Tyler Electricity Rates and Plans

Compare the Top Tyler Energy Plans

If you’re not sure where to start your search for a new energy plan, it’s important to weigh your options. To help, we’ve rounded up five of the best plans on the market in Tyler:

Energy Plans With the Lowest Rates in Tyler

For Tyler residents prioritizing cost savings, here are the top five plans offering the lowest rates:

The Best Green Energy Plans in Tyler

For environmentally-conscious consumers in Tyler, here are the top five plans offering 100% renewable energy:

Current Average Electricity Rates in Tyler

According to the Energy Information Administration, the average electricity rate for the entire state of Texas is 14.83 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Meanwhile, the average rate for Oncor’s district is 13 cents/kWh. Your individual rates may vary.

What Is a Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU)?

Unlike REPs, which you can choose, your TDU depends on your location. The TDU for Tyler is Oncor Electric Delivery, which is responsible for maintaining power lines and responding to outages. For power outages in Tyler, contact Oncor directly rather than your chosen REP.

Types of Energy Plans Available in Texas

There are a few different types of plans you can shop for in Tyler and all of Texas. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Fixed-rate plans: These plans give you a set rate for your entire contract, which is typically 12 to 36 months. They can’t raise your rates as long as you’re in your contract.
• Month-to-month plans (variable rate plans): These plans don’t have any fee, but the rates may change over time. They’re best for short-term residents. 
• Indexed plans: These plans often tie their rates to natural gas prices on a public index. They’re high-risk, high-reward because you may get a cheaper rate one minute and a more expensive rate the next. The prices can change at literally any time.
• Prepaid plans: These plans allow consumers to pay for electricity in advance without needing a deposit (like some fixed-rate plans require), making it a good option for those with bad credit.
• Green energy options: These plans source electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar.

How To Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your Tyler Home

Choosing an electricity plan is a big commitment, so don’t jump right in. Instead, use the tips below to help plan out your purchase:

1. Assess Your Energy Usage

Before you even start browsing for a plan, you should know how much electricity your household items use. To start, review your past 12 months of electricity bills to account for seasonal variations and use online tools or smart meter data to track your usage patterns. This can help you determine what type of plan is best for you.

2. Understand Your Priorities

Before you even start looking for a plan, you should think about what your priorities are. For example, if you’re working with a tight budget, you may value affordability the most. If you want the freedom to switch providers, contract length may be your top priority. Once you know what you want most, you can choose a plan that fits your needs.

3. Check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

EFLs can be confusing if you’ve never read one before, but they contain basic information about your plan that providers may not advertise. You can usually find these on your energy provider’s website. Read the EFL in full, and watch out for red flags like extremely low rates that only apply to specific usage levels, high cancellation fees, and complicated tiered pricing structures.

4. Consider Additional Perks

Many providers offer extra benefits to attract new customers, like sign-up bonuses, loyalty rewards, and more. Some even offer free smart thermostats that can help you cut down on energy costs. These perks shouldn’t be the most important factors in your search, but they can still be a big incentive.

How To Cut Energy Costs in Peak Seasons

Summers in Tyler are usually hot and humid, leading to higher air conditioning use and bigger bills. Winters, while milder, can still bring occasional cold snaps that spike heating needs.

If you have a variable-rate plan, be prepared for price increases during peak summer months (June-August) and occasional winter spikes (December-February). However, regardless of what type of plan you have, it’s a good idea to lessen your energy usage during these times to help cut costs.

Here are a few tips for how to use less energy by adjusting your daily routine:

During the summer, try to cut down on your AC usage during peak hours, which are typically from 3 p.m. to around 7 p.m. Also, consider adding energy-efficient window treatments to block heat from entering your home.

During winter weather, seal drafts around windows and doors. These steps can help keep cold air from infiltrating your home. If you don’t already have one, consider installing a smart thermostat to make your heating and cooling schedules more efficient.

For more on how to lower your monthly electricity costs, check out our guide on lowering your energy bills.

Switching Electric Companies in Tyler

Switching electric companies is a simple process that you can do entirely online. All you need is a laptop, 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 that suits you best.
3. Input your information and enroll online.

After you sign up for a plan, your new provider will handle all the details. You don’t even need to call your current provider to cancel your service.

If you experience any problems during the switch, contact your new provider first. They should be able to resolve most issues. If problems persist, you can file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

How Often Can I Switch Energy Providers in Tyler, TX?

You can switch providers as often as you want, but if you’re in the middle of a contract, you may have to pay a termination fee to get out of it early. These fees can vary. Some companies charge $20 or more for every month that’s left on your contract. 

Keep in mind that most fixed-rate plans have contracts that last for 12, 24, or 36 months, so these fees can get very expensive, sometimes up to $200 or more. Many providers offer short-term plans with no cancellation fees, but your rates will be more inconsistent from month to month.

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

Just Moved to Tyler? Expert Tips for Tyler Energy Shoppers

If you’re new to Tyler, TX, you may also be new to the deregulated energy market. If so, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you’re shopping:

1. Know your usage: Estimate your average electricity consumption so that you can predict a ballpark value for your monthly bill.
2. Compare plans before buying: Don’t just pick the first plan that looks like a good option. There are plenty of plans on Home Energy Club, so it helps to do some research before making any concrete decisions.
3. Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL): Always read your plan’s EFL before you sign a contract so you can be aware of any unforeseen expenses.
4. Look beyond the lowest rate: It’s tempting to choose the plan with the cheapest rates, but it’s also important to think about the company’s reputation, your contract length, and how reliable the service is.

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 that 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 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.