Will Your February Electric Bill Go Up?
Worried that your Dallas electric bills will be more expensive this month? It’s understandable after last year’s snowstorm. Many Texans ended up with higher bills, a few shockingly high. How bad could it get this year? Let’s compare what the average Texan used during the winter storms last year with the cheapest electricity plan in Dallas right now.
How Much Electricity Did Texans Use During the 2021 Storm?
Interestingly enough, most Dallas didn’t face huge electricity bills in February of last year. In fact, the average electricity bill in February of 2021 was $134 (compared to $115 the previous year). That’s a 17% increase.
On the other hand, commercial and industrial sectors experienced the highest rates, paying double what they did the year before on average.
In short, more people were heating up their houses and staying warm. But, you didn’t see insanely huge electricity bills across the board. (These were rare and we’ll explain why they happened shortly.)
How Much Will Your Dallas Electric Bills Be This Month?
The average Texas home uses around 1,132 kWh a month. Right now, the average rate for electricity in the state is 13.7 cents per kWh. Using those two averages, you get an estimated monthly bill of $155.
Usage went up 17% during the storm. That brings your estimated monthly total (assuming there’s another snowstorm) to $181.35. Which is a lot…
But there are a couple of important points to note. These are based on averages. For example, the cheapest electricity plan, Simply Green 30 by Rhythm, has a rate of 11 cents per kWh. At that rate, your estimated monthly bill of $124.52, or $145 with winter storm-level usage.
And that’s why it’s always important to shop for the electric plans that offer the cheapest rates. A few cents can make a huge difference.
The Problem with Variable Rate Plans
The reason why Texas was in the news with insanely high electricity rates last year was because of variable rate plans.
If you don’t shop for a new electricity provider or renew your contract before it is finished, your provider can place you on a default renewal plan. Alternatively, if you simply choose a variable rate plan, then you have to pay the market value for electricity. And that was a huge problem last year.
Variable rates change based on supply and demand. These plans can offer cheaper rates during the shoulder months. However, they tend to skyrocket in the summer and winter when demand is much higher.
During the storm, suppliers couldn’t keep up with the demand. This drove the cost of electricity up drastically. And the Oncor customers without fixed rates plans ended up paying insanely high rates.
How to Save More on Your Monthly Dallas Electric Bills
Luckily, there aren’t any big winter storms on the horizon. But that could always change… Don’t get stuck out in the cold with a variable rate plan. Or, any other electric plan that has you overpaying.
It’s time to take advantage of your power to choose.
Visit www.texaselectricityratings.com today for the strategies, details, and tips you need to avoid pricey electricity plans. You can easily shop, compare, and save BIG when you switch to a new electric provider through us today!