Compare Dallas electricity rates and plans (December 2024)

Energy deregulation in Dallas means you have the power to choose your energy provider as a Dallasite.

However, “Deregulation has led to periods of extreme price volatility, often driven by fluctuations in natural gas prices or spikes in demand due to weather conditions,” said Don Whaley, who serves as an advisor to OhmConnect, a retail energy provider (REP).

The average energy rate in Dallas has increased in recent years, with an average of [brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”TDU Rates ” field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”] per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to compiled rate data across the Oncor zip-codes. Despite that, the competition provided by deregulation means that you can still find cheap electricity rates in Dallas, with many plans offering rates as low as [brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”TDU Rates ” field=”cbf_cheapest_12_month_%c2%a2_kwh”] per kWh. That’s well below Texas’ average electricity rate of [brand_field brand_list=”114837″ brand=”Texas State Avg ” field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”] per kWh, according to the Energy Information Administration.

We’ve gathered data and expert tips to help you shop for no-surprise energy plans in Dallas. We recommend comparing plan rates with our partners at Home Energy Club.

December electricity rates in Dallas 

The table below compares plans and their respective rates from electric companies in Dallas. Note that longer contract lengths often provide better deals and long-term price protection.

Energy Provider	Plan Name	Plan Length	Rate per Kilowatt-Hour
Express Energy	Flash 24	24 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Express Energy- Flash 24″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Veteran Energy	Valor 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Veteran Energy-Valor 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Champion Energy	Champ Saver 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Champion Energy – Champ Saver 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
4Change Energy	Charitable Saver 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”4Change Energy – Charitable Saver 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Rhythm Energy	Power to Shift 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Rhythm Energy – Power to Shift 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
TriEagle Energy	Savvy Value 36	36 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”TriEagle Energy – Savvy Value 36″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Discount Power	Wise Buy 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Discount Power – Wise Buy 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Frontier Utilities	Frontier Budget Saver 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Frontier Utilities – Frontier Budget Saver 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Green Mountain	Pollution Free e-Plus 24	24 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Green Mountain – Pollution Free e-Plus 24″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Cirro Energy	Smart Simple 12 Online	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Cirro Energy – Smart Simple 12 Online” field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Gexa Energy	Gexa Energy Saver 24	24 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Gexa Energy – Gexa Energy Saver 24″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
TXU Energy	Simple Rate 12	12 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”TXU Energy – Simple Rate 12″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]
Payless Power	6 Month – prepaid	6 months	[brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”Payless Power – 6 Month – prepaid” field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”]

You may prefer shopping for plans with more predictable bills rather than the lowest rates. If so, consider plans with consistent rates across all usage levels and straightforward rate structures. We suggest the Savvy Value 36 plan from TriEagle.

It offers protection from future rate increases for 36 months, which can help provide more predictable monthly electricity bills. It also has fairly low rates per kWh, with Savvy Value 36 priced at [brand_field brand_list=”114697″ brand=”TriEagle Energy – Savvy Value 36″ field=”cbf_rate_%c2%a2_kwh”].

Bill predictability vs. low-rate energy plans in Dallas

According to our April 2024 deregulated energy survey of 1,000 Texans, most Dallas residents said price was the most influential factor in terms of choosing an energy company. While price is certainly important, we encourage Dallasites to also consider bill predictability.

Many low-cost plans keep rates low using bill credits, times of use or tiered rates. Bill credit plans offer usage credits when your consumption stays within a set margin. Time-of-use plans provide zero-cost energy at predetermined times, typically nights or weekends.

These plan types may not be a good fit for all Dallas residents. In months that you meet the bill credit, time of use or tier requirements, you may pay a cheap rate. But if your monthly energy usage doesn’t meet the requirements, you may end up paying a very steep electricity rate, which can lead to very unpredictable monthly energy bills.

How do you choose an energy plan in Dallas?

Deregulation means that your REP is not your utility company. In Texas, the transmission and distribution utility (TDU) repairs outages and maintains lines, while your electric company, or REP, is solely responsible for marketing electricity and billing you for your monthly usage.

Many Texans change power companies because they’re moving and their current supplier doesn’t provide electricity service in their new area. Whether you’re moving, searching for the lowest Dallas energy rates or hoping for the best customer service, changing electric companies can be a reliable strategy to get the most out of your home energy plan.

What are the best electricity companies in Dallas?

As of December 2024, the best electricity companies in Texas that operate in Dallas are Green Mountain Energy, TXU Energy and Reliant Energy, according to our team’s ratings and reviews.

Based on our survey, price is the number one factor for Dallas shoppers when choosing a new light company. We found that the cheapest energy providers in Dallas on average are Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities.

That said, we encourage you to consider factors beyond the bottom line. When rating energy providers, we score them not just on price but also on types of plans offered, their reputations across Texas and the quality of their customer service.

