If you're renting in Texas, figuring out your electricity plan might feel like one more item on a long move-in checklist. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, renters have more flexibility and control than most people realize, as long as they know what to look for.
Whether you’re signing a short lease in Dallas or renewing in Houston, here’s what matters most when it comes to electricity for renters.
Yes, You Can Choose Your Provider (Usually)
Most renters in Texas live in deregulated areas. That means you can pick your electricity provider and plan instead of being stuck with a default utility company. Cities like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, and many others give you full control over which Retail Electricity Provider you use. If you’re in Austin, San Antonio, or El Paso, though, those areas still have regulated utilities and don’t offer choice.
If you’re in a serviceable area, you get to shop around. That gives you a chance to compare plans based on contract length, pricing, and flexibility, which are three things renters should care about more than most.
Think About the Lease Before You Pick the Plan
Not every renter is on a 12-month lease. Maybe you're subletting for the summer. Maybe you're planning to move again in six months. Whatever your timeline, it should shape the plan you choose.
If you’re not staying long, a month-to-month plan sounds ideal, but those often come with higher rates. A fixed-rate plan with a contract might offer better pricing, but that’s where early termination fees can come into play. Rhythm helps reduce that stress with something called the 30 Day Test Drive. If you switch and it’s not working out, you can cancel within the first 30 days with no cancellation fee. You still pay for any electricity you use, but you’re not locked in on day one.
Bonus: If you do move out of Rhythm’s service area, and you’re still under contract, you won’t be charged an early termination fee. Moving should not mean paying penalties.
Know What to Expect with Deposits and Credit Checks
Some electricity providers ask for a deposit if you don’t meet certain credit thresholds. That can be a hassle. Especially for students, first-time renters, or anyone still building credit. Rhythm and other providers often waive deposits if your credit check comes back clean, or if you’ve got a letter of credit from a previous utility account in good standing. If not, you might want to explore prepaid options or ask about alternatives.
Roommates? Choose Wisely.
Only one person can be the account holder, which means they’re on the hook for the bill. If you’re living with roommates, be upfront about who’s taking responsibility and how everyone’s paying their share. Apps like Splitwise or Venmo make bill-splitting easy, but you want clear communication to avoid “wait, I thought you paid it” moments.
If someone moves out mid-lease, be sure to update the account. You don’t want to keep paying for electricity in an apartment you no longer live in.
Timing Is Everything
Don’t wait until move-in day to start your service. Ideally, you want to schedule electricity activation at least 3 business days in advance to avoid moving into a dark apartment. That’s especially true during busy move-in windows at the start of the month or around college semesters.
Set your start date early, confirm your service address (some apartment complexes have confusing unit numbers), and make sure you’re in a deregulated zip code before signing up.
A Few Extras That Make Life Easier
Rhythm customers get Smart Alerts that estimate your bill before it arrives. That’s helpful when you're splitting costs or just trying to avoid sticker shock. Usage data from Smart Meters can also help you spot energy patterns, like that old window unit that spikes your usage on sunny days.
And for renters who work from home or use energy during the day, fixed-rate plans often bring more stability than time-of-use plans that reward nighttime usage.
Renting doesn’t mean settling. You can still find a plan that fits your budget, your lease length, and your lifestyle—without extra fees or confusion. Just remember:
Match the contract to your lease length when possible
Look for flexibility features like a 30 Day Test Drive
Check for deposit-free enrollment if credit is a concern
Start your service early to avoid move-in delays
Pick a provider that’s easy to work with, not just the cheapest one
Renting in Texas already comes with plenty of unknowns. Your electricity plan shouldn’t be one of them.
