Electricity Rates in Texas

Of the 170 electric companies in Texas, 74 of them report that they offer net metering. The state has restricted net metering and feed in tariffs that make solar and other types of electricity generation more attractive.

The average energy loss for electricity providers in Texas is 1.20%. This includes data from 81 providers, including CPS Energy, Austin Energy, and Entergy Texas. With a United States average of 2.43%, Texas is ranked as the 3rd best state in the US.

States that want to support personal solar can do so by enacting rebates for solar purchases and tax incentives. Texas offers a credit that is $1000 or less or there is no state tax. The state has no all encompassing rebate program, but local rebates are available to many customers who wish to install private solar at their home. Texas residents have the ability to apply a 100% property tax exemption for the purchase of private solar panels, which is great news for the consumer and solar efforts. Residents in the state do not have access to a sales tax exemption when installing private solar panels.

Policies enforced at the state level determine whether customers in a state can afford to install personal solar systems or find electric plans that are based on renewable fuel sources. Many states require renewable fuels to make up a percentage of the fuel used for electricity production. These stipulations are referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Regrettably, Texas only has limited or optional standards program established. Also, the state does not have any sort of low income solar programs that assist with the installation of solar panels at low income households.