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If you’re renting in Texas, it’s easy to assume you have no control over your electricity bill. It’s not your house, you can’t replace the AC, and solar panels are out of the question. But when it comes to electricity for renters in Texas, you have more power than you think.
Key takeaways
- In most of Texas, renters choose their own electricity provider.
- Set up service a few days before move-in so the lights are on day one.
- Apartments often use less power, so watch out for minimum-usage fees and high base charges.
- Moving usually lets you leave your old contract without an early termination fee.
Texas renters can choose their own provider
If your apartment or house has its own meter and is in a competitive area, the electricity account is yours, and so is the choice of provider. You’re not stuck with whoever the last tenant or your landlord used.
That means you can shop for a better rate, lock in a fixed price and skip the plans that take advantage of people who don’t know they have options. Not sure if your area is open to choice? Check the list of Texas utility areas.
The most common renter mistake
Picking the first plan you see, or the one at the top of a comparison site. Those are often plans that look best at one usage level, not the cheapest for an apartment. Here’s how that trick works.
Tips for Texas renters
Check whether electricity is included in your rent
Some properties include electricity or bill it back to tenants through submetering or an allocation formula. Ask how it’s calculated before you sign the lease. If it’s billed separately, you may not be able to choose a provider.
Set up service before move-in day
Don’t wait until moving day. Choose a plan a few days ahead so you have power when you arrive. Watt Panda can handle the entire setup for you.
Watch for fees that hit small homes
Apartments often use 500 to 900 kWh a month outside of summer. That’s right where minimum-usage fees and base charges do the most damage. Compare the 500 kWh price on the EFL, not just the 1,000 kWh price.
Match your contract to your lease
If your lease is 12 months, a 12-month plan keeps things simple. And if you move before it ends, most providers will waive the early termination fee with proof of the move.
Save energy without touching the walls
Use blackout curtains on sunny windows, ceiling or box fans, LED bulbs, smart plugs and a programmable thermostat setting. Report AC problems and drafty windows to your landlord promptly, since maintenance is usually their job. More comfort-friendly tips here.
Watt Panda makes it easy for renters
Moving is stressful enough. We’ll find a plan that fits a renter’s usage, set up your service and remind you before your contract ends. It costs you nothing.
Helpful official resources: Public Utility Commission of Texas · Power to Choose (official PUCT site)
Stop overpaying. Send us one bill.
We read the fine print, compare plans from our network of Texas electricity providers, handle the switch, and keep an eye on your renewal date. It’s free to you.
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Frequently asked questions
Can renters choose their electricity provider in Texas?
Yes, if the unit has its own meter in a competitive area and electricity isn’t included in the rent or billed by the landlord.
How far in advance should I set up electricity before moving?
A few days to a week ahead is ideal. Same-day connections are sometimes possible but can cost extra.
Will I need a deposit for electricity as a renter?
Some providers require a deposit depending on your credit history, while others offer no-deposit or prepaid options. We’ll factor that in when we compare plans.
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