How much will you be paying your electricity bill in 2023? Based on our own data analysis, the average electricity bill for an apartment in Texas is around $106 per month.
Are you curious how your current electricity bill compares? Keep reading to learn more about the average electricity bill for residents of the state of Texas. You might not be paying quite as much as you think!
Key Takeaways
- The average electricity bill for an apartment in Texas is, at lowest, around $79 per month and, at highest, around $159 per month.
- There are a number of factors that impact how much you will pay for electricity each month, including the size and location of your apartment.
- You can save money on your monthly electricity bill by unplugging devices when they aren’t in use and using energy-efficient appliances.
The cost of living in Texas is relatively low compared to other states. However, the average electricity bill for an apartment in Texas is around $106 per month.
The average electricity consumption for an apartment in Texas is 863kWh per month. Prices for electricity in Texas have been rising steadily over the past few years and are expected to continue to rise in the future, as is the case with most other places as well. Listed below is the average electricity usage for apartments in Texas by apartment size and month.
There are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of electricity in Texas. First, Texas has a large population, and there is a corresponding demand for electricity. Second, Texas is a hot state, and air conditioning accounts for a large portion of electricity use. Third, the majority of Texas’s electricity comes from natural gas-fired power plants, which are more expensive to operate than coal-fired power plants.
The average price of electricity in Texas also varies depending on the size of your apartment. Listed below are the average costs of an electricity bill in Texas by apartment size and billing month.
What Other Factors Might Impact My Bill?
If you live in Texas, you’re probably used to fluctuations in your electricity bill from month to month. After all, the Lone Star State is known for its hot summers and cold winters. But did you know that there are other factors that can impact your electricity bill, too? Here are a few factors that might be affecting your bottom line.
Square Footage
The first factor that can impact your electricity bill is the size of your apartment. Obviously, the more square footage you have, the more electricity you’re going to use to keep your place comfortable. If you live alone in a one-bedroom apartment, you’re likely to use less electricity than someone who lives in a four-bedroom house with a spouse and two kids.
Age of Residence
Another factor that can impact your electricity bill is the age of your home or apartment building. Older homes and buildings tend to be less energy efficient than newer ones. This means that they require more electricity to heat and cool effectively. If you live in an older home or building, you may see a higher electricity bill than someone who lives in a new apartment.
Location
Although electricity prices are relatively consistent among cities in Texas, there is some variability between individual municipalities.
Listed below are the average costs of an electricity bill in The Lone Star State’s major cities.
Cities with warmer climates will also tend to have higher electric bills due to the increased need for air conditioning during the hot summer months.
How Many People Live in Your Apartment
The number of people in your household can also play a role in how much electricity you use each month. If you live alone, you're not going to use as much as someone who has to keep the lights on and the AC running for four other people.
On the other hand, if everyone in your household is gone during the day while you're at work or school, your usage will be lower than someone whose family is home all day long. If you have roommates with whom you are sharing the cost of utilities, it’s important to take note of this.
Seasonal Changes
The cost of electricity in Texas can vary depending on the time of year. In the summer, air conditioning usage typically causes bills to be higher, while in the winter, heating needs may result in an increase.
Additional Appliance or Equipment Use
Additional appliance or equipment use can cause electricity bills to rise. If an apartment has older, less efficient appliances, it will often use more electricity and increase the bill. Updating appliances to more efficient models is one way to reduce costs.
What Should I Know as a Tenant?
As a tenant, you have the right to choose your electricity provider in deregulated Texas markets. This can be a great way to save some money on your monthly electricity bill. However, it's important to understand that there are other factors that can impact your bill, such as:
- The amount of electricity you use
- The time of day you use electricity (peak hours vs. off-peak hours)
- The type of apartment you live in ( efficiency, 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms, etc.)
- Special discounts or pricing plans offered by your electricity provider
Because of this, you should shop around and do your research to find an energy provider that will give you the best possible deal. Take the time to comb through your electric bill with a fine-toothed comb as well.
One of the biggest factors that will impact your monthly electricity bill is the amount of electricity you use. The more devices and appliances you have running at one time, the higher your usage will be. To get an idea of how much electricity you're using, take a look at your last bill and find the "energy charge." This charge is based on how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used during the billing cycle.
To lower your energy usage and your bill, there are a few things you can do:
- Unplug devices and appliances when they're not in use. Even if they're turned off, they're still using a small amount of power.
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances. These appliances use less power to run, so they'll lower your usage and your bill.
- Take advantage of natural light. During the daytime, open up the curtains and let the sun shine in instead of using artificial lights.
- Monitor your thermostat. During the winter, set the thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer set it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree above or below these recommended temperatures can add about 3% to your bill.
Another factor that can impact your monthly electricity bill is the time of day that you use electricity. Many providers offer “time of use” plans that charge different rates for energy used during peak hours versus off-peak hours. Peak hours are generally between 4 pm and 9pm Monday through Friday, while off-peak hours are all other times outside those parameters including weekends and holidays. Consult your plan’s Electricity Fact Label (EFL) to determine if your electricity rate changes depending on the time of day or day of the week.
Conclusion
So what can you do to reduce your electricity bill in the near future? Start by considering these tips today. Many of them are easy and inexpensive ways to make a big impact on your monthly electricity usage.
Questions Others Are Asking
What appliances contribute most to my electricity bill?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their largest electricity expenses often come from appliances that they use on a daily basis. Items such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners can account for a significant portion of a home's energy usage. These appliances account for about 20% of the average home's electricity bill. Other appliances that contribute to high energy bills include washers and dryers, dishwashers, and water heaters.
Does unplugging appliances save money on an electricity bill?
Even when an appliance is turned off, it can still use a small amount of power if it's plugged into an outlet. This is known as phantom power or standby power. By unplugging appliances, you can avoid paying for this wasted energy and reduce your average electric bill. Additionally, unplugging can protect your appliances from power surges, which can damage sensitive electronic components.
When is the best time to switch energy providers in Texas?
In Texas, the best time to switch energy providers is during the summer, when electricity demand is at its highest. This is due to the state's deregulated energy market, which allows consumers to choose their electricity provider. If you're currently on a fixed-rate plan, you may be able to find a better deal by shopping around during the summer months. However, if you're on a variable-rate plan, it's important to be aware of the possibility of price hikes during periods of high demand. As a result, it's important to compare rates and terms carefully before making a switch.
I must be doing something wrong, because my partner and I live in a 2 bedroom apt, both work full time. We leave all lights and fans off when we aren’t home, A/C on “auto” at 75 degrees, even when we are home. We also have blackout curtains, have tv and computers plugged into power strips we turn off when not in use, and our bill is around 250-350$ a month through Reliant Energy. We use about 800 to 1000 kHw per month….any recommendations?