Texas households could face near-$1,000 summer power bills

By AI, Created 7:51 PM UTC, May 27, 2026, /AGP/ – New analysis from ElectricityPlans.com says average Dallas-area households will spend $939 on electricity and Houston-area households $924 from June through September. The findings highlight how Texas summer demand, contract timing and shopping for rates can materially affect household budgets.

Why it matters: - Summer electricity costs can take a major bite out of Texas household budgets. - The analysis shows many homes are on track to spend close to $1,000 on power between June and September. - The timing matters because many electricity contracts expire during the season when rates are typically highest.

What happened: - ElectricityPlans.com released a new analysis of summer electricity costs for Texas households. - The average Dallas-area household is projected to spend $939 on electricity from June through September. - The average Houston-area household is projected to spend $924 over the same period. - ElectricityPlans.com is a licensed Texas electricity broker and comparison platform.

The details: - The analysis uses the average Dallas-area home size of 1,870 square feet and annual electricity use of 12,115 kWh. - The analysis uses the average Houston-area home size of 2,031 square feet and annual electricity use of 13,093 kWh. - The four summer months of June, July, August and September account for more than 50% of a Texas home’s annual electricity consumption, based on ERCOT residential usage patterns analyzed by ElectricityPlans.com. - Kelly Bedrich, co-founder and CEO of ElectricityPlans.com, said summer electricity bills come on top of elevated gasoline and grocery prices. - Bedrich said Texans in deregulated areas can shop for a lower electricity rate for some relief. - A survey completed in April found that 19% of Texans do not comparison shop when their electricity contract expires. - Bedrich said consumers who renew with their current company typically pay a 15% to 20% loyalty premium versus shopping the competitive market. - Electricity rate offers are typically highest in summer months. - Consumers can lock in a new electricity rate up to 60 days before a current contract ends. - Recommended bill-cutting steps include setting thermostats to 76°F when home and 80°F when away. - The company also recommends running dishwashers and clothes dryers after 8 p.m. to reduce added heat. - Sealing air leaks around doors and windows can help prevent cooled air from escaping. - Consumers who may struggle to pay a bill should contact their electricity provider before falling behind. - Texas retail electricity providers are required to offer Deferred Payment Plans. - Bill help is also available through LIHEAP and the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program. - ElectricityPlans.com says a provider can connect customers to those resources. - The full research methodology is available on the ElectricityPlans.com blog.

Between the lines: - The analysis points to a broader affordability problem, not just a seasonal spike. - For customers in deregulated Texas markets, shopping before a contract expires can be one of the most direct ways to lower costs. - The loyalty premium suggests staying put can be more expensive than many households realize.

What’s next: - Households with summer expirations can compare rates before their current contracts end. - Consumers facing payment trouble can ask providers about deferred payment plans and assistance programs now rather than waiting for a missed bill. - Texas families will likely keep feeling the strain as summer cooling demand peaks across June through September.

The bottom line: - For many Texas households, summer power costs are high enough to justify early rate shopping and tighter energy use before the hottest months hit.