Compare Dallas Electricity Rates (2023 Best Prices & Providers)
Here’s a quick overview of Dallas electricity rates:
- Current average rate of retail electricity: 12.55 cents per kWh
- Average monthly electric bill: $160
- Average energy usage: 1,300 kWh
Whether you’re moving to the area and looking for power connection or simply shopping for the best electricity rates in Dallas, EcoWatch is here to help. We’ve narrowed down the top clean-energy providers in the city, and by using this tool or clicking the links below, you can compare prices and find the right plan for you.
Dallas has a “deregulated energy market,” which gives consumers the power to choose their own electricity provider. While the idea seems simple enough, deregulated energy can be a confusing industry to understand, and many consumers wind up paying way too much. Let’s compare electric rates in Dallas so you don’t overpay for energy.
Dallas Energy Rates
Dallas has had a deregulated energy market since 2002, allowing residents to shop for their own electricity providers.1 There are over 100 different energy companies — and more still popping up — competing for your business. Looking at energy rates and plans can help you narrow down your choices.
The city’s retail electricity providers (REPs) offer plans that vary in price, contract terms, quality and environmental impact. On top of paying your REP, you’ll be charged an additional fee from your transmission and delivery utility company (TDU) to cover the cost of delivering electricity, meter reading, wiring and more.
If you live in or near the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, your TDU is likely Oncor.2 Oncor’s current rates are about $0.04 cents per kWh of power usage, plus a monthly charge of $3.42. You’ll pay these charges no matter what energy plan or provider you choose, and they’ll be baked into the monthly bill from your provider.
Let’s dive into how to find the best electricity rates in Dallas, the differences in electricity providers and price points, and how to best navigate Texas’ deregulated energy market.
To find the best electricity rates, we recommend comparing prices from a few companies. As a trusted energy information source, EcoWatch is often able to secure discounted rates for our readers. You can use this tool or click below to be connected with local energy providers near you.
Comparison of Electricity Prices From Companies in Dallas
Here at EcoWatch, we strive for a more sustainable planet and encourage our readers to do their part when feasible. As such, we’ve chosen to highlight some of the best electric companies in Dallas that offer 100% renewable energy.
The chart below shows renewable energy plans and prices available throughout the Dallas area. Keep in mind that these electricity prices may not be exact, as rates can fluctuate daily.
Dallas Energy Plan | Term (Months) | Rate (¢/kWh) (1,000 kWh plans)* |
MP2 Energy Power Choice 12 ePlan | 12 | 13.4 |
MP2 Energy Power Choice 24 ePlan | 24 | 12.5 |
Green Mountain Energy Pollution Free e-Plus 12 Choice | 12 | 14 |
Green Mountain Energy Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Choice | 24 | 13.9 |
Green Mountain Energy Pollution Free e-Plus 36 Choice | 36 | 13.3 |
Green Mountain Energy Pollution Free e-Plus 60 Choice | 60 | 12.4 |
Gexa Eco Choice 3 | 3 | 10.4 |
Gexa Eco Choice 5 | 5 | 11.2 |
Gexa Eco Choice 12 | 12 | 12.3 |
Gexa Energy Saver 12 | 12 | 14.9 |
Gexa Energy Saver 24 | 24 | 13.9 |
Gexa Energy Saver 36 | 36 | 13.6 |
Rhythm Simply Green 24 | 24 | 11.8 |
Rhythm Simply Green 36 | 36 | 11.4 |
Champion Energy Green Energy 12 | 12 | 13.9 |
Champion Energy Green Energy 24 | 24 | 13.1 |
Reliant 100% Solar 12 plan | 12 | 13.9 |
Constellation Energy 12 Green Plan | 12 | 14 |
TXU Energy Free Nights & Solar Days 12 | 12 | 16.2 |
*Rates will vary based on your TDU. You’ll see the above rates if your TDU is Oncor. These rates include the utility’s current charge of $0.04 cents per kWh. Rates are according to Texas’ Public Utilities Commission and are subject to change.3
On average, a non-renewable plan might cost around 1 cent per kWh less than a clean energy plan. If you use 1,000 kWh per month, that will be about a $10 difference. If you’re outside of Dallas, you can check out this page for electricity rates around Texas.
Constellation Energy
Nationwide Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Great industry reputation
- Award-winning company
- No.1 producer of carbon-free energy in the U.S.
