Key Takeaways
- El Paso is not a deregulated energy market, so you cannot change providers and plans freely to help you save money on your energy bills.
- El Paso Electric offers several plan options to help reduce your expenses or stabilize your monthly budget.
- Thanks to its subscription-based community solar program, green energy is possible through El Paso Electric.
El Paso, a vibrant city in the western tip of Texas, has a unique culture and sunny climate, making it a great place to call home. Like many Texas residents, El Paso citizens often seek ways to minimize their electricity costs.
By gaining a firm grasp on the various facets of electricity pricing, the available programs, and energy-saving practices, you can empower yourself and take control of your electricity costs. Below, we’ll cover various methods to find cheap electricity in El Paso and other ways to trim your electricity costs.
How Can I Compare Electricity Rates in El Paso to Find the Best Deal?
Finding the best electricity rates in most Texas cities starts with comparison shopping. You can use several tools to help you with this, such as Power to Choose, the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ utility comparison interface. On websites like this, customers can input their ZIP code and see the energy plans available in their area.
However, this is only valid in areas that have adopted Texas’ deregulated energy model. Unfortunately, El Paso is one city that has not adopted the deregulated model. This means you cannot shop for different energy providers online. There is only one El Paso electric company, and that’s El Paso Electric, which also services parts of New Mexico.
Are There Any Local Programs in El Paso to Help Residents Save on Electricity Costs?
El Paso residents can take advantage of several local energy efficiency programs, offered by the local utility company, to help lower their electric costs. The residential program provides various incentives and rebates, such as for energy-efficient appliances and home improvements.
The available initiatives include:
- Rebates for energy-efficient updates, such as Energy Star-certified heat pumps, pool pumps, smart thermostats, windows, LED lighting, insulation upgrades, and cool roofs
- Incentives for installing certain evaporative cooling and refrigerated air systems
El Paso Electric also has its marketplace, where the utility company offers great energy-saving products, such as smart thermostats, power strips, air purifiers, and more. You’ll also find water-saving products on the marketplace.
Can Switching to a Different Plan or Provider Lower My Electricity Bill in El Paso?
Switching electricity plans or providers in many Texas cities can reduce your monthly bills. Residents of other cities can choose from a wide range of plan options, such as:
- Fixed-rate plans
- Variable-rate plans
- Prepaid plans
Many other Texas cities also have market deregulation, meaning you can select whatever retail energy provider (REP) you like. One way to choose a new REP is by the price of electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh), which can save you money on your monthly bill.
Your Satisfaction is Our Priority
We're confident you'll love your plan, but if not, call us, and we’ll help you find the perfect plan without any extra cost.*
<p class=”disclosure”>*Just Energy will help you find a plan that fits your needs. Please note that new plans will come with a new contract and the end date of the new contract will change to reflect the terms of the new plan. There is no fee to make a plan change, but you will be subjected to the terms and conditions of the new plan.</p>
But also remember that price isn’t everything. In addition, you would want to consider:
- Your average energy usage: Understanding how much electricity you use and your usage patterns will help you determine what plan is best for you. For example, if you work from home and use a lot of electricity during peak hours, you want a plan with great peak-hour rates, and off-peak rates may not be as important.
- Promotional offers: Electricity providers often offer special deals to attract new customers in Texas’ deregulated markets. Things like bill credits and free nights are common promotions to consider when looking at overall cost.
- Customer service ratings and reviews: Picking an REP means you’ll be contractually connected to this company for some time. Check out online reviews first. The last thing you want is a company with poor customer service.
Unfortunately, it’s harder to find cheap electricity in El Paso because you can’t change electricity utility providers. However, residential customers can choose between the standard service rate and the time-of-use rate.
The time-of-use electric service gives you a standard rate during peak hours, which are noon through 6:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time during the summer. Any time outside those hours — and outside of summertime — is off-peak, and you’ll get a lower rate.
