Average Electric Bill in Dallas Texas: October 2025 Cost Breakdown

Executive Summary

Dallas residents pay an average of $120 to $152 per month for electricity as of October 2025, depending on home size and consumption patterns. With electricity rates ranging from 14.32¢ to 16.22¢ per kWh and the typical Dallas home using 937 kWh monthly, understanding these costs is essential for budgeting. This guide breaks down current Dallas electricity bills using verified data from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Energy Information Administration (EIA), and ERCOT, providing Dallas residents with accurate cost expectations and practical strategies to reduce their monthly electricity expenses.

Current Dallas Electricity Costs (October 2025)

As of October 19, 2025, residential electricity rates in Dallas average 14.32¢ to 16.22¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), based on the standard 1,000 kWh usage tier. These rates reflect a competitive deregulated market where Dallas residents can choose from dozens of retail electricity providers (REPs) offering plans ranging from 8.9¢ to 22.3¢ per kWh.

The variation in rates depends on several factors:

• Contract length: 12-month plans typically offer lower rates than month-to-month options
• Usage tier: Most plans price differently for 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh, and 2,000 kWh monthly usage
• Plan type: Fixed-rate, variable-rate, and renewable energy plans each have distinct pricing structures
• Provider: Competition among REPs creates price differences, with APG&E and Frontier Utilities currently offering rates as low as 8.9¢ per kWh

ERCOT data shows that the average home in the Dallas/Oncor service area uses approximately 937 kWh per month, or 11,255 kWh annually. This is notably lower than the Texas state average of 1,096 kWh per month (EIA, July 2025).

Dallas's moderate consumption compared to other Texas cities stems from:

• Climate advantages: Less humidity than Houston reduces air conditioning strain
• Heating alternatives: Colder winters mean many Dallas residents use natural gas for heating
• Energy efficiency: Newer construction in Dallas suburbs often includes better insulation and HVAC systems

However, actual usage varies significantly by home size:

• 500 sq ft homes: ~400 kWh/month
• 1,000 sq ft homes: ~880 kWh/month
• Average homes (937 kWh): Typical for 1,200-1,500 sq ft residences
• Larger homes (1,614 kWh): Common for 2,000+ sq ft homes with multiple occupants

Using verified October 2025 data, here's what Dallas residents can expect to pay:

Standard 937 kWh home at 15¢/kWh average rate:

• Energy charges: 937 kWh × $0.15 = $140.55
• Oncor delivery charges: $4.23 (fixed) + (937 × $0.05) = $51.08
• Total estimated bill: $191.63

Efficient 1,000 kWh home at competitive 14.32¢/kWh rate:

• Energy charges: 1,000 kWh × $0.1432 = $143.20
• Oncor delivery charges: $4.23 + (1,000 × $0.05) = $54.23
• Total estimated bill: $197.43

Small 500 sq ft home (400 kWh):

• Energy charges: 400 kWh × $0.15 = $60.00
• Oncor delivery charges: $4.23 + (400 × $0.05) = $24.23
• Total estimated bill: $84.23

Note: These calculations include Oncor transmission and distribution utility (TDSP) charges updated September 1, 2025. TDSP charges now represent approximately 40% of total electricity bills and cannot be negotiated regardless of your chosen retail provider.

Understanding Your Dallas Electric Bill Components

The energy charge reflects the actual electricity you consume, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is the competitive portion of your bill where you can shop for better rates. In Dallas's deregulated market, retail electricity providers compete for your business, creating opportunities to find plans as low as 8.9¢ per kWh (APG&E, Frontier Utilities) or renewable options starting at 11.3¢ per kWh (Gexa Energy).

Your per-kWh rate depends on your usage tier. Most providers price their plans for 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh, and 2,000 kWh consumption levels, with the middle tier (1,000 kWh) typically offering the best value.

Dallas residents receive electricity delivery through Oncor Electric Delivery, the transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Oncor's charges, regulated by the PUCT, were last updated September 1, 2025:

• Fixed monthly charge: $4.23
• Per-kWh delivery charge: Approximately 5.0¢ per kWh

These charges cover the cost of maintaining power lines, transformers, meters, and the physical infrastructure that delivers electricity to your home. Unlike energy charges, TDSP fees cannot be avoided or negotiated—they remain constant regardless of which retail electricity provider you choose.

Some electricity plans include additional fees that can increase your total bill:

• Base charges: $5-$15 monthly service fees (plan-dependent)
• Minimum usage fees: Penalties if you use less than a specified amount
• Renewable energy credits: Small premium for 100% renewable plans (typically 1-3¢ per kWh)
• Early termination fees: $150-$300 if you cancel a fixed-rate contract early

Comparing Dallas to Other Texas Cities

Dallas benefits from lower-than-average electricity costs compared to most major Texas cities, primarily due to moderate climate and efficient Oncor infrastructure.

Sources: ERCOT service territory data, EIA July 2025 averages, PowerToChoose.org October 2025 rate surveys

Dallas's competitive advantage:

• Lower usage: 937 kWh vs 1,096 kWh state average (14.5% less consumption)
• Competitive rates: Strong REP competition keeps prices below Houston
• Efficient infrastructure: Oncor's delivery charges among the lowest of Texas TDSPs

Seasonal Variations in Dallas Electric Bills

Dallas experiences distinct seasonal electricity patterns driven by heating and cooling demands.

