Electricity rates in Texas

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

15.91¢

August 2026

12-month average

15.98¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$266

1,670 kWh / month

National rank

#30

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Texas was 15.91¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 12% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes Texas the 30th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 3.3% from August 2025 (15.40¢).

Texas electricity rates over time

Texas, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	16.03¢	$185	1,156 kWh
2025	15.40¢	$171	1,110 kWh
2024	14.94¢	$164	1,096 kWh
2023	14.46¢	$166	1,146 kWh
2022	13.76¢	$162	1,178 kWh
2021	12.11¢	$132	1,094 kWh
2020	11.71¢	$133	1,132 kWh
2019	11.76¢	$134	1,140 kWh
2018	11.20¢	$132	1,176 kWh
2017	11.01¢	$122	1,112 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	15.91¢	15.40¢
Commercial	8.96¢	8.76¢
Industrial	7.21¢	6.42¢
Transportation	6.56¢	3.76¢
All sectors	11.23¢	10.42¢

How much does electricity cost in Texas?

At Texas's 12-month average residential rate of 15.98¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly use	Texas	US average
250 kWh	$39.95	$45.40
500 kWh	$79.90	$90.80
750 kWh	$119.85	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$159.80	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$239.70	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$319.60	$363.20

Texas electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 15.42¢ (February 2026) to 17.00¢ (April 2026), and homes used the most electricity in August 2026 (1,670 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	15.91¢	$266	1,670 kWh
July 2026	15.88¢	$251	1,583 kWh
June 2026	15.94¢	$209	1,311 kWh
May 2026	16.44¢	$164	995 kWh
April 2026	17.00¢	$144	850 kWh
March 2026	16.39¢	$135	821 kWh
February 2026	15.42¢	$142	922 kWh
January 2026	15.67¢	$170	1,087 kWh
December 2025	15.79¢	$148	936 kWh
November 2025	15.96¢	$129	807 kWh
October 2025	16.03¢	$173	1,080 kWh
September 2025	15.77¢	$205	1,297 kWh

Texas vs neighboring states

Texas's 12-month average rate is higher than 3 of its 4 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
Texas	15.98¢	$178	#26
Arkansas	13.57¢	$143	#45
Louisiana	13.02¢	$158	#48
New Mexico	16.51¢	$162	#23
Oklahoma	13.81¢	$149	#43

What appliances cost to run in Texas

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.12–$0.24
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.12
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.29–$0.80
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.06–$0.08
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.19–$0.38
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.72–$0.88
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.12–$0.18
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.04

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for Texas

Can you choose your electricity provider in Texas?

Texas has retail electricity choice: in many areas, households can buy their electricity supply from a competitive retail provider instead of the utility's default rate. Your local utility still delivers the power and handles outages. Availability depends on your utility area. Compare the plan rate, contract length, fees and any cancellation charge before you switch.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Houston produces about 1,421 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average Texas home, a 9.6 kW system would cost about $24,672 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 11.7 years. See the full Texas solar estimate.

Guides for Texas

Switching Providers

How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas: Step-by-Step Guide

Compare plans on the PUCT's Power to Choose, read the Electricity Facts Label, check your fees, and switch. Your delivery utility and meter stay the same.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Switching Providers

Fixed-Rate vs Variable-Rate Electricity Plans: Which Should You Choose?

Fixed plans lock your supply price per kWh for a term; variable plans can change monthly. Here is how each works, state rules, and how to choose.

Nov 9, 2026 · 7 min read

Saving Energy

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways

Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Texas electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Texas?

The average residential electricity rate in Texas was 15.91¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 15.98¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in Texas?

The average residential customer in Texas paid $266 for 1,670 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in Texas more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, Texas's average rate of 15.91¢ was 12% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Texas?

Yes, Texas has retail electricity choice, so many households can buy supply from a competitive provider. Your utility still delivers the power.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.