider and your first bill from the new one.
Houston Electricity Plan Types Explained
Not sure which type of plan is right for your Houston home? Here's a breakdown of your options:
Fixed-Rate Plans
Your rate per kWh stays the same for the entire contract term (typically 12-36 months). Best for Houston homeowners who want predictable bills and protection from summer price spikes.
- Rate locked regardless of market changes
- Best protection against summer heat waves
- Early termination fee if you leave early
- Current Houston rates: 9.7¢ - 14¢/kWh
Variable-Rate Plans
Your rate changes monthly based on wholesale electricity costs. Best for Houston renters or those who might move soon and want no commitment.
- No contract or cancellation fee
- Rates can drop in mild weather
- Rates can spike 50-100% in summer heat
- Current Houston rates: 11¢ - 18¢+/kWh
Prepaid Plans
Pay for electricity before you use it, similar to a prepaid phone. Best for Houston residents with credit challenges or who want complete control over spending.
- No deposit or credit check required
- Daily usage alerts help manage costs
- Slightly higher rates than fixed plans
- Service disconnects if balance runs out
Free Nights/Weekends
Get free electricity during specific hours (usually 9pm-6am). Best for Houston night owls or families who can shift usage to off-peak times.
- Free power during designated hours
- Higher rates during peak daytime
- Best if you can run appliances at night
- TXU Energy and Reliant offer these
100% Renewable Plans
Electricity sourced from wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Best for environmentally-conscious Houston residents - often competitively priced.
- Support Texas wind and solar farms
- Rates competitive with standard plans
- Gexa, Green Mountain, Chariot options
- Current Houston rates: 9.7¢ - 13¢/kWh
Solar Buyback Plans
Get credit for excess solar energy your panels generate. Best for Houston homeowners with rooftop solar systems.
- Earn credits for power you export
- Buyback rates vary by provider
- Chariot, Green Mountain, Rhythm offer plans
- Great for offsetting summer AC costs
When to Shop for Houston Electricity Rates
Timing matters when shopping for Houston electricity. Rates fluctuate throughout the year based on demand and wholesale prices.
Great Time: Spring (Feb-Apr)
Wholesale prices are low after winter. Providers offer competitive rates to attract customers before summer. This is often when you'll find some of the lowest fixed rates of the year. Lock in a 12-24 month plan now.
Good Time: Fall (Oct-Nov)
After summer heat subsides, rates drop again. Another excellent time to shop, especially if your contract expired during summer. You'll find rates 10-20% lower than summer.
Avoid: Summer (Jun-Aug)
Houston's brutal heat drives up wholesale costs 50-100%. Providers raise rates to cover costs. Expect to pay 2-4 cents more per kWh for the same plan. Renew before May if possible.
Okay: Winter (Dec-Jan)
Rates are moderate but providers focus on holiday promotions rather than deep discounts. An okay time to shop, but spring offers better deals.
Houston Rate Alert
If your contract expires between June and August, don't wait until expiration to shop. Start comparing plans 45-60 days early and lock in your new rate before summer pricing kicks in. Even paying an early termination fee can save you money vs. summer rates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Houston Electricity
Got questions about Houston's electricity market? Our Houston-focused FAQs cover rates, plans, providers, and everything you need to know.
In Houston's deregulated market, you choose your retail electric provider (REP) from over 170 options. REPs compete for your business with different rates, terms, and features. CenterPoint Energy owns the infrastructure and delivers power to your home - they're the same regardless of which REP you choose. Your REP handles billing, pricing, and customer service. This competition has driven Houston rates below the Texas average.
The average Houston electricity bill is $150-180/month, though this varies significantly by season and home size. Houston homes average 1,300 kWh/month - higher than the Texas average due to air conditioning needs. Summer bills can easily reach $250-400 for larger homes, while winter bills may drop to $80-120. At current rates of 9.7-14¢/kWh, you can estimate your bill by multiplying your usage by the rate.
Shop in spring (February-April) or fall (October-November) for some of the lowest Houston rates. During these mild-weather months, wholesale electricity prices drop and providers offer competitive rates to attract customers. Avoid shopping in summer (June-August) when high demand drives up wholesale costs and retail rates. If your contract expires in summer, try to renew or switch before May.
For most Houston residents, fixed-rate plans are the better choice. Houston's extreme summer heat means you'll use the most electricity when variable rates are highest. A fixed-rate plan protects you from these summer price spikes. Variable rates might save money in mild months, but the risk of 20+ cent rates during heat waves outweighs the potential savings for most households.
Deposit requirements depend on your credit and payment history. If you have good credit or a history of on-time utility payments, most Houston REPs waive the deposit. If you do need a deposit, prepaid electricity plans from providers like Payless Power require no credit check and no deposit - you simply pay as you go. Some providers also offer deposit alternatives like a letter of guarantee.
Switching Houston electricity providers is simple and takes 1-3 business days. Choose your new plan and sign up online or by phone. Your new REP coordinates the switch with your current provider and CenterPoint - you don't need to contact them. There's no service interruption; the same power flows through the same wires. Just check for early termination fees on your current plan before switching.
For Houston power outages, contact CenterPoint Energy at 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143. CenterPoint owns the poles and wires and handles all outage restoration - your retail provider cannot restore power. You can also report outages and track restoration through CenterPoint's outage tracker at centerpointenergy.com or their mobile app.
Texas law requires providers to notify you 30-45 days before your contract expires. If you don't renew or switch, you'll automatically roll onto a month-to-month variable rate - often 15-20+ cents/kWh, much higher than fixed rates. Set a calendar reminder to shop for new rates 2-3 weeks before your contract ends to lock in the best deal.
Yes! Houston has excellent renewable energy options. Gexa Energy, Green Mountain Energy, and Chariot Energy all offer 100% renewable plans, often at competitive rates. Some plans are even cheaper than non-renewable alternatives. For Houston homeowners with solar panels, Chariot Energy and others offer solar buyback programs that credit you for excess generation.
Houston's hot, humid summers (often 95°F+ with high humidity) force air conditioners to run almost continuously. Summer usage typically doubles or triples compared to spring/fall. AC accounts for 50-70% of summer bills. To reduce costs: set thermostat to 78°F when home, use ceiling fans, seal air leaks, change AC filters monthly, and ensure your system is properly maintained. A programmable thermostat can save 10-15%.