The Lone Star State is becoming a more popular destination for anybody looking to move. Whether it’s Californians or Minnesotans, more people are moving to Texas and for good reasons: a strong job market, low home prices and taxes, and great weather. (And let’s not forget the amazing Tex-Mex and BBQ and live music scene.) Plus, the diverse topography and plethora of National Parks means there’s something to be enjoyed by city dwellers and nature lovers alike.
Below, we detail what to expect when relocating to Texas, including the cost of living, how Texas energy works, tools to keep in mind for comparing rates and electricity plans, and other detailed information
Looking for a electricity plan? Shop our Texas energy plans today.
What’s the Cost of Living in the Lone Star State?
The cost of living in Texas can be quite appealing, particularly for those who are moving to Texas cities from high-cost metropolises such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
For example, Los Angeles is 79.6% more expensive than Houston. In Texas, there is no state income tax, low home prices (the median house price is just shy of $250,000), low sales tax (only 6.25%), and appealing employment opportunities
Even something as basic as getting your driver’s license at the DMV is more affordable in Texas than in many other states. As of 2021, a Texas driver’s license costs $25
How Does Texas Energy Work?
Unlike many other states in the country, Texas has a deregulated energy market. About 85% of the state is deregulated, including major cities such as Dallas, Fort Worth, and Plano. That means as a new Texas resident you might need to choose an electricity provider, otherwise one will be selected for you. Texas cities that are exceptions include San Antonio and Austin.
Texas produces its electricity from coal-powered plants, natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), “Wind accounts for nearly all of the electricity generated from renewable resources in Texas. The state leads the nation in wind-powered electricity generation, producing almost three-tenths of the U.S. total in 2020.”
Energy production and distribution in the Lone Star State is monitored and controlled by ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. This body is responsible for ensuring that the deregulated power grid in Texas stays functional and on top of demand.
Deregulation means that the pricing of energy plans is left to the market itself, so various retail electric providers (REPs) vie for your business among deregulated Texas cities. As such, it’s imperative to always read the Electricity Facts Label of an energy plan before signing any documents.
Understanding Electricity Plans and Rates in Texas
There are three main types of electricity plans available: prepaid, fixed-rate, and variable-rate plans
- Pre-paid plans: This is self-explanatory. You pay fees upfront and likely won’t need a credit check. You won’t have to worry about large bills creeping up on you but you must keep on top of your prepayments.
- Fixed-rate plans: This type of plan has a price that is fixed during the length of your contract. If you’re worried about the price of electricity going up, it’s a good idea to choose a fixed-rate plan for as long as you can.
- Variable-rate plans: This is the opposite of a fixed-rate plan. Variable rates change over time, which means they are often cheaper when you sign up but can go up as the market price goes up.
Choosing the best electricity plan can seem like a hassle, so it’s best to use the free, online and unbiased tool known as Power to Choose to select the best electricity rates and never pay more than you have to.
Pro tip: Fixed-Rate vs. Variable Rate Electricity
How Do You Compare Electricity Plans and Rates in Texas?
Texas has numerous retail electricity providers with varying costs. Sifting through the seemingly endless options can be a headache. Luckily, you can get free help to find the best electric utility company in your area
It’s worth noting that all plans offer prices in kilowatt-hours, or kWh, the standard measure of electricity. Most offer plans based on average monthly spending. Generally speaking, pricing is categorized into three tiers:
- 500 kW/month (low electricity usage)
- 1,000 kW//month (average electricity usage)
- 2,000 kW/month (high electricity usage)
When reviewing and comparing electricity plans, be sure to have your most recent electric bills (say, from the past three months if possible) with you. This will give you a clear idea of your typical monthly household energy usage so you don’t overspend or underestimate how much power you actually need
Below are some resources to help you figure out the energy landscape and choose the right plan when moving to Texas.
