If you're unfamiliar with how energy and electricity work in Texas, you're in for a treat. First, it's essential to understand that there's a difference between energy and electricity, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Electricity is a form of energy, but not all energy has to be electricity. While it might sound confusing, it's essential to understand that they can sometimes mean the same thing or something completely different.
At any rate, GoodCharlie Energy deals in electricity, so that's the type of energy we'll focus on in this article. Therefore, we'll use the terms energy and electricity interchangeably. We'll also tell you everything you need to know about energy in Texas, including how much it costs, where it comes from, and who supplies it. If you have any questions about energy in Texas or which energy company to choose for your next electricity plan, contact us at GoodCharlie Energy.
- Is Energy in Texas Expensive?
- Who Provides Energy in Texas?
- What Percentage of US Energy Comes From Texas?
- Different Types of Energy for Electricity in Texas
- Why Choose GoodCharlie Energy as Your Texas Energy Source?
Is Energy in Texas Expensive?
The average electricity rate in Texas is currently between 12.5 and 13 cents/kWh. While that price is less than the national average, it's higher than it used to be and still fairly costly. The high cost of energy in Texas is especially surprising, considering that Texas is the energy capital of North America.
Since a ton of electricity and energy is produced in Texas, you would think the price would be lower. However, one of the reasons that energy in Texas is so expensive is because of deregulation. Deregulation effectively turned the electricity market in Texas into a free, capitalistic one where retail electric providers (REPs) have the right to sell electricity at whatever rate they deem fair.
However, because of the stiff competition and the fact that there are more than 130 REPs in Texas, the prices are never too outlandish. They are, however, higher than the energy prices in regulated parts of Texas. That is unless you can find the right electricity plan based on your needs and usage. Contact us at GoodCharlie if you live in a deregulated part of Texas and are tired of overpaying on your electricity bill.
Who Provides Energy in Texas?
While the electricity market in Texas can be very confusing, where it comes from and who provides it, it can be just as bad. To answer the question of who provides energy in Texas, let's look at the process from start to finish.
Electricity is created by converting a form of energy into electricity. This can come from coal, natural gas, wind power, solar power, nuclear power, biomass, or water.
- The electricity in question is created by power-generating plants.
- Power generating plants sell their electricity to retail electric providers (REPs), such as GoodCharlie Energy.
- REPs then advertise their electricity rates online and sell it to residential and commercial customers throughout Texas.
- If you live in a deregulated part of Texas, you have the power to choose which REP you want to enroll with.
- Once you've selected your REP, the utility company that serves your area ensures that the electricity makes it from the REP or power-generating plant to your home.
- These utility companies, TDUs, are responsible for managing and maintaining the power lines, cables, electric poles, transformers, and electric meters between your home and the source of the electricity.
- You don't get to choose your TDU, but you do get to choose your REP.
What Percentage of US Energy Comes From Texas?
Texas isn't just responsible for producing most of its own energy. It's also responsible for producing a decent amount of energy and electricity for the rest of the United States. Here are a few numbers and facts to give you an idea of how vital energy in Texas is to the country.
Texas has more wind farms than any other state in the US and generates over 25% of all wind power in the country.
- Texas produces roughly 43% of the nation's crude oil and 25% of its natural gas. It's the top state in terms of production in both categories in the US.
- Texas has far more crude oil refineries and can store more oil and gas than any other state.
- In total numbers, Texas produces around 12% of all of the electricity that gets used in the United States every year.
- While Texas creates the most energy and electricity in the country, we also use the most electricity and energy by a longshot.
Different Types of Energy for Electricity in Texas
Let's take a look at the different types of energy that get converted into electricity in Texas.
Fossil Fuel Energy
Fossil fuels, namely coal, oil, and natural gas, account for over half of Texas's electricity.
Wind Energy
Electricity from wind farms is the fastest growing form of energy in Texas. Upwards of 20 to 25% of all the electricity in Texas comes from the wind. In the past decade, it has surpassed nuclear energy and coal in terms of sheer numbers.
Solar Energy
Solar energy isn't a huge factor when it comes to energy in Texas, but it's steadily growing. To date, less than 5% of our electricity comes from solar energy, but that number is steadily increasing.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy in Texas is a bit of a sticky subject. While it's still responsible for roughly 10% of the state's electricity production, measures are being taken to rely less on nuclear energy each year.
Why Choose GoodCharlie Energy as Your Texas Energy Source?
If you're looking for a new electricity company in Texas, 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.
Switching to GoodCharlie Energy is easy if you're in the market for a new electricity plan. We might be a newer company, but we're quickly becoming one of the best when it comes to affordable and reliable energy in Texas.
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