Can I lock in Houston electricity prices for less than a year?
It’s not surprising that this year’s hot Texas summer has increased Houston electricity prices. Because many people change residences in the summer, movers often lock in fixed rate electricity prices when rates are typically the highest. When you renew contracts every one, two, or three years, you wind up making your plan choice the same time of year.
Rather than locking into a year-long contract, some savvy power customers sign up for a shorter contract term. That way, their next renewal comes at a time when prices are typically lower than they are in the summer.
Unfortunately, 6-month contracts are about the shortest you can find right now. With the high electricity prices expected, most Texas retail electricity providers pulled their 3-month plans because those plans have very slim profit margins even during the best of times.
However, 6 month plans can protect you from a high priced summer-rate Houston power plan all year long. You’ll be able to find a much cheaper and longer term plan when rates eventually decrease later in the year.
Lock in Houston electricity prices until winter with a 6-month plan
If you sign up for a 6-month plan now, doing so gives you price certainty through the early part of winter. Choosing this length will allow you to try a Houston electricity provider without too long a commitment. Once temperatures drop, you may be able to lock in a lower rate for a longer term because power companies will be through the summer peak demand season. The plans below are solid options for 6-month contracts.
| Plan | 500 kWh | 1,000 kWh | 2,000 kWh |
| American Light & Power, Smart Power 6 | 14.8 cents | 14.3 cents | 14.0 cents |
| Bounce Energy, Fantastic Fixed 6 | 16.7 cents | 15.6 cents | 15.1 cents |
Put off a multi-year electricity contract for nine months
Many people like to sign multi-year contracts with their power companies so they can rest easy with a guaranteed price for a long time. If you’re not ready to make that decision, a 9-month contract gives you price certainty with plenty of time to research that next big contract. One of the plans below could be the one that tides you over.
| Plan | 500 kWh | 1,000 kWh | 2,000 kWh |
| Infinite Energy, 9-month Partner Saver | 14.4 cents | 11.9 cents | 11.6 cents |
| American Light & Power, Smart Power 9 | 14.3 cents | 13.8 cents | 13.5 cents |
| Bounce Energy, Nifty 9 | 15.3 cents | 14.2 cents | 13.7 cents |
Find your perfect electricity plan
Perhaps none of these plans are right for you. And that’s totally okay! Fortunately, Texas Electricity Rating has dozens of plans for you to explore. Search for CenterPoint Houston plans at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com.