McAllen Electricity Rates
McAllen is the crown jewel of the Rio Grande Valley — a bilingual, binational city that’s one of the fastest-growing metros in the U.S. AEP Texas delivers the electricity, but you choose your provider and rate. With 37+ retailers competing for Valley customers, comparison shopping can make a real dent in your monthly bill.
Key Takeaways
Cheapest Electricity Plans in McAllen
The lowest-priced residential plans available to AEP customers in McAllen as of March 8, 2026 @ 9:33 PM CT. Rates shown at 1,000 kWh monthly usage.
Showing 20 of 187 McAllen electricity plans.
Best McAllen Electricity Plans by Usage Level
McAllen’s subtropical Valley climate means near year-round AC demand. The average household uses 1,100–1,400 kWh/month, with blazing summer heat pushing usage well beyond that. Plan choice has a bigger impact here than in milder climates.
- Companion Energy
- 10.2¢/kWh at this usage
- 3-month fixed rate
- Chariot Energy
- 8.2¢/kWh at this usage
- 12-month fixed rate
- SOUTHERN FEDERAL POWER LLC
- 9.6¢/kWh at this usage
- 1-month fixed rate
- SOUTHERN FEDERAL POWER LLC
- 9.2¢/kWh at this usage
- 1-month fixed rate
Rio Grande Valley Heat Advisory
McAllen regularly records summer highs above 100°F with high humidity. A home using 1,000 kWh in mild weather can exceed 1,800–2,400 kWh in midsummer. Always compare plans at the 2,000 kWh tier for a realistic summer estimate.
McAllen Electricity Providers
We compare rates from 37 retail providers serving McAllen’s AEP Texas territory. Every provider listed offers plans to Hidalgo County residents today.
McAllen Business Electricity Rates
McAllen’s economy thrives on cross-border trade, healthcare, and retail — it’s the commercial hub of the Rio Grande Valley. From the McAllen Foreign Trade Zone to the massive retail corridor along Expressway 83, businesses of all sizes access deregulated commercial rates.
Commercial pricing factors in peak demand, load factor, and total volume. A quick quote is the only way to see what rates are available for your specific business profile.
McAllen Business Types We Serve
Trade & Logistics
The McAllen Foreign Trade Zone, Anzalduas International Bridge, and the Valley’s cross-border logistics hub demand high-capacity commercial rates.
Healthcare
McAllen Medical Center, South Texas Health System, and the Rio Grande Valley’s medical corridor are major employers requiring guaranteed uptime.
Retail & Dining
La Plaza Mall, Expressway 83 shopping corridor, and McAllen’s dining scene benefit from fixed commercial rates.
Professional & Government
McAllen’s growing office market and federal/state government facilities access institutional rates.
Education (McAllen ISD & UTRGV)
McAllen ISD, PSJA ISD, and UT Rio Grande Valley campuses access institutional rates.
Multi-Location
Bundle meters across Hidalgo County for lower blended rates.
McAllen Business Electricity Tips
Plan for extreme cooling costs. McAllen’s subtropical heat means commercial cooling runs 9–11 months/year. Lock in rates before summer. Start shopping 60–90 days before contract expiration.
McAllen Electricity by ZIP Code
We track electricity rates across 8 ZIP codes in the McAllen area served by AEP Texas. Find your ZIP below to confirm you can shop for McAllen electricity plans on this page.
Don’t see your ZIP? AEP’s territory covers McAllen and most of the the Rio Grande Valley. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to check availability.
Moving to McAllen? Set Up Electricity
Relocating to McAllen for healthcare, trade, or the Valley lifestyle? Setting up electricity is straightforward.
Verify Your Address
Confirm your McAllen address is in AEP Texas territory. Enter your ZIP above. All of McAllen, Edinburg, Mission, and Hidalgo County is covered.
Compare McAllen Plans
Browse plans from dozens of providers. Factor in your expected usage — apartments typically use 500 kWh, average homes 1,000–1,200 kWh, and larger homes 1,500+ kWh.
Enroll Online
Sign up in under 10 minutes. You’ll need your new address, preferred start date (allow 2–3 business days), ID, and contact info.
AEP Activates Service
Your provider coordinates with AEP to turn on power. Most activations happen remotely within 1–3 business days.
McAllen Move-In Tips
Request service at least 5 business days before move-in. McAllen’s year-round heat means AC is essential from day one.
Switching Electricity Providers in McAllen
Already paying for McAllen electricity? If your rate is above average, switching takes minutes with zero interruption to your service.
Check Your Current Plan
Find your contract end date and early termination fee (typically $50–200). If you’re within 14 days of expiration, most providers waive the penalty.
Shop Current Rates
Compare what’s available now against what you’re paying. If your rate exceeds 14.3¢/kWh, there’s likely room to save. At 1,000 kWh/month, even 2¢ savings means $240/year.
Sign Up With a New Provider
Enroll online or by phone. Your new provider handles everything — they contact your old provider and coordinate the switch through AEP.