If you primarily consume energy during off-peak hours or can alter your consumption patterns, you may be able to save a good amount of money on your bill by switching to the time-of-use rate.
You can also stabilize your monthly electricity budget by opting for El Paso Electric’s budget billing plan. With this plan, you pay a fixed amount monthly, based on your average electric bill for the past 12 months. At the end of 12 months, you’ll get a bill for any excess electricity you used or a credit for any overpayment.
Are There Green Energy Options in El Paso That Offer Competitive Rates?
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to people nationwide, including folks in El Paso. In many other Texas cities, REPs offer green plans and the possibility of adding renewable energy plans to their existing options.
Though El Paso lacks the array of plan options you’ll see in deregulated areas, it does offer the ability to participate in its Community Solar program. This program doesn’t require you to install solar panels yourself. Instead, you tap into the community solar panels that El Paso Electric already has and select the amount of solar energy you want, starting with 1 kilowatt and increasing in 0.5 kilowatt increments.
The benefits of participating in this green energy program are:
- The environmental impact: Using renewable energy can reduce your carbon footprint by tapping into electricity with no greenhouse gas emissions.
- Economy of scale: By supporting a solar initiative, you’re helping increase investment in this technology. The residents who participate help spur technological advancements and lower costs, making solar energy more advanced and affordable for others.
When you choose El Paso Electric’s Community Solar, you’re contributing to a greener future without breaking the bank. Plus, the Community Solar program is scalable to meet your needs, so if you increase your energy consumption by adding an electric vehicle, for example, you can just increase the number of kilowatts in your plan. Also, it’s subscription-based. So if you want to discontinue your service for budgetary reasons at any point, you can.
What Time of Year Are Electricity Rates Usually the Lowest in El Paso?
Energy rates in El Paso vary by season. The seasons are split into summer and non-summer. El Paso’s hot temperatures increase electricity demand in the summertime, which leads to higher electricity rates.
According to El Paso Electric, summer runs from May through October. So you can get cheap electricity in El Paso from November through April.
How Can I Reduce My Electricity Usage and Save on Monthly Bills in El Paso?
Reducing electricity usage is best achieved through a combination of behavioral changes and home improvements. Here are four strategies to minimize your monthly bills:
- Invest in energy-efficient appliances: Your household appliances are some of the most energy-hungry items in your home, so upgrading them to newer Energy Star-certified appliances is a great way to save big on your energy usage.
- Unplug unused devices: Many items in your home are electricity vampires, meaning they continue drawing power when plugged in, even if turned off. You can combat this by unplugging things like phone chargers, televisions, and more when you’re not using them.
- Use a smart thermostat: Adjusting your thermostat throughout the day can save you up to 10% annually on your electricity bill.
- Take advantage of natural lighting: You can also cut down your electricity usage by turning off your lights and opening the curtains to allow natural light to illuminate your home.
These simple habits are precisely the small changes you must make to reduce your energy costs without relying on often-unstable energy prices.

Go with the pros – we’ve been around for 20+ years, making us your trusted choice.
Are There Any Discounts or Assistance Programs for Low-Income Families in El Paso?
Low-income families in El Paso are among the most vulnerable to being unable to afford electricity bills. Fortunately, residents have various assistance programs to help alleviate the financial burden of electricity bills and so they can enjoy cheap electricity in El Paso. Programs offered by the local utility company, as well as state and federal initiatives, may provide critical support.
Some available options include:
- Low Income Rider (LIR) program: The El Paso Electric LIR program can save households earning at or below 125% of the federal poverty level up to $111 annually on their electric bill by eliminating the energy company’s $9.25 customer charge on each monthly bill.
- Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program: This is a statewide program that integrates all the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program-funded programs that help low-income households become more energy-efficient.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): The Texas WAP helps low-income families afford much-needed energy-efficiency home upgrades, such as upgrading windows, sealing leaks, improving insulation, and much more.
