What is the average electricity rate in Houston, Texas?

The average residential electricity rate in Houston is approximately 13.27¢/kWh per kWh. The average household pays around $169 per month for electricity.

What is the average natural gas bill in Houston?

Natural gas customers in Houston pay an average of $48 per month. The rate is approximately $0.92/therm per therm.

Which electric company serves Houston, Texas?

Electricity in Houston is distributed by CenterPoint Energy (wires) and Multiple retail providers via ERCOT. Contact your provider at your local service address to confirm which utility serves your home.

Which gas company serves Houston?

Houston natural gas service is provided by CenterPoint Energy. Call them directly for new service connections or to report a gas leak.

How do Houston electricity rates compare to Texas averages?

Houston's electricity rate of 13.27¢/kWh is below the Texas state average of 16.44¢/kWh. This can reflect a municipal utility or favorable regional generation mix.

How do I start or stop utility service in Houston?

To start electric service in Houston, contact CenterPoint Energy (wires) and Multiple retail providers via ERCOT. For gas service, contact CenterPoint Energy. You'll typically need a photo ID, your new address, and a move-in date. Service can usually be established within 1-3 business days.

Houston, Texas Gas & Electricity Rates — Utility Providers & Savings 2026

Gas & Electricity in Houston, Texas

Houston operates in the deregulated ERCOT market. CenterPoint Energy owns the wires and pipes, but residents can shop from 60+ retail electricity providers. Summer cooling bills are the highest cost for most households.

Compared to the Texas state average of 16.44¢/kWh/kWh, Houston's electricity rate of 13.27¢/kWh is 3.17¢ below the Texas average. As Texas is a deregulated market, Houston residents can shop for competitive electricity suppliers to potentially reduce their supply rate.

Electric Utility in Houston

CenterPoint Energy (wires)
Multiple retail providers via ERCOT

Natural Gas Utility in Houston

CenterPoint Energy

Houston vs Texas Energy Rates

Metric	Houston	Texas Average	US Average
Electric Rate (¢/kWh)	13.27¢	16.44¢	16.00¢
Gas Rate ($/therm)	$0.92	$1.76	$1.47
Monthly Electric Bill	$169	$163	$117
Monthly Gas Bill	$48	$52	$73

Energy Assistance Programs for Houston Residents

As a Texas city, Houston residents can access the following state and local assistance programs:

✅ LITE-UP Texas
✅ Weatherization Assistance Program
✅ AMP (Average Monthly Payment)
✅ PUCT Assistance

Energy-Saving Tips for Houston Residents

✓ Install a variable-speed HVAC system — it runs longer at lower capacity, reducing humidity and energy use.
✓ Check your attic insulation — the South's summer heat demands R-38 to R-60 in attics.
✓ Use a whole-house fan in the evenings to flush out hot air when outdoor temps drop.
✓ Shade your AC unit with a pergola or shrubs — shaded units run 10% more efficiently.
✓ Switch to a tankless water heater — it saves energy by heating only on demand.

FAQ — Gas & Electricity in Houston, Texas

The average residential electricity rate in Houston is approximately 13.27¢/kWh per kWh. The average household pays around $169 per month for electricity.
Natural gas customers in Houston pay an average of $48 per month. The rate is approximately $0.92/therm per therm.
Electricity in Houston is distributed by CenterPoint Energy (wires) and Multiple retail providers via ERCOT. Contact your provider at your local service address to confirm which utility serves your home.
Houston natural gas service is provided by CenterPoint Energy. Call them directly for new service connections or to report a gas leak.
Houston's electricity rate of 13.27¢/kWh is below the Texas state average of 16.44¢/kWh. This can reflect a municipal utility or favorable regional generation mix.
To start electric service in Houston, contact CenterPoint Energy (wires) and Multiple retail providers via ERCOT. For gas service, contact CenterPoint Energy. You'll typically need a photo ID, your new address, and a move-in date. Service can usually be established within 1-3 business days.