Why Shoulder Months Are the Best Time to Shop Rates
Learn why the shoulder season offers the best time to shop for electricity rates and lock in a fixed-rate plan before wi…
The Ultimate Guide to Solving High Electricity Bills in Texas
Are you feeling the shock of a high electricity bill?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. We’ve all been there, staring at our bills in disbelief and wondering how on earth they got so darn high.
But fear not - we’ve got your back. In this ultimate guide, we’ll help you understand the common causes behind those pesky high electricity bills and arm you with practical strategies to lower your energy costs.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to take control of your electricity consumption and save some serious cash on your monthly bills.
So, let’s dive in and tackle those high electricity bills head-on.
Common Causes of High Electricity Bills
Before we can start slashing your electricity bills, it’s crucial to understand what’s causing them to skyrocket in the first place.
This section will explore the most common culprits behind high electricity bills in Texas.
From extreme weather conditions to hidden energy vampires and sneaky billing errors, we’ll leave no stone unturned.
By the end of this section, you’ll be able to pinpoint the factors driving up your energy costs and be ready to take action.
Spikes in Energy Consumption
Several factors could be at play if your electricity usage seems to be spiraling out of control. Let’s explore the most common culprits behind sudden spikes in energy consumption.
Read: Is Your Usage Going Haywire?
Pro tip: Using more electricity than usual is the primary cause of high electricity bills. You can monitor your usage with Smart Meter Texas to get an idea of your energy consumption.
Extreme Weather
From scorching summers to frigid winters, learn how Texas’ notorious weather extremes can send your electricity bills soaring.
Read: How Extreme Conditions Drive Your Electricity Bills Sky-High
Take action: How to Protect Your Wallet from Texas’ Extreme Weather
An Inefficient Home
Beware of the energy vampires lurking in your home. We’ll shine a light on the sneaky appliances and devices that could be sucking your energy and draining your bank account, even when you think they’re turned off.
Read: Do Hidden Energy Vampires Haunt Your Home?
Take action: Taming the Energy Vampires in Your Home
Lifestyle & Habits
From your thermostat settings to your laundry habits, your daily lifestyle choices can significantly impact your electricity bills.
Read: Lifestyle Factors That Could Be Draining Your Energy Budget
Take action: Transforming Your Texas Lifestyle for Energy Savings
Your Electricity Plan
Not all electricity plans are created equal, and the wrong plan could wreak havoc on your bills.
Read: Your Electricity Plan May Not Be Your Best Match
Take action: How to Ensure You’re Getting the Best Deal
Expired Electricity Contract
Beware of expired electricity contracts. We’ll reveal how letting your contract lapse can lead to skyrocketing bills and show you how to avoid falling into the default rate trap.
Read: Expired Electricity Contracts: The Silent Bill Killer
Take action: How to Switch Electricity Providers and Save
Missed Usage Discounts
Usage discounts can be tempting, but are they saving you money?
Read: Are Usage Discounts Leaving Money on the Table?
Take action: How to Shop with Your kWh Usage History for Savings
A New Electricity Plan
Switching to a new electricity plan can be a great way to save money, but sometimes, it can lead to an unexpected bill shock.
Read: New Electricity Plan, New Bill Shock? Here’s Why
Pro tip: Reach out to your electricity company to change to a better plan for your home.
A New Home
Moving into a new home is exciting but can also come with surprises - like an electricity bill that looks nothing like your old one.
Read: Why Your Old Electric Bill Doesn’t Match Your New Home
Pro tip: Every home and apartment uses electricity differently. Contact your electricity company to change to a better plan suited for your new home.
Billing Mistakes
Sometimes, the problem with your high bills is not your usage or plan but the billing process itself. We’ll explore common billing issues and errors that could be causing you undue stress and financial strain.
Read: Don’t Let Billing Issues Shock Your Wallet
Take action: Fight Hidden Fees
A Missed Payment
Missing a payment may seem like a small mistake, but it can have enormous consequences for your electricity bills.
Read: How a Missed Payment Can Lead to Higher Electric Bills
Pro tip: Set your electricity billing to autopsy to prevent missed payments.
Billing Cycles
Your electricity billing cycle may be a mystery, but it is key to managing your costs.
Read: Understanding Your Electricity Billing Cycle and Why It Matters
Pro tip: Be aware that billing cycles can range from 28 to 32 days and don’t always match calendar dates.
A Billing Error
Sometimes, a high electricity bill isn’t your fault at all.
Read: High Electricity Bills: Is an Error to Blame?
Take action: How to Audit the Hell Out of Your Electricity Bill
Strategies to Lower Your High Electricity Bill
Now that you know what’s behind those high electricity bills, it’s time to fight back.
We’ll provide you with an arsenal of strategies for lowering energy costs and keeping more money in your pocket.
We’ve got you covered, from conducting a home energy audit to optimizing your electricity plan.
Get ready to transform from a high-bill victim to an energy-saving hero.
Audit Your Electricity Bill
From understanding your usage patterns to identifying potential errors, we’ll give you the tools you need to take control of your electricity costs and ensure you’re only paying for what you use.
Read: How to Audit the Hell Out of Your Electricity Bill
Weatherproof Your Home
Texas weather can be a beast, but we’ll show you how to weatherproof your home to keep the heat (and the cold) where it belongs - outside.
Read: How to Protect Your Wallet from Texas’ Extreme Weather
Make Your Home More Efficient
From unplugging devices to investing in smart power strips, we’ll help you slay those energy vampires once and for all.
Read: Taming the Energy Vampires in Your Home
Optimize Daily Habits
From adjusting your thermostat to doing laundry like a pro, we’ll show you how to transform your daily habits and routines to maximize energy savings without cramping your style.
Read: Transforming Your Texas Lifestyle for Energy Savings
Choose the Right Energy Plan
With so many electricity plans, finding the best deal can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Compare plans like a pro, spot the red flags, and choose the perfect plan for your household’s needs.
Read: How to Ensure You’re Getting the Best Deal
Fight Hidden Fees
Hidden fees can be the silent killer of your electricity budget. Let’s examine the most common hidden fees and get practical tips for avoiding them.
Read: How to Fight Hidden Fees
Get Help Paying Your Bill
If you’re struggling to keep up with your electricity bills, know that you’re not alone and that help is available.
Read: Assistance Paying Your Electricity Bill
Reach Out if You Need Us
And if you ever feel stuck or overwhelmed, know you’re not in this alone.
Give us a call and speak to a fellow Texan whenever you need help.
Together, we can beat those high bills and keep more money in our pockets (and maybe even splurge on a few extra tacos).
Keep reading
Spring into Savings
Clever Ways to Lower Your Texas Electricity Bill As spring unfolds in Texas, we're treated to pleasant temperatures, col…
How to Lower Your Electricity Bill
Are you burdened with high electricity bills? You could be on an unsuitable plan. In Texas, you can select a plan tailor…
Still stuck? Talk to a human.
Texas-based energy experts — no phone trees, no scripts.
Live chat
Bottom-right corner of your screen
Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
support@comparepower.com
We answer fast
Did this page actually help?
Straight answers make the next version better.
G
Written by
Sr. Content and Media Specialist
Content Leader. Multimedia Storyteller. Data-Driven Creator.
E
Edited by
Senior Director of Product
Senior Director of Product at Compare Power. 8+ years guiding Texans to smarter energy choices through data-driven tools and editorial excellence.
R
Reviewed by
Senior Director of Supplier Relations
Making things better. Keeping Energy Companies honest.