Retail Energy Provider	Our Rating	PUCT Rating	BBB Rating
Green Mountain Energy	4.5	4	A+
TXU Energy	4.4	5	A+
Reliant Energy	4.4	5	NR
Cirro Energy	4.3	2	A+
Constellation Energy	4.3	4	A+
Octopus Energy	4.3	2	NR
Gexa Energy	4.2	3	C
Champion Energy	4.2	5	A+
Rhythm Energy	4.2	2	NR
TriEagle Energy	4.2	2	A+
Direct Energy	4.2	4	F
Frontier Utilities	4.1	3	NR

Green Mountain Energy

Since its founding in 1997, Green Mountain Energy has pioneered green energy plans in Dallas and across Texas. Thanks to its low prices, respected customer service and green-energy-only offerings, it’s solidly at the top of our rankings for Dallas energy providers.

According to our survey, 74% of its customers expressed satisfaction with Green Mountain as their electric company. It scored 4.5 out of 5 stars in our light company rankings.

Green Mountain offers several plan types, including options with wind or solar power. The Pollution Free 24 Premier is a top plan for wind energy, with rates starting at 17.5 cents per kWh. One of its other top options is the Go Local Solar 18, which also charges 17.5 cents per kWh.

TXU Energy

The largest power company in Texas and No. 2 in our ranking, TXU Energy has a good reputation in the industry, with good ratings from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and good standing with the PUCT. We rated it 4.4 out of 5 stars because it offers a wide range of plans, and its customer service is excellent.

TXU has been particularly influential with its time of use plans, such as the Free Nights & Solar Days plan. With a charge of 19.8 cents per kWh, it offers solar energy during the day and free electricity from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. For a more straightforward plan, consider its Simple Rate 12.

Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy ranks No. 3 in our energy provider recommendations for Dallas. Reliant offers a wide range of plan types, including time of use plans and green energy plans. 

The company scored 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review, with high points for its solid standing with the PUCT, as well as its extensive experience as a light company in Texas.

Its Flextra Credits 24 plan promises free energy on your two highest usage days per week, as well as a $200 usage credit that you can cash in on the month of your choice. It also offers Truly Free plans for Dallasites who want free electricity during set time zones.

What should new residents know about deregulated energy in Dallas?

A deregulated energy market comes with its quirks. For instance, many plans feature discounts and promotions that can help you get the best rate. And when shopping for deregulated energy, it can be useful to read the EFL, which helps identify any additional charges and fees, such as early termination fees (ETFs).

Electricity facts label

Required by the state, the EFL provides an apples-to-apples comparison of rates across the key usage levels mentioned above. In essence, the EFL is your north star for finding your way to the best plan for your needs. It provides all the details on a plan’s rates, as well as any additional fees, including base charges and TDU fees.

The EFL will also tell you what type of plan you’re considering, including whether it has bill credits, times of use or usage tiers. Armed with your home’s historical usage data and a plan’s EFL, you can find out which Dallas electricity plan is best for you.

Discounts and promotions

Many Dallas electric plans offer discounts or promotions, such as bill credits and times of use. If your energy use meets the requirements of these offers, you could save money. If not, you may find yourself paying an above-average energy rate. Some energy plans in Dallas personalize plan benefits, offering free energy for charging your electric vehicle, free energy during your days of highest usage, or even free nights and weekends.

Early termination fees

Watch out for ETFs. Virtually all providers charge a cancellation fee, unless you’re enrolled in a month-to-month plan. The cost of an ETF depends on the provider and plan type. They typically range from $150 to $395, although some providers charge a flat fee of around $20 for every month remaining in your contract.

Variable rates vs. fixed rates

When energy shopping in Dallas, you should be aware of the two most common rate types: Variable and fixed.

Variable rates are subject to change on a monthly basis. Although they often advertise low starting prices, many variable-rate plans will skyrocket in cost after your first few months of enrollment. Fixed-rate plans allow you to lock in your rate for the entirety of your term period, providing price protection from future rate spikes.

For the most predictable bills, fixed-rate plans are worth consideration.

Rate ranges and tiered rates

Dallas energy rates vary based on usage levels, so check the EFL to see how much a plan’s rates vary from the lowest to the highest usage level. Plans with a wide rate range, such as 11.4 cents per kWh to 25.5 cents per kWh, are more likely to cause unpleasant surprises on your energy bill. A narrow rate range provides more consistent monthly electric bills.

Tiered rates can be very hard to spot, so keep a close eye on a plan’s EFL. If a provider offers very cheap electricity above or below a set usage level, that may be a tiered plan. If your usage is consistently within that tiered range, the plan may work. But if your usage is less predictable, a tiered rate plan could end up costing you more.

