Wichita Falls Electricity Rates and Plans

Compare the Top 4 Wichita Falls Energy Rates and Plans Available

Energy Plans with the Lowest Rates in Wichita Falls

If you’re a budget-conscious consumer, these plans offer the lowest rates in Wichita Falls, though some may have less predictable billing.

Best Green Energy Plans in Wichita Falls

For environmentally conscious consumers, these plans offer 100% renewable energy sourcing.

Current Average Electricity Rates in Wichita Falls

The current average electricity rate in Wichita Falls is 13.5¢/kWh, which is about 2% lower than six months ago when it was 13.8¢/kWh. Compared to the Texas state average of 14.6¢/kWh, Wichita Falls enjoys approximately 7.5% lower rates. Neighboring cities like Vernon and Burkburnett have similar rates, typically within 0.5¢/kWh of Wichita Falls’ average.

Types of Energy Plans Available in Texas

Fixed-rate plans: These plans lock in your rate for the duration of your contract, typically 12 to 36 months. They’re ideal for those who prefer predictable bills and want protection from price fluctuations. We recommend Pulse Power’s Texas Fixed 12 for its competitive fixed rate and reliable service.

Month-to-month plans: Also known as variable-rate plans, these offer flexibility with no long-term commitment. Rates can change monthly based on market conditions. They’re suitable for short-term residents or those comfortable with price risk.

Indexed plans: These plans tie your rate to a publicly available index, often natural gas prices. They can offer savings when energy prices are low but carry risk when prices spike.

Prepaid plans: These allow you to pay for electricity in advance, which can help with budgeting. They’re good for those with credit challenges or who prefer to avoid deposits. Payless Power’s SmarTricity Easy Choice is a reputable prepaid option.

Green energy options: These plans source electricity from renewable sources like wind and solar. They’re ideal for environmentally conscious consumers. Green Mountain Energy’s Pollution Free e-Plus 12 is our top recommendation for 100% renewable energy.

Understanding Wichita Falls’s Energy Landscape

Deregulated energy in Wichita Falls means consumers have the power to choose their electricity provider, fostering competition and potentially lower rates. This system allows users to select plans that best fit their usage patterns and preferences, whether prioritizing low rates, renewable energy, or predictable billing.

The electric grid in Wichita Falls is part of the larger Texas grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Understanding this structure helps consumers navigate the market and make informed decisions about their electricity plans.

A Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) is different from a Retail Electric Provider (REP) in that the TDU owns and maintains the power lines and meters, while REPs sell electricity plans to consumers. In Wichita Falls, the TDU is Oncor Electric Delivery, and residents should contact Oncor directly for power outages or emergencies.

How to Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your Wichita Falls Home

1. Assess Your Energy Usage

To choose the right electricity plan, start by understanding your energy consumption patterns. Review your past electricity bills to calculate your average monthly usage in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Pay attention to seasonal variations, as Wichita Falls experiences hot summers and mild winters, which can significantly impact your energy needs.

The size of your home plays a crucial role in energy consumption. Larger homes typically use more electricity for heating, cooling, and lighting. Your daily habits, such as thermostat settings, appliance usage, and the number of occupants, also greatly influence your energy consumption.

2. Understand Your Priorities

When selecting an electricity plan, consider what matters most to you. If you prefer predictable monthly bills, a fixed-rate plan might be ideal. These plans offer stability but may have slightly higher rates. If you’re willing to take some risk for potential savings, a variable-rate plan could be an option.

For environmentally conscious consumers, green energy plans sourced from renewable resources like wind and solar are available. While these plans may have slightly higher rates, they support sustainable energy production.

Contract length is another important consideration. Longer contracts (24-36 months) often offer lower rates but require a longer commitment. Shorter contracts (3-12 months) provide more flexibility but may have higher rates.

3. Decode the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)

The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is a crucial document that provides detailed information about each electricity plan. Key components to look for include:

• The energy charge per kWh
• Any base charges or minimum usage fees
• The percentage of renewable energy content
• The length of the contract
• Any special terms or conditions

Red flags to watch out for in the EFL include:

• Extremely low introductory rates that increase significantly after a short period
• High minimum usage fees that can inflate your bill if you use less electricity
• Tiered pricing structures that may result in much higher rates at certain usage levels

4. Consider Additional Perks

Many electricity providers offer additional benefits to attract customers. These can include:

• Sign-up bonuses such as bill credits or gift cards
• Loyalty rewards programs that offer points or discounts for long-term customers
• Smart home integration options, allowing you to monitor and control your energy usage through mobile apps or smart devices

While these perks can be attractive, ensure they don’t overshadow the core aspects of the plan such as the energy rate and contract terms.

Seasonal Considerations for Wichita Falls Energy Consumers

Wichita Falls experiences hot summers and mild winters, which significantly impact energy usage and costs throughout the year. During the peak summer months of June through September, air conditioning use can cause electricity consumption to spike, potentially leading to higher bills, especially for those on variable-rate plans.

For consumers with variable-rate plans, it’s crucial to be aware of potential price increases during high-demand periods, particularly in summer. While variable rates can offer savings during milder months, they can also lead to unexpectedly high bills during extreme weather. Generally, fixed-rate plans provide more predictable billing and protection against seasonal price fluctuations, making them a safer choice for many Wichita Falls residents.

If you do have a variable-rate plan, consider implementing energy-saving strategies during peak seasons. This might include using programmable thermostats, improving home insulation, and minimizing electricity use during the hottest parts of the day.

Wichita Falls typically experiences summer highs around 96°F (36°C) in July and August, with winter lows averaging around 30°F (-1°C) in January. Spring and fall are generally mild, offering opportunities for energy savings.

The best time to switch energy companies or lock in new rates is typically during the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when demand and rates are often lower. This allows you to secure competitive rates before the high-demand summer or winter seasons.

• Summer peak pricing strategies: Consider plans with free nights or weekends to offset high daytime usage. Use programmable thermostats to reduce AC use when you’re away.
• Winter energy-saving tips: Seal drafts, use LED holiday lights, and consider supplemental heating sources for frequently used rooms.
• Best times to lock in new rates: Aim to secure new plans in April-May or October-November when rates are typically lower.

Switching Light Companies in Wichita Falls

Switching energy providers in Wichita Falls 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 Wichita Falls’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 Wichita Falls? Expert Tips for Wichita Falls Energy Shoppers

If you’re new to Wichita Falls’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.