Natural gas prices are soaring and the price of electricity along with it. How much more are you paying?
Electric Rates in Texas Have Surged Over 70% as Summer Kicks In
On June 2, the Dallas Morning News reported ‘We’re in trouble’: Electric Rates in Texas Have Surged Over 70% as Summer Kicks In
The price of natural gas has increased even more than crude oil, but many consumers may not have noticed. They will soon enough — in higher electric bills.
How much higher? Over 70% higher than a year ago for residential customers in Texas’ competitive market, according to the latest rate plans offered on the state’s Power to Choose website.
This month, the average residential rate listed on the site was 18.48 cents per kilowatt hour. That’s up from 10.5 cents in June 2021, according to data provided by the Association of Electric Companies of Texas.
For a family using 1,000 kWh of electricity a month, that translates into a monthly increase of roughly $80. Over a full year, that would sap nearly $1,000 extra from the family budget.
“We’ve never seen prices this high,” said Tim Morstad, associate state director for AARP Texas. “There’s going to be some real sticker shock here.”
Sticker Shock
The Dallas Morning News posted a chart but some of the data was stale (as of April), the BLS discontinued Los Angeles, and Chicago is not available monthly.
My chart shows major metro areas with monthly posting current through July.
The average US household pays a whopping 47.3 percent more for electricity than a year ago.
Texas is deregulated, most states aren’t . But utilities, even when regulated, can and do petition for rate hikes when their costs go up.
The percentage is important, but so is the starting point.
My recent electric bill was way up! I was in disbelief when I saw it.
Delmarva power invest its money in Gay pride parades and racial equality.
It’s only going to get worse.