In Texas's deregulated electricity market, your rate per kWh depends on both your retail electricity provider and CenterPoint's TDU charges. Understanding your effective rate helps you compare plans and manage costs.
Houston generally has competitive electricity rates, though CenterPoint's TDU charges are slightly higher than some other Texas TDUs.
Current Rate Ranges
As of 2026, typical all-in rates in CenterPoint territory range from:
- Competitive fixed-rate plans: $0.11-0.15 per kWh
- Average plans: $0.13-0.17 per kWh
- Variable-rate plans: $0.09-0.22+ per kWh (fluctuates)
- Premium green energy plans: $0.13-0.19 per kWh
These rates include both energy charges and CenterPoint TDU charges.
Calculating Your Effective Rate
To find your actual rate per kWh:
- Find your total bill amount
- Subtract any fixed monthly fees
- Divide by your total kWh usage
For example: ($180 bill - $10 fees) ÷ 1,200 kWh = $0.14/kWh effective rate
Plan Types and Pricing
Different plan types have different pricing structures:
- Fixed-rate: Same rate for contract term (12-36 months)
- Variable-rate: Rate changes monthly based on market
- Free nights/weekends: Higher daytime rates, "free" off-peak
- Tiered: Rate changes at usage thresholds
Shopping for Better Rates
Use PowerToChoose.org to compare plans in CenterPoint territory. Look at the price at 1,000 kWh for typical homes, or 2,000 kWh for larger homes. Houston's high summer usage makes the 2,000 kWh price particularly important.