Understand Your Texas Electricity Bill

Reliant Energy Example Bill

Texas electric bills are on average around $137.26 each month, with a rate of 12.04 cents per kilowatt-hour. Different sections of the bill will provide customers with important information about their energy usage and how to save energy in the future. This article will explain the different sections of a Texas electric bill and the information it includes.

1. Bill Overview

This section is a snapshot of your most important bill information. You'll need your account number if you need to call your provider or when you mail in your check or money order. This section also shows you the date you were billed, the date payment is due and the After Due Date amount you owe if you pay late. If a customer needs to contact their provider's customer care line or sign up for a new plan, they will need to have this information ready.

2. Account Info

The current bill includes your Invoice Number is the unique number assigned to each specific bill.

3. Questions

This section provides contact Information, if you have any questions about your bill or service.

4. Consumption History

The consumption history section provides a view of how your energy usage has changed over a period of time, typically between six months and a year. This can help consumers pinpoint a time when their energy usage is higher and make adjustments to be more energy-efficient.

5. Monthly Usage

This section shows the exact amount of energy consumed for the current month in kilowatt hours (kWh). It may also include information like usage from last month or from the same month last year.

6. Account Summary

Previous Amount Due: the amount due from your previous bill

Payment: the most recent payment we've received

Balance Forward: the difference between the Previous Amount Due and Payment. This balance is due right away (not when your current bill is due). If you paid this amount after the invoice was generated, it will still appear on your invoice.

Billing Period: the dates you were billed for

Usage Charge: monthly account fee, if applicable

Energy Charge: the amount of electricity you used (shown in kWh) times the price you pay per kWh

TDSP Delivery Charges: may include building, maintaining and operating power lines that deliver electricity to your home, reading your meter and ensuring it works properly; these charges are set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and are charged to every customer, regardless of provider

7. Payment Slip

This is the mail-in portion of your bill if you choose to pay via mail.

    8. More Account Information

    You can find your ESIID and Account Number on the back of your Bill.

    Comparing Electricity Rates

    It's important for a customer to compare electricity rates so they can find the one that works best for them. Doing so can help customers save money on their monthly bills. To compare rates, customers can look at the Power to Choose website or call their REP.

    Moving to a New Address?

    When a customer moves to a new address, they should look for the best rate in that area. Again, they can look at the Power to Choose website or call their REP to find the best rate.