How to Read an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)
Every licensed Texas Retail Electric Provider (REP) must attach this standardized rate disclosure table to every plan before you enroll. It is your ultimate legal shield against deceptive advertising—but only if you look past the headline numbers and calculate costs at your actual household usage level.
Texas Energy Directory
CenterPoint Area Standard Baseline Matrix
This structured table demonstrates how a single flat base contract rate scales across distinct home footprints once mandated distribution overhead is accurately applied.
| CenterPoint Baseline Tier | Base Energy Charge | Regulated Delivery Cost (TDU) | True All-In Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh — Apartment Baseline Mild climate months, efficient small units | 8.85¢ / kWh | 4.9993¢/kWh + $4.90 flat/mo | 14.8¢ / kWh |
| 1,000 kWh — Townhome Baseline The standard advertised rate benchmark | 8.85¢ / kWh | 4.9993¢/kWh + $4.90 flat/mo | 14.3¢ / kWh |
| 2,000 kWh — Family Home Baseline Peak summer consumption, Harris County average | 8.85¢ / kWh | 4.9993¢/kWh + $4.90 flat/mo | 14.1¢ / kWh |
Regulated TDU Pass-Through Charges — These Cannot Be Shopped
No matter which retail provider you choose, CenterPoint Energy charges every single residential account a fixed fee of $4.90 per month plus a variable rate of 4.9993¢ per kWh to maintain local poles, wires, and meters. These passthrough tariffs are entirely non-negotiable and update semi-annually every March and September as approved by the PUCT. They appear on every EFL and represent 35–45% of your total bill under typical usage.
Find Your Honest Rate: Calculate Your True All-In Cost
Have you ever signed up for what looked like a highly competitive "9¢ electricity plan," only to see a much larger total on your monthly statement? You aren't doing anything wrong with your thermostat—it usually comes down to how the plan's fine print is structured.
Many retail providers design their advertised rates to look perfect at exactly the 1,000 kWh mark. However, they know that Houston’s natural summer heat and humidity mean most local households naturally use quite a bit more energy than that single benchmark. Use the sliders below to adjust your usage and see exactly how a plan will perform before you commit.
The portion of the bill that goes to your chosen retail provider for managing your power supply allocation.
$128.32The mandatory, regulated regional pass-through fee to maintain local wires. This fee is completely identical regardless of your provider selection.
$77.39Decoding the Standard Disclosure Form
Every field on the official disclosure sheet impacts your real-world costs. Here is exactly what those line items mean for your wallet:
Your true all-in effective rate if you use exactly 500 kWh. This is the critical baseline for apartments, downsized properties, and shoulder months. Plans optimized with high fixed fees spike significantly here because those costs are spread across fewer kilowatt-hours.
The standard benchmark rate shown in retail advertisements and sorting algorithms on Power to Choose. Gimmick bill credits are engineered to activate right at this threshold. If the 1,000 kWh rate drops sharply below the other columns, proceed with extreme caution.
The cost projection for large family homes, homes with swimming pool pumps, or peak summer cooling cycles. The average home in Harris County uses around 1,300 kWh to 2,200 kWh per month from June to September due to high humidity levels.
A recurring flat fee charged by the REP every month regardless of how much power you consume. Standard market fees range from $4.95 to $9.95. If your monthly usage drops below 800 kWh, prioritize plans that have a true $0 base charge.
Confirms that CenterPoint's mandatory delivery charges are already factored into the average prices listed above. Since these infrastructure rates are completely non-negotiable, you are only shopping for the retail energy portion when comparing providers.
The precise length of time the provider guarantees your rate. Fixed-term plans typically run for 12, 24, or 36 months. A 12-month lock is usually the sweet spot for local homeowners, providing protection against summer wholesale spikes while maintaining market flexibility.
The financial penalty applied if you cancel or switch your plan before the contract ends. Standard market exit fees range from $150 to $200. Avoid plans that use a variable early termination fee multiplied by the months left on your contract.
The percentage of your electricity offset by Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). A 100% renewable rating means the provider matches your usage by purchasing wind or solar certificates. Look for Green-e certified plans to ensure high-quality regional offset sourcing.
Three Billing Matrices Hidden in the Footnotes
Many retail providers use complex pricing mechanics to hide the true cost of their plans. Click below to unmask the real math hidden inside typical footnote disclosures: