Houston electricity demand peaks 5 to 7 pm in August driven by air conditioning load. Time-of-use plans charge 3 to 5x more during this window. Centerpoint Energy delivers electricity in Houston. REPs compete on the supply line through the PUCT Power-to-Choose program. For households that can pre-cool before 5 pm and ride deadband through 7 pm, TOU savings can hit 15 to 22 percent. For households that cannot shift, flat-rate REPs are safer.
Houston August hourly load curve
A typical Houston household uses roughly 1,800 kWh per month in August (vs 900 kWh in May). Of the August kWh, 40 to 55 percent is air conditioning load.
AC compressor runtime concentrates during 1 to 8 pm when outdoor temperatures peak. The 5 to 7 pm peak window combines AC plus dinner cooking, plus dishwasher, plus TV. Total household kW peak typically hits at 6 pm.
TOU plan decision for Houston households
TOU plans in Texas typically charge 18 to 26 cents per kWh during 4 to 9 pm and 4 to 8 cents per kWh during off-peak hours. The ratio is 3:1 to 5:1.
For Houston households who can pre-cool to 72 F before 4 pm and ride deadband to 78 F through 9 pm: TOU savings 15 to 22 percent. For stay-at-home families with AC running through dinner-prep: TOU loses 5 to 12 percent vs flat-rate.
Centerpoint TDU charges
Centerpoint Energy delivers electricity in Houston. TDU charges run roughly 3.8 to 4.4 cents per kWh and are identical across all REPs. The TDU charge appears separately on the bill from the supply rate.
Centerpoint also bills a small fixed monthly customer charge ($4 to $6) regardless of usage. This is separate from any REP monthly fixed fee.
Lock the rate before the next reset.
Seenra runs the supplier shortlist in 5 minutes. No credit pull, no on-site visit, no service interruption. Forever free for households.
Get my fixed-rate quote →Common questions
Quick answers from the editorial desk
What is the best Houston REP for a stay-at-home family?
Does TOU work in Houston for everyone?
What is the Centerpoint TDU charge?
Can I get rooftop solar buyback through my Houston REP?
Further reading