1. You're on the Wrong Plan for Your Usage
Most common cause.
Texas has 300+ electricity plans. The "best" plan depends on YOUR usage pattern: - How much you use - When you use it - Whether you hit bill credit thresholds
The plan that's cheapest for your neighbor might be expensive for you.
Example: "Free Nights" plans charge 14-16¢/kWh during the day. If you run AC while at work, you're paying premium rates for most of your usage.
2. Summer Happened (This Is Normal)
Texas summer bills are 50-100% higher than winter bills. This is normal.
| Month | Typical Usage | Typical Bill |
|---|---|---|
| January | 900 kWh | $110 |
| April | 1,000 kWh | $120 |
| July | 1,800 kWh | $210 |
| August | 2,000 kWh | $240 |
Your AC is working harder than you think. On a 100°F day, it may run 16+ hours.
3. Your Contract Expired (Sneaky Variable Rate)
Check your bill for: - "Month-to-month" or "variable rate" - Rate significantly higher than when you signed up
When fixed contracts expire, most REPs automatically switch you to a variable rate — often 15-18¢/kWh.
This is the #1 source of "my bill doubled" complaints.
5. Your Usage Actually Increased
Sometimes the simple answer is correct: - New appliances (especially older/inefficient ones) - More people home (WFH, summer break) - Hot tub, pool pump, EV charger - Inefficient HVAC (check your filter)
Fastest way to find out
Upload your bill and we'll tell you exactly what's wrong and how to fix it.
Upload Your Bill →Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my bill higher than my neighbor's?
Different plans, different usage patterns, different home efficiency. A 2,500 sq ft home from 1985 uses 40% more electricity than a 2,500 sq ft home from 2015.
Am I overpaying for electricity?
It's worth checking. Texas has 300+ plans and the best one changes based on your usage pattern. Most people don't review their plan annually, which means they could be missing better options that have become available. Running your actual usage against current plans shows exactly where you stand.
Should I call my provider to complain?
You can. They might offer a "retention rate." But this is usually temporary and still not the best available rate. Better to shop the market.
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This article is for informational purposes only. Electricity rates and plans change frequently. Always verify current rates before switching.