Summer represents peak electricity consumption in Dallas, with average bills increasing 50-100% compared to spring/fall:

• Average usage: 1,200-1,800 kWh/month (air conditioning accounts for 60-70%)
• Peak rates: Some variable plans increase to 18-22¢ per kWh during high-demand periods
• Typical bills: $180-$280 for average homes
• Record highs: July/August bills can exceed $300 for larger homes (2,000+ sq ft)

According to PUCT data from 2024, Oncor service area bills peaked at $254 during the hottest summer months. Residents with fixed-rate plans are protected from summer rate spikes, while variable-rate customers see significant increases.

Dallas winters are mild but occasionally require heating, creating moderate electricity demand:

• Average usage: 700-1,000 kWh/month (many homes use natural gas for heating)
• Typical bills: $100-$140 for average homes
• Natural gas supplement: Homes with gas furnaces use 30-50% less electricity than all-electric homes

Dallas's ability to use natural gas for winter heating provides a significant advantage over all-electric markets, keeping winter bills manageable.

These shoulder months offer the lowest electricity bills in Dallas:

• Average usage: 600-800 kWh/month (minimal heating/cooling)
• Typical bills: $90-$120 for average homes
• Optimal months for plan shopping: Spring rate competition often yields the year's best deals

PUCT data shows Dallas-area bills as low as $128 during optimal spring conditions, making March-May the ideal time to lock in favorable fixed-rate contracts.

How to Reduce Your Dallas Electric Bill

Based on analysis of Dallas consumption patterns and October 2025 rate data, these strategies offer the most significant savings potential:

The PUCT's official comparison site shows dozens of plans for Dallas residents. As of October 2025, competitive rates include:

• Budget fixed-rate plans: 10.9-12.3¢ per kWh (Discount Power, Gexa Energy)
• Cheapest available: 8.9¢ per kWh (APG&E, Frontier Utilities)
• Best renewable: 11.3¢ per kWh (Gexa Energy Eco Saver Plus 12)

Savings potential: Switching from a 16¢ to 11¢ rate saves $46.85/month on 937 kWh usage, or $562/year.

Electricity plans price differently by usage tier. Using PowerToChoose.org:

• Enter your actual monthly kWh usage (find on recent bills)
• Compare rates at YOUR specific usage level, not the standard 1,000 kWh tier
• Avoid plans with minimum usage fees if you're a light user (<700 kWh)

Many Dallas residents overpay by choosing plans optimized for 2,000 kWh when they only use 900 kWh.

Air conditioning accounts for 60-70% of summer electricity costs in Dallas. Evidence-based efficiency strategies:

• Programmable thermostat: Set to 78°F when home, 82-85°F when away (DOE recommendation saves 10-15%)
• Regular AC maintenance: Clean filters monthly, professional tune-ups annually
• Ceiling fans: Allow raising thermostat 4°F while maintaining comfort (circulate air, not cool it)
• Shade management: Close blinds/curtains on south/west windows during 2-7 PM peak heat

Savings potential: These combined strategies can reduce summer bills by $30-$60/month for average Dallas homes.

While most Dallas plans use fixed per-kWh pricing, some REPs offer time-of-use (TOU) plans with:

• Off-peak discounts: Lower rates 9 PM - 6 AM (sometimes as low as 5-7¢ per kWh)
• Peak premiums: Higher rates 2 PM - 7 PM (18-25¢ per kWh)

TOU plans benefit Dallas residents who can:

• Run dishwashers, laundry, pool pumps overnight
• Pre-cool homes before 2 PM peak period
• Avoid major electricity use during 2-7 PM

Dallas's pleasant spring and fall weather (March-May, October-November) allows:

• Opening windows instead of running AC/heat
• Utilizing natural ventilation
• Taking advantage of 60-75°F outdoor temperatures

Residents who aggressively use natural climate during shoulder months see bills drop to $80-$100, compared to $180-$280 summer averages.

Conclusion

Dallas residents benefit from competitive electricity rates averaging 14.32¢ to 16.22¢ per kWh and moderate consumption patterns of 937 kWh monthly as of October 2025, resulting in average bills of $120-$152. Understanding the components of your electric bill—energy charges (60%) and Oncor delivery charges (40%)—empowers you to take action. The most impactful step: shop for competitive rates on PowerToChoose.org, where Dallas residents can find plans as low as 8.9¢ per kWh, potentially saving $500+ annually.

Combined with smart thermostat use (78°F during summer), strategic plan shopping during spring rate competition periods, and optimizing usage during Dallas's mild shoulder seasons, residents can significantly reduce electricity costs. Review your current plan's expiration date today, compare options at your specific usage level, and lock in competitive rates before summer 2026 pricing increases.

Visit PowerToChoose.org to compare Dallas electricity plans, or explore ElectricSave TX city guides for more Texas electricity cost analyses.

---

Data sources: Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) bill data 2024-2025, Energy Information Administration (EIA) July 2025 statistics, ERCOT service territory consumption data, PowerToChoose.org rate surveys October 19, 2025, Oncor Electric Delivery tariff updates September 1, 2025. Article last updated October 20, 2025.