- Makes charitable contributions
Cons
- Charges contract cancellation fees
- No prepaid or no-deposit plans
Gexa Energy
Statewide Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Great industry reputation
- Makes charitable contributions
- Low rates
- Wide variety of contract term options
Cons
- Charges contract cancellation fees
- No prepaid or no-deposit plans
- Slightly high number of complaints versus competitors
Green Mountain Energy
Nationwide Service
Average cost
Pros
- Green-e certified plans
- Wide variety of contract term options
- Low number of customer complaints
- Many years of experience
- Makes charitable contributions
Cons
- Charges contract cancellation fees
- No prepaid or no-deposit plans
- No satisfaction guarantee
Reliant Energy
Statewide Service
Average cost
Pros
- Low number of customer complaints
- Makes charitable contributions
- Award-winning company
- Wide variety of plan options
- Many years of experience
Cons
- No satisfaction guarantee
- Charges contract cancellation fees
TXU Energy
Average cost
Pros
- Wide variety of plan options
- Many years of experience
- Great industry reputation
Cons
- Expensive
- Not as many renewable energy options as competitors
- Charges contract cancellation fees
How to Find the Best Electricity Rates in Dallas
When searching for the best electricity rates in Dallas, keep in mind that rates and the average cost of electricity can vary based on numerous factors, so you may be given a different electric rate than that of your neighbors. Here are a few things to consider:
Your Energy Usage
The amount of electricity your household consumes may affect the rate you pay per kWh. Most REPs offer tiered plans based on average energy usage. Tiered-rate energy plans are often called “V-shaped plans” because the rates are more expensive for people who use the least and most amounts of energy and are lowest for those in the middle.
For example, in a typical tiered plan, customers who use around 500 kWh or 2,000 kWh per month will pay more than those who use around 1,000 kWh per month. According to Oncor, the average customer uses 1,300 kWh per month.4
Contract Length
The length of the contract will also play a factor in the cost of your electricity. As with most things, the longer you commit to one provider, the better deal you’ll get. We’ll discuss the different types of electricity plans in the next section.
A word of caution: Read the fine print and ask questions before you sign. Many contracts come with startup fees as well as cancellation fees for early termination. And while some Dallas electricity providers advertise a $10 cancellation fee, the fine print may read that it’s really $10 per month left on the contract.
Electricity Facts Label
When shopping for energy, always ask for a provider’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Similar to a nutrition label you see on your favorite snacks, an EFL will give you all of the information about a company’s electricity prices, contract lengths and terms, sources of generation, and emission levels.5Here’s an example of what that’ll look like:
Types of Electricity Plans in Dallas
When choosing an energy provider in Dallas, you’ll be presented with a few plan options. Here’s an overview of the types of electric plans offered in Dallas, as well as their pros and cons, so you can pick which plan works best for you.
Fixed-Rate Plans
Just as it sounds, a fixed-rate plan allows you to secure a rate that will stay the same throughout the entire duration of your contract. Note that “fixed rate” does not mean that your electric bill will be exactly the same every month. Instead, it means the rate you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity won’t change. So, your bills will still be higher during months you use more electricity.
Pros of a Fixed-Rate Energy Plan in Dallas | Cons of a Fixed-Rate Energy Plan in Dallas |
You’ll have a better idea of what to expect when it comes to budgeting. | If you cancel early, you could be subject to an early termination fee (ETF), unless you’re moving to a new address outside of the service area. |
Your rates remain locked in if energy costs rise. | Some fixed-rate plans will turn into variable-rate plans upon contract expiration. Be sure to read the fine print and ask your energy provider specific questions about length and price. |
Variable-Rate Plans
If you prefer paying month-to-month instead of being locked into a length-based contract, you may consider a variable-rate electric plan. Variable rate means — you guessed it — the price you pay is based on variables in the energy market. The price per kWh will increase or decrease depending on supply and demand.
Pros of a Variable-Rate Energy Plan in Dallas | Cons of a Variable-Rate Energy Plan in Dallas |
If the price of energy drops, there may be some months where a variable-rate electric customer will be paying less per kWh than someone on a fixed-rate plan. | Variable rates can be very risky given the extreme weather or other factors that can suddenly — and drastically — increase the price of electricity. |
We saw the biggest risk of the variable-rate plan during the winter storm of February 2021, when millions were in the dark due to a massive power outage. Texans who kept their lights on paid the price, with at least one customer facing an electric bill over $16,700.6 Texas power companies were reportedly overcharged $16 billion dollars by the electric grid operator.
With a variable-rate plan, prices change each month based on the market rate of electricity. Some months, you’ll pay less than homes with fixed-rate plans, and others, you’ll pay more. You may also see surprisingly high bills during extreme fluctuations.
No-Deposit and Prepaid Energy Plans
Many power plans require a deposit upon signing a contract to protect the REP from losses should a customer be unable to pay their energy bill. However, certain companies will offer a no-deposit electricity plan option so long as the customer passes a credit check. If the customer doesn’t have a high enough credit score for a no-deposit plan, they can still avoid paying a deposit by opting for a prepaid, or “pay-as-you-go,” electricity plan.
