Best Electricity Plans for 500 kWh Per Month

Why this page exists: Most electricity comparison sites only show rates at 1,000 kWh per month. If your actual usage is different, those rankings can be actively misleading. This page ranks plans at 500 kWh, which is the level that matters for households like yours.

Compare plans at your actual monthly usage →

Estimated costs are informational. Provider rates and plan terms may change. Confirm current details directly with the provider.

Most advertised electricity rates assume 1,000 kWh monthly usage, but if you live in a studio apartment, a small one-bedroom, or a well-insulated home without electric heat, you may use half that. At 500 kWh, the plan rankings look completely different from what you'd see on a standard comparison.

Who uses this much electricity

Studio and one-bedroom apartments, single occupants, well-insulated homes with gas heat and cooking, or properties with efficient mini-split systems.

Why it matters for plan selection

Plans designed around bill credits at 1,000 kWh become expensive when you use 500 kWh; you pay the full per-kWh rate without the credit discount. The 'advertised rate' can be nearly double the actual effective rate at your usage level.

Watch out at 500 kWh

Watch for plans with credits like '$35 off if you use at least 1,000 kWh.' At 500 kWh, you get no discount, and the plan may cost 50–80% more per kWh than alternatives built for lower usage.

Note on seasonal variation: Electricity usage in Texas typically peaks in July and August due to air conditioning. A home that uses 500 kWh in spring may use significantly more in summer. Compare plans at a few usage levels to understand how rankings shift.

Plans Ranked for 500 kWh Monthly Usage

Showing plans for the Dallas/Oncor service area as a starting point. Change your ZIP code to see plans and delivery charges for your specific area.

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Estimates shown are informational and may change with provider updates or TDSP delivery charge revisions. Confirm final EFL terms with the provider before enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good electricity rate for 500 kWh per month?

At 500 kWh, effective all-in rates (including delivery charges) in the Texas deregulated market typically range from 12–18 cents/kWh. Plans with high base charges become expensive at low usage. A $9.95/month base charge alone adds ~2 cents/kWh at 500 kWh. Look for plans with low or no base charges.

Why does my usage matter so much for plan selection?

Texas electricity plans use variable pricing structures: some have base charges, some have credits at specific thresholds, and some have tiered rates. The 'best' plan at 500 kWh is often completely different from the best plan at 1,500 kWh. Always compare at your actual usage.

What is the average electricity usage for a small apartment in Texas?

A studio or one-bedroom apartment in Texas typically uses 400–700 kWh per month, with higher usage in summer (A/C) and lower in spring/fall. Two-bedroom apartments average 700–1,100 kWh. Electric heat in winter can push usage higher, especially in older buildings without good insulation.

Compare at Other Usage Levels

1,000 kWh →2,000 kWh →Apartments →Large homes →

What is an EFL? →TDU delivery charges →How we rank plans →

Compare plans in your ZIP by estimated monthly cost →

Estimated costs are informational. Provider rates and plan terms may change. Confirm current details directly with the provider.