Texas apartment electricity costs by unit size
The figures below reflect annual averages for Texas apartments based on EIA South Central residential consumption data. Your actual bill will vary based on your specific rate, how much you run the AC, and the age and efficiency of the unit.
| Unit Size | Typical Monthly Average | Summer Peak (Jul-Aug) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $55 to $75 | $80 to $110 |
| 1 Bedroom | $75 to $100 | $110 to $145 |
| 2 Bedroom | $115 to $145 | $160 to $210 |
| 3 Bedroom | $145 to $185 | $200 to $265 |
These are estimates, not guarantees. A newer building with good insulation and an efficient HVAC system will cost less to cool than an older unit. An older unit with drafty windows, poor insulation, and a 15-year-old AC running full time can cost significantly more.
Why summer bills spike in Texas
Texas summers are the main driver of electricity costs for apartment residents. Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio regularly see weeks where the high stays above 100 degrees. Air conditioners in Texas apartments run nearly continuously from June through September. That's not an exaggeration. It's just the climate.
The average Texas apartment uses roughly 800 to 1,100 kWh in July. In January, the same unit might use 400 to 600 kWh. If your electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh, that difference translates to $48 to $60 more per month just from seasonal demand. Add in rate changes at contract renewal, and August bills can feel like a shock if you moved in during spring.
The upside is that spring and fall in Texas are legitimately mild. March and October are typically the lowest months of the year for electricity bills. HVAC barely runs, windows can stay open, and bills sometimes drop by half compared to the summer peak.
What drives your electricity bill
Your thermostat setting is the single biggest variable you control. Dropping the thermostat from 76 to 72 degrees on a 100-degree day can increase your cooling load by 15 to 20 percent. Most HVAC efficiency guidance for Texas suggests keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees when you're home and 85 when you're away, though what you actually do with that advice is your business.
Floor level matters more than most people expect. Upper-floor apartments absorb more heat from the roof. West-facing units get afternoon sun all summer. Both run warmer and cost more to cool. If you're choosing between units, this is worth factoring in.
Insulation and window quality matter too, but these are fixed characteristics of the building. You can't change them after you sign the lease. What you can do is use blackout curtains on west and south-facing windows to cut radiant heat gain, which does make a measurable difference.
Appliances add to the baseline: the refrigerator runs constantly, the washer and dryer spike usage when you run them, and old LED vs. incandescent lighting makes a modest but real difference. None of these individually is a large factor, but together they add $10 to $30 per month in the background.
Understanding your electricity rate
Your rate per kWh is documented in your Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which your retail electricity provider is required to give you before you sign up. Texas electricity rates have ranged from $0.09 to $0.16 per kWh over the past several years depending on market conditions and contract terms.
If your apartment manages electricity enrollment through the property rather than having you sign up individually with a REP, you'll receive your rate information as part of the enrollment process. The rate is disclosed before you confirm service.
First-month bills look different: If you move in mid-month, your first electricity bill will cover a partial billing cycle. Don't use it to project your monthly average. Wait until the second full month to get a baseline for what you're actually using.
What to expect when you first move in
The first few weeks in a new apartment are the hardest to predict. You're figuring out how the HVAC works, what thermostat settings actually keep the place comfortable, and how the building responds to the heat. Bills in the first full month are a better indicator than the partial first month, and the second full month is usually where you start to see your actual usage pattern.
If the bill is higher than expected after a full month, check whether the HVAC is set to a higher fan speed than necessary, whether the thermostat is set correctly, and whether windows or doors are creating drafts that force the system to run more than it should. These are the most common culprits in new units.
If your apartment enrolled you through PowerCord, your rate and account details were disclosed at enrollment. You can also contact PowerCord support through the Intercom chat at the bottom of this page if you have questions about your specific account.