Differences in Texas electricity bills

Electricity bills can vary drastically between providers, especially in Texas, where most homeowners have the option to select their electricity provider.

But with so many options, how do you know which plan is best for your budget and energy needs?

Electricity bills often include confusing charges and hidden fees, making it hard to compare plans. By understanding how energy rates differ, you can make informed decisions, avoid surprises, and save money.

How to read your power bill

Every electricity bill includes two primary components:

1. Energy charges: These are calculated by multiplying the energy consumption (in kilowatt-hours, or kWh) by the provider’s rate per kWh.
2. TDU delivery charges: These are fees from the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU)—like Oncor in North Texas. TDUs maintain the poles and power lines and charge a standard fee for their use, regardless of your electricity provider.
3. For homeowners with solar - buyback credits: If your solar system produces excess energy, you may receive credits for the surplus power sent back to the grid.

Let’s compare some real-world examples of power bills to what customers would pay with Base Power.

Real Texas power bill examples

High usage household (2000 kWh/month)

For households with high electricity consumption, understanding the breakdown of charges is crucial. This example highlights how Base Power’s straightforward rate structure can yield significant savings.

Customer Details:

• Usage: 2,233 kWh
• Energy Rate: 18.4 cents per kWh
• Total Energy: $410.87
• Credit Applied: -$34 (reducing the energy charge to $386)
• TDU Charges (delivery): $120.10 (Added on top of the energy charges)
• Total Energy Charge: $506.60

Base Power comparison for 2,233 kWh

• Energy Rate: 8.5 cents per kWh
• Energy Charge: $190 (for the same usage)
• TDU Charges (delivery): $120.10 (unchanged as they are standard across providers)
• Total with Base Power: Approximately $299

Savings: $200 compared to the original bill.

This example highlights the benefit of a lower, fixed energy rate for households with high usage.

Time-of-use customer

Some energy providers use time-of-use pricing, which varies rates based on the time of day. While this approach can encourage off-peak usage, it often results in higher overall costs for many households. Here’s a closer look at how Base Power compares.

Customer Details:

• Usage: 1,425 kWh
• Off-Peak Rate (e.g., late at night): $32.92 (low rate)
• On-Peak Rate (e.g., during the day): $75.59 (high rate)
• Ultra On-Peak Rate (e.g., 5–7 PM): $82.74 (The highest rate due to high energy demand.)
• Total Energy Charge: $191
• TDU Charges (delivery): $81
• Base Charge: $15
• Total Bill (with delivery and base charges): $297.91

Base Power comparison for 1,425 kWh

• Flat Energy Rate: 8.5 cents per kWh
• Energy Charge: $121
• TDU Charges (delivery): $81 (unchanged)
• No Base Fee: (Saving $15)
• Total with Base Power: $202

Savings: $96 compared to the original bill.

Solar credit plan

Households with solar panels can benefit from solar buyback programs that give you energy credits for overproduction. Read our blog How Base Works with Solar to learn more about Base’s solar buyback program. The example below explores how Base Power’s approach to solar credits compares to other providers.

Customer Details:

• Usage: 647 kWh
• Energy Rate: 11 cents per kWh
• Energy Charge: $73.76
• Base Charge: $9.95
• TDU delivery fees: $37.80
• Solar Credits: -$28.55 (Received for producing 446 kWh of solar energy)
• Total Bill: $96.71

Base Power Comparison:

• Flat Energy Rate: 8.5 cents per kWh
• Energy Charge: $55
• No Base Fee: Saving $10
• Solar Credits: -$22.30 (This amount is based on the current wholesale energy rate plus 3 cents. It averages about 5 cents per kWh each year, like the credits on the original bill.)
• Total with Base Power: Approximately $70.50

Savings: $25 compared to the original bill.

This example highlights how Base Power supports solar energy customers with competitive credit rates and a simplified billing process.

How Base compares

Base's unique model

At Base Power, we guarantee rates that stay below the market average. How? It’s all thanks to our innovative battery technology.

Unlike other providers, Base owns and operates its batteries. We offer homeowners reliable backup power and fixed low rates without the high initial costs of traditional backup options.

For more on how Base batteries work, check out our blog, "How the Base Battery Works."

Benefits of the Base energy plan

Switching to Base Power’s electricity plan can save members a lot of money. This is because Base offers a guaranteed low rate.

Base Power has a simple and clear pricing plan. Unlike other providers, Base does not charge high rates, base fees, or complicated pricing based on usage times.

Additionally, members with solar panels can benefit from competitive credits for their renewable energy production.

To find possible savings, multiply your monthly energy use by Base Power's rate. Then, compare that number to what you currently pay for energy.

To learn more about understanding your utility bill, read our blog “How to find the best electricity rates in Texas: avoiding hidden fees (2025)”

When you schedule a call with a Base energy advisor, they will provide a free bill comparison. This will help you understand your bill and decide if you want to change providers.