Average Electricity Bill in Texas (2025)
4 minute read · Usage & costs
The average Texas electricity bill is approximately $148 per month, based on average residential usage of around 1,170 kWh. That's well above the national average of $130 — and the gap widens significantly in summer, when Texas heat drives months of heavy air conditioning use.
But averages can be misleading. Your bill depends on your home size, insulation quality, thermostat habits, the electricity plan you're on, and what city you live in. Here's what actually drives costs — and what you can realistically do about it.
Average bills by season
Texas electricity bills don't follow a smooth curve. They spike sharply in summer:
| Month | Typical Usage | Est. Bill at 12¢/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| January | 900–1,200 kWh | $108–$144 |
| April | 700–900 kWh | $84–$108 |
| July | 1,500–2,000 kWh | $180–$240 |
| October | 750–950 kWh | $90–$114 |
What uses the most electricity
In a Texas home, electricity use breaks down roughly as follows:
- Air conditioning: 40–60% of summer usage
- Water heater: 12–18% year-round
- Refrigerator: 8–12% year-round
- Lighting: 5–10% (much lower with LED bulbs)
- Washer & dryer: 5–8%
- Electronics & standby: 5–10%
The takeaway: controlling your AC is by far the highest-leverage action for lowering your Texas electricity bill.
How your electricity plan affects your bill
At 1,000 kWh/month usage, the difference between a 10¢/kWh plan and a 14¢/kWh plan is $40 per month — $480 per year. Competitive plans in most Texas markets start well below 12¢/kWh, while customers who roll onto a default variable rate after their contract expires often pay 15¢/kWh or more.
Practical ways to lower your bill
- Switch to a cheaper plan — the single biggest lever. Most people overpay by $30–$50/month simply by staying on an expired contract.
- Set your thermostat to 78°F when home, 85°F when away. Each degree lower in summer adds roughly 3% to your cooling costs.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat — automatically adjusts while you're away.
- Run dishwashers and laundry at night — especially valuable if you're on a free nights plan.
- Seal air leaks — gaps around doors, windows, and attic access points are often the biggest source of cooling loss in Texas homes.
- Replace air filters monthly in summer — a clogged filter makes your AC work harder and longer.
The fastest win is always checking your electricity rate. Enter your ZIP code to see current plans in your area and how they compare to what you're paying now.