previous
Electricity News energy trends

Finding the Best Texas Energy Plans for Summer Electricity Needs

by Garrett Faden

Why Is My Electric Bill so High in the Summer?

High Electricity Bill

The dreaded summer electricity bill. We’ve all been there. Afraid to open the envelope. Avoiding your inbox. Seeing a bill that could be triple your last one! Why does that happen every year? Well, the answer is quite simple actually…

Air conditioning

During the summer months, the sweet relief of air conditioning at home is real! Air conditioners use a lot of energy, which can significantly increase your electricity bill. Keep reading to see one easy thing you can do right away to help your AC unit do its job in less time.

Increased energy usage

It’s not just the AC that causes people to typically use more energy in the summer than in other seasons. With more daylight hours, you might spend more time outdoors, which can also mean an increased use of appliances and electronics. If you have a pool, you may be spending more time in the water. The pool pumps and pool vacuums have to work hard to keep up! Check our guide to Energy-Efficient pools to help you save money.

Higher energy rates

Some retail electricity providers may increase their rates during the summer months when demand for electricity is higher. This can lead to higher electricity bills even if your energy usage remains the same as it was outside the summer season.

Poor insulation

If your home is poorly insulated, hot air can enter, and cool air can escape more easily, which can cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more electricity to maintain a comfortable temperature.

To help reduce your electricity bill in the summer, you can try to conserve energy by using your air conditioner less, keeping your home well-insulated, and using energy-efficient appliances and electronics. You can also consider switching to a different electricity provider or plan with lower rates. One of the quickest and easiest ways to make sure your bill is in good shape is to sign up with Energy Ogre!

When it comes to picking out Texas electricity plans for our members, Energy Ogre is always focused on enrolling our members in the most competitive, cost-effective plan available at the time of enrollment. We consider the market circumstances now and in the future to help our members net maximum savings on their electricity bill.

How Energy Ogre Works

Texas Electricity Pricing Trends - Summer 2023

As we can all probably remember, last year was an unprecedented year of high electricity prices. This was caused by the limitation of natural gas (a key electricity generation source), the war in Ukraine, drastic weather and providers trying to hedge their risk. 

Summer 2023 should be quite different.

“We're at a decent point right now as far as rates and how we think they'll be over the summer,” said David Kinchen, Energy Ogre’s chief operating officer. "Rates could likely stay relatively the same as they are currently at the all-in rate of 10 to 13 cents."

An all-in rate, also known as an effective rate, is truly the price per kilowatt hour you’re paying on your bill. The effective rate combines your energy rate, TDSP charges and various fees. And if any new, unfortunate storms or events happen, we are in better shape than last year as America has a larger amount of stored natural gas.

Bottom line, if you’re coming out of a contract you signed up for last summer, there’s a good chance you could end up in a much more favorable plan this year!

To see how your current electricity bill stacks up to a plan Energy Ogre could find you, fill out our free savings calculator. It takes less than 30 seconds!

Energy Savings Calculator

Energy Ogre’s Plan Selection Strategy During the Summer

Energy Ogre finds the best Texas electricity rates.

We select plans that are custom fit to each member and their electricity usage. We search from hundreds of providers and sometimes can even offer custom, below-market rates available only to our members.

That being said, here are just a few key aspects we typically look for in a contract:

  • A contract term ranging between 3 and 12 months.
  • Which plan delivers the most savings throughout the year.
  • We consider the offered rate as well as the projected rates that will be available when the contract ends.


Ways to Reduce Electricity Consumption at Home

There are several ways to reduce electricity use around the house, including:

  • Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs, which use up to 80% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.
  • Unplug electronics when not in use: Many electronics, such as TVs, computers, toasters, hair dryers, and phone chargers, use energy even when they are not in use. Unplug them or use a power strip to easily turn them off.
  • Use a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you automatically adjust your heating and cooling settings to save energy when you are not at home.
  • Change your air filters: Changing your air filters at least once every 90 days can make a big difference. With cleaner filters, your air conditioning unit won’t have to run as long to cool down your home.
  • Reduce hot water usage: Take shorter showers, fix leaks, and turn down the temperature on your water heater to reduce energy usage.
  • Air dry clothes: Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer to save energy and money.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances: Look for Energy Star certified appliances, which use less energy and are better for the environment.
  • Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate air and make your home feel cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning.
  • Seal air leaks: Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and other areas to prevent heat loss and save energy.
  • Use natural light: Open curtains and blinds during the day to let in natural light instead of turning on lights. But, if you’re out of the house, it’s a smart idea to close the blinds.
  • Cook efficiently: Use a slow cooker, microwave, or toaster oven instead of the oven to save energy when cooking.

Current Electricity Rates - Comparing Your Electricity Contract to What’s Available

Compared to last year, pricing is a lot more favorable. Current energy rates are around 6 to 8 cents, with the all-in rate combining to be around 10 to 13 cents once all delivery charges are factored in. If you’re currently paying more than that, don’t wait to get into a better deal!

To see the lowest rates currently in your area, enter your zip code into the tool below.

Compare Texas Electric Rates

What to Do if ERCOT Asks Texans to Conserve Electricity?

At times during the summer, if the load on Texas’ grid becomes too high, ERCOT may ask Texans to conserve electricity to keep the power from going out. How do you do that you may ask? One of the most effective things to do is to turn your AC up 2-3 degrees during peak hours. Like mentioned above, using fans and unplugging devices that aren’t in use can help as well. For more tips, take a look at the graphic below.

Electricity Conservation Tips List

Enjoy the Texas Summer!

We know the Texas heat can be a lot. At least with Energy Ogre on your side, you can stay cool without overpaying on your electricity bill. We’ll find the right plan for you, so you can set that thermostat, turn on a baseball game, and love your summer in the lone star state.

Sign Up

Other articles you may enjoy:

top