GoodCharlie Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Electricity Rates in Waco

Written by Daryl Lawrence | Mar 2, 2023 7:43:07 PM

Whether you're new to Waco or have been a lifelong resident, it's important to understand how the electricity market works. Understanding this, as well as knowing what the average electricity rates in Waco are, will help you choose the right electricity plan. However, because of deregulation and how the system is set up, this is easier said than done. 

If you're looking to choose a new electricity plan in Waco, Texas, you've come to the right place. This article will tell you everything you need to know about electricity rates in Waco, how they're determined, and what to watch out for. We'll also discuss how to find the best electricity rates in Waco to ensure you don't overpay for your power. 

 

  1. What are the Average Electricity Rates in Waco? 
  2. How are Electricity Rates Determined in Waco? 
  3. What Affects Electricity Rates in Waco? 
  4. Does the Type of Electricity Plan Affect Electricity Rates in Waco? 
  5. Choose GoodCharlie Energy for the Best Electricity Rates in Waco

 

What are the Average Electricity Rates in Waco? 

If you're shopping around for electricity plans in Waco, you'll be happy with what you find. The average electricity rates in Waco are substantially lower, sometimes up to 18% lower, than the average rates in the rest of Texas. Currently, the average electricity rates in Waco are right around 11 to 12 cents/kWh. Having said that, however, you can pay much more or less than this rate based on a number of factors. 

How are Electricity Rates Determined in Waco? 

As with most of the rest of Texas, 80% to be exact, the electricity market in Waco is deregulated. This means that each individual electricity company can set its own rates. However, thanks to stiff competition and more than 100 REPs in the area, electricity companies typically keep their rates within several cents of one another. Although the government doesn't regulate electricity rates in Waco, stiff competition serves the same purpose. 

What Affects Electricity Rates in Waco? 

There are a number of things that will affect your electricity rates in Waco. 

During parts of the year when there's a high demand for electricity, rates tend to be higher. This most commonly happens during the summer when everyone is trying to power their air conditioners at the same time. 
  • If the Texas power grid isn't able to produce enough electricity to keep up with demand, electricity rates in Waco tend to skyrocket. During the Texas Freeze, for example, the power grid was overloaded, and much of Texas' electricity supply sources were put out of commission. The result was outlandishly high electricity rates. 
  • Global events, such as when Russia invaded Ukraine, caused a sharp spike in electricity rates in Waco. This happened because Texas could no longer purchase fossil fuels from Russia, which led to a decrease in our supply lines. 
  •  

Not Understanding Your Electricity Usage 

Unfortunately, most of the things that will affect electricity rates in Waco are out of your control. What you can control, however, is how much electricity you use and understanding how your usage affects your rate. You see, electricity companies have what's referred to as tiered rates. With tiered rates, your electricity rate changes based on how much electricity you use. 

Let's say that you see a plan advertised at a rate of 12 cents/kWh. What you may not notice, however, is that this plan is based on using a minimum of 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Unless you read your electricity facts and labels sheet, you won't notice what your rate will actually be if you use less than 2,000 kWh of electricity. 

In most cases, your rate will jump by anywhere from four to ten cents depending on how wide the tiers are on your plan. Therefore, instead of paying 12 cents/kWh for your electricity, you could pay up to 20 cents/kWh if you use less than 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. The only way to avoid this upcharge is to know how much electricity you use per month and sign up for a plan that matches your usage. Contact us to learn more about tiered rates and your usage. 

Does the Type of Electricity Plan Affect Electricity Rates in Waco? 

In addition to choosing a plan that fits your usage, it's also important to choose the right type of plan. In Waco, you have the option of choosing between several different types of electricity plans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, flat-rate, and prepaid. Each of these plans will have different pricing structures and rates. 

  • Prepaid plans 

These plans are convenient, flexible, and easy to understand but usually have high rates. 

  • Variable-rate plans 

These plans are flexible, but your rate could change from month to month, depending on the electricity market. 

  • Flat-rate plans 

These plans are simple, basic, and budget-friendly, but they often have much higher rates than other types of plans. 

  • Fixed-rate plans

These types of plans allow the opportunity to lock into a low, affordable electricity rate. Regardless of what happens with the economy or what happens with supply and demand, your rate will only change once your contract expires. However, because fixed-rate plans have tiered rates, it's important to understand your average monthly usage and choose your plan accordingly. 

Choose GoodCharlie Energy for the Best Electricity Rates in Waco

If you're looking for the best electricity rates in Waco, look no further than GoodCharlie Energy, and here's why. 

  • We have competitive rates and comprehensive plans with no hidden fees. 
  • Each of our plans is available with electricity from a renewable resource such as wind or solar. 
  • We're the #1 choice for a REP in Texas by pet owners, thanks to our goal of making Texas the best state for a dog to live in. 
  • Our list of benefits includes 24/7 emergency video vet access, a $750 pet emergency fund, and a monthly donation from us to a local pet shelter
  • Transparent pricing that's easy to read and understand. 
  • Fixed-rate plans that you can choose based on your electricity usage. 
  • Outstanding customer service provided by people in Texas and from Texas. 
  • We're partnered with local pet shelters, including Dallas Pets Alive!

 

Switching to GoodCharlie Energy is easy if you're in the market for a new electricity plan. We might be a newer power company, but we're quickly becoming one of the best for affordable and reliable energy in Waco and the surrounding area. We ask you to join us in making Texas the best state for dogs and cats to live in. Contact us to make the switch today!