Renewable energy plans

Commonly referred to as green energy plans, renewable energy plans provide energy from renewable sources, such as wind, solar or hydropower. Thanks to its sunny climate and large landmass, Texas has rapidly become the largest green energy producer. The state houses massive wind farms, which you can see along many Texas highways, including Interstate 35 and Interstate 10.

What are common deregulated energy red flags?

In Texas, deregulation has created fierce competition, contributing to competitive electricity rates. That competition has also yielded a few red flags that you should be wary of when choosing a new energy plan or provider in Dallas.

Savings guarantees: Dallas energy rates are volatile and vary based on your personal energy use. That means no provider or plan can guarantee that you’ll save large amounts of money every month. If a plan, provider or salesperson promises big savings, be wary of the offer.

Negative customer reviews: If you see a provider offering very low rates but its reviews are almost entirely negative, be careful. While some bad reviews are commonplace, an excess of recent negative customer input could indicate that the provider doesn’t have the best customer service.

Cramming and slamming: Cramming is when a provider adds fees or charges for optional services without your permission. When a company switches your electricity supplier without your knowledge of consent, that’s called slamming. Both slamming and cramming are illegal. Avoid energy providers with a known history of slamming or cramming.

How does deregulated energy work in Dallas?

In 1999, Texas passed legislation to deregulate its energy sector. This law went into effect in 2002, breaking up monopolies to encourage competition. 

Instead of one utility company managing power generation, transmission and marketing, three entities are involved in Texas electricity: Generators, TDUs and REPs.

Today, you’re empowered to pick the best energy company and plan for your needs in Dallas. People who live in regulated cities must work with the utility company assigned to their electricity service area.

As a Dallasite, you’ll deal almost entirely with your REP, or electric company, although TDUs are responsible for line maintenance and repairing power outages.

As part of the deregulated electricity market, REPs buy electricity from power generators in wholesale auctions. REPs then sell that electricity to you. According to the PUCT and the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), these auctions are designed to create healthy competition, leading to fair electricity prices.

Why do electricity rates fluctuate in Dallas?

Because of deregulation, energy prices in Dallas can often change multiple times per month. Energy costs depend on supply and demand, the commodity cost of natural gas and extreme weather events. 

TDU fees can also have a large impact on electric rates in Dallas.

“Electricity prices are increasing in Dallas because [the ERCOT] wholesale market is now the most expensive and most volatile in the nation,” said Ed Hirs, energy fellow, lecturer and energy economics expert at the University of Houston. 

“Transmission costs are up and are being passed through because of the buildout necessary for renewable energy supplies. Oncor has been required to harden their grids to service their growing communities,” he added.

While rates have been increasing since 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can still find very cheap Dallas electricity.

When to buy electricity in Dallas

Typically, spring and fall are the best times of year to buy electricity in Dallas. Mild weather decreases demand and causes prices to dip, making it a more affordable time for enrollment. 

Summer weather is hot, ratcheting up demand and pushing prices higher. This makes summer a potentially expensive time to switch energy companies.

Texas electricity rates have recently increased overall, so buying electricity at the right time can be a strategic way for you to save money on your Dallas energy bill.

Which TDU serves Dallas

Oncor Electric services Dallas as their TDU. If you have a power outage to report, you’ll receive the quickest service by contacting Oncor directly rather than calling your Dallas electric company.

To track outages in your Dallas neighborhood, check out Oncor’s outage tracker.

What’s next?

Continue your energy shopping journey by reading our reviews of top Dallas energy providers. Or, check out Dallas electricity rates on Home Energy Club, a marketplace for comparing and buying deregulated energy plans.

Electricity rates in Dallas vary based on how many kWh you use per month, so know your home’s usage levels before you start researching. We recommend reviewing your electric bills for an entire year to account for seasonal influence. You can also use Smart Meter Texas.

If you want protection from rate spikes, a fixed-rate plan locks in costs for a set term. However, you’ll incur a termination fee if you prematurely cancel your contract to enroll in a new plan. You may find that it’s worth paying the ETF if the new plan provides enough monthly energy savings to offset the cost of the cancellation fee.

Your energy Dallas energy needs are personal. Beyond finding the lowest rate, consider other factors you care about, such as home protection packages, green energy plans, customer service quality and brand reputation.

Our methodology

Our goal is to help you find the best Texas energy provider for your needs. With more than 130 electric companies to choose from, not to mention hundreds of energy plans, picking the right light company for you can be a challenge. We’ve researched dozens of top energy companies in Texas, analyzing electricity costs, billing predictability, plan offerings, customer sentiment and more to review and rank companies — all to help you narrow down your options and make your energy choice with confidence.

Using our research, we’ve put together a robust review methodology, scoring company performance in the following key categories: 

• Provider plan features (33%)
• Customer satisfaction (27%)
• Provider rates and pricing options (20%)
• Provider’s plans bill predictability (20%)

Using a weighted average to highlight the importance of cost and customer satisfaction, we then score these providers out of 5 stars.