With a prepaid plan, the customer pays in advance for a set amount of electricity. The good news is that the customer is able to track their electricity usage online and can reload the account when it runs low. However, rates are not fixed in a prepaid plan, so it can be harder to plan out expenses.
Pros of a Prepaid Energy Plan in Dallas | Cons of a Prepaid Energy Plan in Dallas |
The obvious — no deposit. All of the money you pay to the energy provider goes directly toward powering your home. | You’ll have to pay for your electricity upfront and remember when to top up your meter. |
You have total control over how much you spend on your electricity. | Your power will be automatically shut off if you hit the threshold of electricity you paid for (this can be avoided by actively monitoring your usage or enrolling in an auto-pay plan). |
You don’t have to sign a contract that may come with cancellation fees. | You’ll pay a higher rate per kWh compared to other plans (in most cases). |
Green Energy Plans
Green energy plans are those that supply electricity from renewable energy sources. That’s going to be primarily wind and solar energy in Texas.7
Some REPs may have Green-e Verification or a similar certification to ensure that the electricity is responsibly generated, transmitted and distributed. Non-green energy plans, at least in Texas, rarely meet 25% of their total energy from renewable sources.8 Most green energy REPs will still offer variable- and fixed-rate plan options; the main difference is where their energy comes from.
Pros of a Green Energy Plan in Dallas | Cons of a Green Energy Plan in Dallas |
You can feel good about where your electricity is coming from. | On average, renewable plans cost around 1 cent per kWh more than non-renewable plans. (If you use 1,000 kWh per month, that will be about a $10 difference.) |
You can support clean energy without the large upfront investment of solar or wind. | They’re not offered by all energy companies, so you’ll have more limited options when choosing a provider. |
Business Energy Plans
Not all REPs will provide commercial electricity. If you’re looking for a supplier for your business, you’ll want to make sure the provider offers business energy rates. Business energy plans may also apply to industrial sectors, schools, government buildings and churches.
Most business energy providers will offer variable or fixed-rate electricity services.
If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, can use this tool or click below to be connected with local energy providers who can help.
Electricity Companies and Providers in Dallas
As mentioned, there are well over 100 different energy providers in the Dallas area. EcoWatch has chosen to focus on REPs that get their basic power from a clean energy source, like solar or wind power.
Here are a few examples of the best energy companies in Dallas and what makes them the best suppliers by our standards.
Constellation Energy
- Award-winning company, one of the best in the business
- Offers 100% renewable energy options
- Options for customers to go solar via Sunrun with guaranteed prices
- The No.1 producer of carbon-free energy in the U.S. (producing 10% of all carbon-free energy)
- 20+ years of experience
- A+ Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating9
Gexa Energy
- Cheaper electric rates relative to competitors
- Offers 100% renewable options
- Fixed-rate plans
- Wide variety of contract term options
- 20+ years of experience
- A+ BBB accredited business10
Reliant Energy
- Award-winning company
- One of the most prominent companies on the market
- Offers a 100% renewable energy option, although most of its plans are not green
- Fixed-rate plans
- Wide variety of plan options
- 20+ years of experience11
Green Mountain Energy
- 100% renewable options
- Green-e verified plans
- Fixed-rate plans
- Variety of contract term options
- 20+ years of experience
- Low complaint rate
- A+ BBB accredited business12
TXU Energy
- Highly regarded as one of Texas’ best REPs
- Offers plans with 100% solar days and an option to upgrade any plan to be 100% wind-powered
- 20+ years of experience
- A+ BBB accredited business13
FAQ: Dallas Electricity Plans
The EcoWatch team frequently gets energy questions from readers in the Dallas area. Here are the most common questions we see, along with our answers.
Based on our market research, Gexa Energy offers the cheapest electricity rates through its Eco Choice plan, with rates just over 10 cents per kWh for Dallas residents.
If the only thing you’re looking for out of your provider is cheap electricity, you may want to go with Frontier Utilities, which currently offers the lowest rates of around (9 cents per kWh with a 12-month fixed-rate plan).14 Other companies, such as Just Energy, will offer free-electricity nights or weekends.15
We’ve found that the best energy providers in Dallas include Constellation Energy, Gexa Energy and Reliant Energy. However, the provider that’s best for you will depend on your household’s specific energy needs.
Because of deregulation, the best way to lower your electricity bill in Dallas is to compare rates from multiple providers and choose the one that’s going to offer you the best deal over time.
You can also work to lower your overall electricity use by making more conscious decisions to turn off lights, better insulate your home, mind the thermostat and use more power strips. Follow these tips for more ways to save energy at home.
It’s hard to single out the best energy plan in Dallas, because what’s best for one customer may not be the best for another. We recommend looking at the plans offered by Constellation, Gexa and Reliant Energy and finding one that works best for your household. Or, use this link to get connected to the best energy providers in your area.