These programs may help your household better afford its monthly electric bills. Combining these with other energy-saving and cost-cutting measures can add up to significant savings.
How Does the Lack of Deregulation in El Paso Affect Electricity Rates, Compared to Other Texas Cities?
Unlike many cities in Texas, El Paso has not undergone full electricity market deregulation. This difference can impact energy costs and usage, as a deregulated market allows consumers to choose their electricity provider. This promotes competition in the energy market, which can lead to more innovation and potentially lower rates.
The implications of El Paso’s regulatory status include:
- Limited choice: El Paso residents have only one energy provider, El Paso Electric, while other cities have multiple retail energy providers.
- Stability versus variability: Deregulated energy markets can lead to lower prices, but they can also introduce price volatility. El Paso residents may experience more predictable pricing with just one energy supplier. Plus, they don’t need to constantly monitor the market to ensure they get the best possible electricity prices.
- Public utility influence: Because El Paso Electric essentially has a geographical monopoly on the El Paso energy market, it’s under less pressure to bend to customers’ desires. This means it’s free to invest its profits wherever it sees fit, instead of where customers want to see investments.
You Can Find Cheap Electricity in El Paso, Despite Its Regulated Structure
While you can’t get cheap electricity in El Paso by simply changing providers due to its single-provider, regulated structure, you can reduce your electricity costs in other ways. For instance, you may be eligible for a rebate if you make energy-efficient upgrades to your home. You should also consider whether the standard service rate or the time-of-use rate is a better fit for your electricity needs.
Additionally, you can always lower your electric bills by adjusting your energy consumption behaviors. Switching to energy-efficient appliances, unplugging unused devices, investing in a smart thermostat, and taking advantage of Texas’ abundant natural light are all great places to start.
Brought to you by justenergy.com
All images licensed from Adobe Stock.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are There Any Local Programs in El Paso to Help Residents Save on Electricity Costs?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “El Paso residents can take advantage of several local energy efficiency programs, offered by the local utility company, to help lower their electric costs. The residential program provides various incentives and rebates, such as for energy-efficient appliances and home improvements.
The available initiatives include:
Rebates for energy-efficient updates, such as Energy Star-certified heat pumps, pool pumps, smart thermostats, windows, LED lighting, insulation upgrades, and cool roofs
Incentives for installing certain evaporative cooling and refrigerated air systems
El Paso Electric also has its marketplace, where the utility company offers great energy-saving products, such as smart thermostats, power strips, air purifiers, and more. You’ll also find water-saving products on the marketplace.”
}
},{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What Time of Year Are Electricity Rates Usually the Lowest in El Paso?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Energy rates in El Paso vary by season. The seasons are split into summer and non-summer. El Paso’s hot temperatures increase electricity demand in the summertime, which leads to higher electricity rates. According to El Paso Electric, summer runs from May through October. So you can get cheap electricity in El Paso from November through April.”
}
},{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “Are There Any Discounts or Assistance Programs for Low-Income Families in El Paso?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Low-income families in El Paso are among the most vulnerable to being unable to afford electricity bills. Fortunately, residents have various assistance programs to help alleviate the financial burden of electricity bills and so they can enjoy cheap electricity in El Paso. Programs offered by the local utility company, as well as state and federal initiatives, may provide critical support. Some available options include:
Low Income Rider (LIR) program: The El Paso Electric LIR program can save households earning at or below 125% of the federal poverty level up to $111 annually on their electric bill by eliminating the energy company’s $9.25 customer charge on each monthly bill.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program: This is a statewide program that integrates all the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program-funded programs that help low-income households become more energy-efficient.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): The Texas WAP helps low-income families afford much-needed energy-efficiency home upgrades, such as upgrading windows, sealing leaks, improving insulation, and much more.
These programs may help your household better afford its monthly electric bills. Combining these with other energy-saving and cost-cutting measures can add up to significant savings.”
}
}]
}
The post How to Find Cheap Electricity in El Paso appeared first on Just Energy.