McKinney Electricity Rates and Plans

McKinney Electricity Rates and Plans

  • Average McKinney electricity rates: 14.76 cents per kWh

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If you live in McKinney, Texas, you have a lot of options for electricity plans since Texas deregulated its energy. While Oncor Electric is still responsible for maintaining power lines and infrastructure in McKinney, Retail Electric Providers (REPs) sell electricity plans directly to consumers.

However, with so many options, it can be difficult to choose the plan that’s right for you. If you’re struggling to narrow down your options, don’t worry. Read on to learn more about McKinney’s deregulated energy market and how to sort through all the different plans to find one that meets your needs.

All quoted rates are taken from the plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) at 1000 Kilowatt-hours (kWh) monthly usage unless otherwise specified and all rates presented in this article are accurate as of November 24, 2024.

Best Energy Providers in McKinney

McKinney has a lot of energy providers to choose from, but several stand out above the rest. Here’s a closer look at some of McKinney’s top electric providers:

Compare the Top 5 McKinney Energy Plans

When shopping for energy plans in McKinney, there’s more to consider than just cost. Many plans offer specific perks, like discounted rates during non-peak hours, fixed-rate contracts, and 100% renewable energy sources. With that in mind, here are five of the best plans in McKinney:

Provider Plan Name Avg Rate Renewable Energy Source
Rhythm Simply Select 12 $0.146/kWh 100%
Frontier Utilities Budget Saver 12 $0.140/kWh 30%
Tri-Eagle Simple Savings 12 $0.148/kWh 9%
4Change Energy One Rate 12 $0.157/kWh 9%
Gexa Energy Gexa Light Saver 12 $0.158/kWh 100%

Energy Plans With the Lowest Rates in McKinney

If cost is the most important factor in your search, look no further. Here are the most affordable energy plans in McKinney:

Provider Plan Name Avg Rate Renewable Energy Source
4Change Energy Maxx Saver Select 12 $0.107/kWh 9%
Frontier Utilities Saver Plus 12 $0.107/kWh 30%
Gexa Energy Eco Saver Plus 12 $0.107/kWh 100%
Express Energy Flash 12 $0.108/kWh 9%
Veteran Energy Valor 12 $0.128/kWh 7%

These plans offer the lowest rates in McKinney, but sometimes the cheapest plans come with less predictable bills due to tiered pricing or bill credit structures. Be sure to check your plan details before signing any contracts.

Best Green Energy Plans in McKinney

For environmentally conscious consumers, here are the top plans in McKinney that offer 100% renewable energy:

Provider Plan Name Avg Rate Renewable Energy Source
Gexa Energy Gexa Light Saver 12 $0.158/kWh 100%
Rhythm Simply Select 12 $0.146/kWh 100%
Gexa Energy Eco Saver Plus 12 $0.107/kWh 100%
Green Mountain Energy Company Pollution-Free e-Plus 12 Choice $0.171/kWh 100%
Chariot Energy Free Nights 24 $0.138/kWh 100%

Current Average Electricity Rates in McKinney

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average electricity rate for Texas is 14.83 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, the average rate for Oncor as a whole is 13 cents/kWh, and the average electricity rate in McKinney is 14.76 cents/kWh.

Types of Energy Plans Available in Texas

Texas offers a variety of energy plan types to suit different consumer needs:

  • Fixed-rate plans: These plans lock in a set rate for the duration of your contract, typically 12 to 36 months. They offer more predictable bills and protection against rate increases.
  • Month-to-month plans (variable rate plans): These plans offer flexibility with no long-term commitment, but rates can fluctuate monthly based on market conditions.
  • Indexed plans: These plans often tie their rates to natural gas prices on a publicly available index. They can offer savings when market prices are low but carry the risk of higher bills when prices spike.
  • Prepaid plans: These plans allow consumers to pay for electricity in advance, making it ideal for those with bad credit or who prefer to closely monitor their usage.
  • Green energy options: These plans source electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar. They’re ideal for environmentally conscious consumers.

How To Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your McKinney Home

Choosing your electricity plan isn’t something to take lightly. Your money is on the line, so if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of steps to get you going:

1. Assess Your Energy Usage

Before you pick a new plan, it’s important to know how much electricity your household items use. If you only use a little bit of energy every month, you may want to opt for a renewable energy plan. If you use a lot, it makes sense to choose the most affordable fixed-rate option.

