Seasonal Expert Reviewed

The Texas Summer Bill Spike Survival Guide

July and August bills routinely run 2× your winter average. Here's how to prepare — and when to panic.

By Marcus Chen 7 min read Updated April 2026

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Key Takeaways

Texas July/August bills typically double winter usage — normal, not a problem.
A 3× winter bill is a red flag — the plan, not the weather, may be the cause.
Emergency switches usually cost more in ETF than they save in rate.
Lock a fixed-rate plan in November to avoid next year's panic.

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Why summer bills spike

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What a normal July bill looks like

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Red flags: when it's the plan, not the weather

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Emergency switches vs. riding it out

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Building a summer-proof plan for next year

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MC

“A doubled summer bill is the weather. A tripled summer bill is your plan.”

— Marcus Chen, Senior Editor

Current Texas electricity rates

Plan

Rate

Term

Monthly @ 1,000 kWh

Best Fixed 12-mo

Rate 10.2¢

Term 12 mo

Monthly $102

Fixed 24-mo

Rate 10.8¢

Term 24 mo

Monthly $108

Variable

Rate 11.5¢

Term Monthly

Monthly $115

100% Green

Rate 11.9¢

Term 12 mo

Monthly $119

Rates as of April 2026 · Based on 1,000 kWh usage · Source: ComparePower.com

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The Bottom Line

July and August bills routinely run 2× your winter average. Here's how to prepare — and when to panic.

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Editorial Independence: ChooseMyPower is editorially independent. Our opinions are our own. We may earn a referral fee when you enroll through our partner ComparePower.com — this never influences our rankings or editorial content.

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Marcus Chen

Senior Editor

Sarah covers the Texas deregulated electricity market with a focus on rate analysis, consumer protection, and the math behind every plan. She holds the CFA charter and has 8+ years on the energy desk.

Editorial Standards

How we research and review.

Independently researched. Every claim is verified against primary sources (PUCT, ERCOT, EFLs).
No paid placement. Rankings are never influenced by advertising or referral compensation.
Reviewed by Marcus Chen. Articles are reviewed by certified energy market analysts.

Read our full standards

Sources

NOAA — Texas Cooling Degree-Day Records
ERCOT — Summer Peak Demand Reports
EIA — Residential Cooling Energy Use
PUCT — Summer Disconnect Moratorium Rules

Sources are cited for informational purposes. Data may have been updated since publication.

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Frequently asked questions

Common questions related to seasonal.

Where do you get your data? +

We source plan and rate data from public REP filings, the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) every plan must publish, and the live ComparePower.com database. Updates flow daily.

Are recommendations independent? +

Yes. ChooseMyPower's rankings and recommendations are made independently from any compensation we may receive when you enroll through our partner.

How often is this guide updated? +

We revisit guides on a quarterly basis at minimum, and immediately when material market or regulatory changes happen.

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