Seamless Transition
Within 1–3 business days your service transfers. Power flows through the same AEP lines — zero downtime.
Types of McAllen Electricity Plans
Here are the main plan categories available to AEP customers in McAllen:
Fixed-Rate Plans
Your per-kWh rate is locked for the full contract (12–36 months). The go-to choice for McAllen homeowners who want predictable bills through the Rio Grande Valley’s summers.
- Rate locked regardless of wholesale market swings
- Shields you from the Rio Grande Valley summer price spikes
- Early termination fee if you cancel before term ends
- Current McAllen fixed rates: 8.2¢–20.7¢/kWh
Variable-Rate Plans
Your rate moves with the wholesale market each month. Best for McAllen renters or short-term residents who need flexibility over price certainty.
- No contract or cancellation fee
- Rates may dip during mild spring and fall
- Risk of significant increases in the Rio Grande Valley summer heat
- Ideal for short-term or temporary situations
Prepaid Plans
Pay-as-you-go power — load your account and use it. No deposit, no credit check. A popular option for new McAllen residents still getting settled.
- Zero deposit and no credit check
- Daily usage notifications
- Slightly higher per-kWh rates
- Service pauses if your balance runs out
Free Nights & Weekends
Electricity is free during off-peak hours (typically 9 PM–6 AM). Works well if you can shift laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to nighttime.
- Free power during designated overnight hours
- Higher daytime rates offset the free periods
- TXU Energy and Reliant offer these in McAllen
- Best for night-shift workers or EV owners
100% Renewable Plans
Backed by Texas wind and solar. McAllen’s access to West Texas wind farm capacity makes green plans competitively priced.
- Powered by Texas wind and solar energy
- Often priced within 1¢ of conventional plans
- Gexa, Green Mountain, Chariot serve McAllen
- Current green rates: 8.2¢–15¢/kWh
Solar Buyback Plans
Earn credits when your McAllen rooftop panels export surplus energy to the grid. Offsets your summer cooling costs substantially.
- Credits for excess power your panels generate
- Buyback rates differ by McAllen provider
- Chariot, Green Mountain, Rhythm available
- North Texas averages 230+ sunny days/year
McAllen Electricity FAQ
Common questions about electricity rates, plans, and providers in McAllen, Texas.
How does electricity deregulation work here?
McAllen is part of the deregulated Texas electricity market. AEP Texas maintains the grid and power lines, but you choose your retail electricity provider (REP). Your REP sets your rate and handles your bill. AEP delivers the power regardless of which provider you pick.
What’s the cheapest rate right now?
As of March 8, 2026 @ 9:33 PM CT, the cheapest McAllen electricity rate is 8.2¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh usage, offered by Chariot Energy (GridPlus 12 - 8.20¢). The average across all 187 plans is 14.3¢/kWh. Rates update multiple times daily.
What is the average electric bill in McAllen?
At the current average of 14.3¢/kWh, an McAllen home using 1,000 kWh/month pays about $143/month. McAllen homes average 1,000-1,200 kWh/month. Summer bills can climb to $200-300 for larger homes when DFW temperatures exceed 100°F.
Who delivers electricity?
AEP Texas is the TDU for McAllen and the greater the Rio Grande Valley. They own the power lines, poles, and meters. For outages, contact AEP at 866-223-8508 or visit aeptexas.com.
Fixed or variable — which should I choose?
McAllen and Dallas share the same TDU (AEP) and the same pool of retail electricity providers, so the available plans are very similar. However, rates can differ slightly by ZIP code due to localized utility charges. Always enter your specific McAllen ZIP code to see the exact rates available at your address.
How do I switch providers?
McAllen commercial electricity is custom-quoted based on demand profile, usage volume, and contract length. With the trade-driven Valley economy, McAllen has a dense concentration of commercial customers. Businesses in AEP territory typically save 15-25% by comparing providers. Request a free quote at electricchoice.com/business-electricity/.
What happens when my contract expires?
You roll onto a variable rate (15–20+ cents/kWh). Always reshop before expiration.
Who handles outages?
AEP Texas at 866-223-8508. They own all infrastructure in Hidalgo County.
Are renewable plans available in McAllen?
Yes. Multiple providers offer 100% renewable plans in the AEP Texas territory at competitive rates.
How do business rates work?
Custom-quoted based on demand and volume. McAllen’s trade-driven economy means providers understand diverse load profiles. Request a free business quote.
Find the Right McAllen Electricity Plan
Enter your ZIP code to compare plans from McAllen providers instantly.
Compare McAllen PlansSources & Notices
These are real-time rates from the ElectricChoice.com electric rate and plan marketplace. The inclusion, exclusion, ranking, or naming of any rate, plan, or provider on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Listed rates may or may not account for all plan features, fees, etc. You should review each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and plan terms before enrolling. Last updated: March 8, 2026 @ 9:33 PM CT.