2. Understand Your Priorities

Are you looking for the cheapest rate? Or are you more interested in renewable energy or a short-term contract? Think about what you value most. Then, you can choose a plan that fits what you want best.

3. Check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

The EFL has information about each plan, including the energy rates, contract lengths, and any hidden fees. You can usually find these on your energy provider’s website.

4. Consider Additional Perks

Many providers offer extra benefits to attract new customers, like sign-up bonuses, loyalty rewards, and free smart thermostats to help customers manage energy usage. These perks aren’t going to make or break your plan, but they can be a big plus.

Seasonal Considerations for McKinney Energy

It’s no secret that energy costs vary wildly depending on the season. To help curb these price increases, use programmable thermostats to reduce AC usage during peak hours, typically 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Also, consider energy-efficient window treatments to reduce solar heat gain.

During winter weather, seal drafts around windows and doors, use ceiling fans to circulate warm air, and consider a smart thermostat to optimize heating schedules.

Late spring (April to May) or fall (September to October) are often the best times to secure new energy contracts. These transition seasons typically have lower demand and more competitive rates.

Switching Light Companies in McKinney

Switching energy providers in McKinney is simple and relatively hassle-free. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Enter your zip code on Home Energy Club.
  2. Compare plans and choose the one you like best.
  3. Input your information and enroll online.

After that, your new provider will handle the switch with your current company. You don’t need to call your current provider to cancel your service.

How Often Can I Switch Providers?

In McKinney’s deregulated market, you can switch providers as often as you like, as long as you’re not in a contract with cancellation fees. Most fixed-rate plans have terms of 12, 24, or 36 months, but if you decide to opt-out early, termination fees can get as high as $200 or more.

Switching providers doesn’t incur any fees itself (as long as you don’t have any cancellation fees with your current contract), but some companies require deposits for a new plan, especially if you have a low credit score. Your electricity service will continue during the switch, which usually takes effect on your next meter read date.

For more on how to switch energy providers, read our step-by-step guide so you know what to expect.

Just Moved to McKinney? Expert Tips for McKinney Energy Shoppers

If you’re new to McKinney’s deregulated energy market, there’s a bit of a learning curve. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re shopping for energy plans:

  1. Know your usage: Estimate your monthly electricity consumption to choose the most suitable plan.
  2. Compare plans before buying: Don’t just pick the first plan you see. Compare different plans on Home Energy Club to get a better idea of what you’re looking for.
  3. Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL): This document outlines key plan details, including rates and fees. Always read it before you sign a contract.
  4. Look beyond the lowest rate: Consider factors like contract length, customer service ratings, and additional perks. When in doubt, search for reviews online to see what other customers think about your energy provider.

EcoWatch Methodology on Energy Providers in Texas:

We at the EcoWatch Reviews team interview customers, run focus groups, and speak with deregulated energy experts and company representatives. To gather first-hand data, we also surveyed more than 1,000 Texans who have purchased deregulated energy plans. The result of over 100 hours of study shapes our methodology for reviewing electricity companies based on the following categories:

  • Sustainability score (25%): We assess a sustainability score for dozens of providers based on the variety of renewable energy or green energy options the companies offer. Providers who offer only 100% renewable energy plans will score the highest, while those who offer no 100% renewable energy plans will score the lowest. Companies can earn additional points for solar buyback plans and electric vehicle (EV) charging plans.
  • Cost and bill fees (25%): We base our cost ratings on a provider’s effective rate across all usage levels. This helps you identify the lowest effective rate — not just the cheapest advertised cost. Providers with lower rates score well; those who charge more earn fewer points.
  • Plan features and options (25%): More options means more chances for you to find the right plan for your needs. Providers that deliver a range of plan types, from bill credit plans to savings plans and time-of-use plans, earn more points in our review. Providers with fewer options will score lower.
  • Customer satisfaction (25%): We rate a provider’s customer satisfaction based on firsthand experience from customer surveys, as well as third-party review websites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Our team also goes through the online buying experience to assess the overall quality of the customer experience.

To learn more about how we rate and review retail energy providers, read our full deregulated energy methodology here.

FAQ: McKinney Energy Plans

At EcoWatch Reviews, we frequently receive energy-related questions from readers in McKinney. Below are the most common questions we see, along with our answers.