How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Texas

No one likes surprises when it comes to energy bills. In Texas, where hot summers and seasonal swings can send costs soaring, there are practical ways to keep your bill predictable and manageable without giving up comfort. 

Start by Reviewing Your Electricity Plan

Your electricity plan is one of the best ways to control costs. Most Texans can choose their provider, so picking the right plan for your home and habits can make a big difference. 

Understanding Fixed-Rate vs. Variable-Rate Plans

The rate you pay matters. Fixed-rate plans lock in your price per kilowatt-hour for the length of your contract, protecting you from seasonal price jumps — especially when the Texas heat drives up demand. This makes your monthly bill more predictable, which many customers find reassuring.

Variable-rate plans change with the market. They don’t require a long-term contract, but your bill can increase quickly during months when demand is high.

Selecting between these plan types comes down to what works for your budget and lifestyle. 

Match Your Plan to Your Life

Some plans offer extra savings based on when you use electricity. For instance, a plan with free nights or weekends can help if you’re away during the day. On the other hand, if you’re at home using electricity steadily throughout the week, a simple, low, fixed-rate plan may make more sense. Always check your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to see the actual cost at your usage level—usually measured at 500, 1,000 or 2,000 kilowatt-hours—so you’re not paying for features you don’t use. 

Use a Whole-Home Approach to Reduce Electricity Use

Once you have a plan that fits, the next step is understanding how your home uses energy. Cooling accounts for the biggest chunk of usage in most Texas homes but wasted energy can show up anywhere. 

Do a DIY Home Energy Audit

Start with a quick walkthrough. Check for air leaks around windows and doors. Look for electronics or appliances that run constantly, even when no one is using them. Blocked vents and clogged filters can force your air system to work harder than necessary. These simple checks help you spot where energy— and money—might be slipping away. Want to go further? Read our guide to a DIY home energy audit for more tips. 

Rethink Cooling and Comfort for Texas Summers

Air conditioning carries the biggest weight on Texas energy bills. Small changes can deliver big savings. 

Set Your Thermostat with Intention

Adjusting your thermostat just two degrees higher in the summer can help lower your bill while keeping you comfortable. Programmable and smart thermostats are easy ways to automate these adjustments, so you stay cool only when you need to. 

Use Fans and Improve Airflow

Ceiling fans keep air moving, letting you feel cooler and helping your air conditioner work smarter—not harder. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave. 

Keep Your System Efficient

Clean or replace air filters every month during summer and winter. Schedule annual maintenance so a pro can check your refrigerant, clean coils and help your system use less energy when it counts most. Seal leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping and caulk. Blackout curtains or solar screens block out the summer sun and reduce the cooling load.

Cut Lighting Costs with Easy Upgrades

Lighting may seem minor, but switching makes a difference. Replace old bulbs with LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy and last much longer. Add occupancy sensors or smart bulbs so lights aren’t left on when you’re not in the room. Dimmers let you use only as much light as you need — all together, this keeps your usage lower year-round, especially during hot summers.

Reduce Energy Use in the Kitchen

The kitchen is another likely spot for high energy use.

For your refrigerator:

• Set the temp between 35°F and 38°F
• Keep it full but not crowded—items help retain cold
• Clean condenser coils every year
• Allow airflow behind and around the unit

With your dishwasher:

• Wait for a full load before running
• Skip the heated drying cycle when possible and air dry instead
• Run cycles in the evening if your plan has off-peak savings

Cooking tip: Use your air fryer, toaster oven or microwave for small meals instead of the stove or oven to keep the kitchen — and your AC — cool.

Lower Hot Water Costs in the Bathroom

Hot water heaters use more electricity than you might realize. 

• Take shorter, cooler showers
• Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth
• Switch off the vent fan once moisture is gone so you’re not losing conditioned air
• Unplug tools like hair dryers and straighteners when you’re done

These habits save hot water for homes with electric water heaters, cutting costs each month.

Make Laundry Work For You

Laundry appliances are energy heavyweights if not managed carefully. 

• Wash full loads only and use cold water to save even more, since 90% of energy goes to heating water
• Run laundry in the evening or at night if your plan rewards off-peak usage
• Air dry clothes outside when the weather’s warm
• Clean the dryer lint trap and vent regularly for better airflow

Smarter Home Office Energy Use

Working from home has raised electric bills for many Texans. Try these quick wins: 

• Plug computers and monitors into a power strip and turn it off when work’s done
• Unplug chargers when not in use—many small devices still draw power even when they’re not charging anything
• Limit printer use to what’s truly needed

Little efforts here add up over time.

Take Control of Your Texas Electric Bill with TXU Energy

You shouldn’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to save money on energy. TXU Energy makes it easier with innovative plans, usage tracking tools and 24/7 support that fit how you live. We power more Texas homes and businesses than anyone else—helping you stay comfortable, confident and in control.

Ready to lower your electric bill? Compare TXU Energy residential plans tailored for Texas homes, and explore tools that make staying on budget simple.