Power to Choose
Power to Choose is perhaps the best way to get an overview of Texas energy plans. This government-established tool was created by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC or PUCT). It provides consumers like you with an unbiased presentation of different Texas retail electricity providers (REPs).
You can sort through all the details of various energy plans so you can decide which electricity provider works best for your household and usage needs.
Learning how to use this tool is a lot easier with some assistance — check out our guide on how to use Power to Choose tool to search for companies in your service area, check for energy rates, company reliability, early termination fees, and many other must-know details.
Power to Save Texas
Power to Save Texas is a great website that helps you to learn just how much electricity and money you could save by being smart around your house. You can already save a lot of money by choosing the best electricity provider. This website allows you to boost your energy savings further through a great savings calculator, tips to cool off your home, and other helpful tips.
How Much Do Texans Pay for Electricity?
The average price Texas residents pay is 10.98 cents per kWh, which ranks 31st in the country; they also spend $128 per month on electricity bills, which ranks fifth in the nation. While many Texans may pay more for electricity during summers when the AC is running non-stop to beat the heat, there are some easy habits and changes you can make to save on energy costs all year long
Be sure to check out the following guides and tips that can help you tremendously when moving to Texas:
- Learn what temperature to set your air conditioner in summer
- Get a smart thermostat for summer energy savings
- Top tips for lowering your winter energy bill
- Discover how energy conservation can make a huge difference
Can You Choose Renewable Energy Sources for Electricity in Texas?
Yes, you can choose to support renewable energy sources (sometimes called “green energy” or “clean energy”) to power your electricity supply.
For instance, Tara Energy supplies electricity to hundreds of thousands of residential and commercial customers in the Lone Star state and gives consumers the option to select plans that save money and the planet
With the Go Green option, you can feel good knowing that everything from the hot water for your bath, laundry, and cooking to the lights you switch on are powered by renewable energy sources
When you learn more about clean energy, it can help you make decisions that ensure your new home is as eco-friendly as possible while still saving you money. Moving to Texas means you can save some green in more ways than one
Tara Moves With You
Moving? Take your Tara Energy services with you at no additional cost.
Tara Energy: How It Can Help You When Moving to Texas
While we encourage you to compare different Texas electricity plans, we would be remiss not to mention some of the reasons why Tara Energy could be the right choice for you.
Here’s a quick list for you to consider Tara Energy as your Texas electricity provider:
- Low rates and competitive plans: Tara Energy has a variety of plans with flexible term lengths and energy rates to suit a variety of households. For instance you could choose from a free nights plan with no charges between 9pm and 7am. You can also enjoy the Base Saver III plan with competitive electric rates that suit your budget.
- Renewable energy: You can be a money saver and eco saver with the green energy plan that allows you to offset your carbon footprint with 100% renewable energy. At just $9.99 per month, you can do your part to create a cleaner, greener planet.
- Convenient customer service: There’s almost nothing worse than an electricity company that’s impossible to reach. Tara Energy makes it easy to get the help you need with customer support that’s available via email or phone.
Moving to Texas Is a Great Idea for Many Reasons
There are a variety of reasons why people are moving to Texas. Who wouldn’t enjoy good weather, ample employment opportunities, and low cost of living? From buying a Texas home for a reasonable price to enjoying the freedom of choosing your own low electricity rates, the options are seemingly endless in the great state of Texas
One of the most essential aspects of moving to Texas entails selecting and setting up your utilities. Fortunately, the free, government-created Power to Choose tool can help you sift through the many Texas retail electricity providers so you can make the most informed decision possible
Whether it’s cowboy boots, brisket, BBQ, or energy providers, there is no one-size-fits-all product in Texas. And at Tara Energy, we understand that. With our broad mix of energy solutions and lower rates, you can feel confident that you’ll find the right fit for your household or even your business.
There are a variety of residential and commercial options for you to choose from when moving to Texas and we’re here to help. We welcome you to send us an email at customerSupport@TaraEnergy.com or give us a call at 866-217-7061
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