Seasonal Expert Reviewed

Texas Winter Electricity Rates: What to Expect

Why winter bills are smaller but not small — and how to lock a rate before the next cold snap.

By Sarah Mitchell, CFA 6 min read Updated April 2026

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Key Takeaways

Winter rates typically bottom out in November — the best window to lock.
Heat-pump homes can use as much winter electricity as summer.
Cold snaps spike wholesale prices but rarely affect fixed-rate retail customers.
Variable-rate customers are most exposed during freeze events.

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The winter rate floor (Dec–Feb)

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When to shop: November is the window

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Winter demand spikes and freeze risk

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Heat-pump vs. gas-heat homes

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Best fixed-rate locks for winter

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“November is the cheapest month to sign a 12-month fixed-rate contract in Texas — prices haven't spiked yet, but capacity is loose.”

— Sarah Mitchell, CFA, Energy Market Analyst

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

Why winter bills are smaller but not small — and how to lock a rate before the next cold snap.

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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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Sarah Mitchell, CFA

Energy Market Analyst

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 Sarah Mitchell, CFA. Articles are reviewed by certified energy market analysts.

Read our full standards

Sources

ERCOT — Winter Reliability Assessments
EIA — Seasonal Electricity Pricing Patterns
NOAA — Texas Winter Storm History
PUCT — Cold-Weather Disconnect Protections

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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