As Texas residents become increasingly aware of their energy consumption, Texas Smart Meters have surged in popularity.
These advanced meters communicate electricity usage data so users can access historical energy usage patterns through the SmartMeterTexas (SMT) platform. This data allows Texans to make informed decisions about their energy plans.
To get your home’s Texas Smart Meter usage info or report a problem, call 888-616-5859 or visit smartmetertexas.com.
Read on to learn how these meters work, creating an account, and analyzing your info to maximize your savings. We’ll also share tips on optimizing energy usage based on your historic info. Finally, we’ll address safety concerns about radio wave technology.
To start saving ASAP, compare rates below with your usage info.
Electricity Rates for use with Smart Meter Texas Data
Below are sample electricity rates from trusted electric companies in Texas. You can use these rates to compare your current energy rate by multiplying it against your usage info.
0 Reliant Energy Trusted Plans & Rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Speak with a top-rated Reliant operator about additional plans at 866-735-1218.
Call Reliant (English/Spanish)
7 Gexa Energy Guaranteed Plans & Rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 Plan | 12 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Plus 24 Plan | 24 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Energy Saver 24 | 24 Months | 16.4 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Lite 12 | 12 Months | 19.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Advantage 12 | 12 Months | 19.7 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Premier 12 | 12 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Premier 24 | 24 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Speak with a Gexa Energy operator about discounted rates for your home at 888-256-0552.
8 Rates from 4Change Energy (affiliate of TXU)
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4Change - Maxx Saver Select 12 | 12 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Maxx Saver Select 24 | 24 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Charitable Saver 12 | 12 Months | 13.7 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - One Rate 12 | 12 Months | 15.7 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - One Rate 24 | 24 Months | 15.9 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Cash Money 12 | 12 Months | 16.1 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Power Maxx Saver 12 | 12 Months | 18.2 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Power Maxx Saver 24 | 24 Months | 18.2 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Call 4Change Energy about their low rates on trusted no-gimmick plans at 888-366-7291.
Call 4Change (English/Spanish)
0 Payless Power Rates No Deposit
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Can’t afford a deposit? Call Payless Power about “No Deposit” plans in English or Spanish at 833-926-9776.
Call Payless (English/Spanish)
Want cheap rates in your area? Punch in your zip code below.
Understanding Texas Smart Meters
First things first: What are Smart Meters?
They are electronic devices that track a home’s electricity consumption in kWh and send it automatically to your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). They also give you access to your data consumption.
With updates every 15 minutes, the info they provide is essentially real-time data.
It’s similar to old-school analog meters, only the information is automatically sent to your utility. There’s no need for a meter reader, and it gives you the ability to check your electricity consumption nearly live.
Knowing how much energy you consume and when can help you make educated choices when selecting an electricity plan.
Note: not all digital meters are smart, but all smart meters are digital. Many digital meters in Texas still have to be read by TDU employees monthly. It’s also worth noting that SMT is operated jointly by the TDUs, with oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
How Do Smart Meters Communicate Data?
These advanced meters record the amount of electricity you use, sending said data to your TDU every 15 minutes. But how do they share this info?
They use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and low-powered wireless radio waves to transmit data between the meter and the utility company. This allows for accurate energy usage pattern tracking without manual readings.
How to Use Smart Meter Texas’ Website
Texans can access the Smart Meter Texas (SMT) website to review their historical energy usage data, compare different electricity plans, and download information for further analysis.
You can also access detailed readings of your consumption and corresponding prices, making it easier to control your electricity use.
It’s a particularly valuable resource for Texans to review their monthly energy usage while shopping for an electricity plan.
Creating an account on the SMT website is easy—just provide your information and service address.
Once registered, you can download your data in CSV format. You can then analyze when you use the most energy or compare different plans based on factors like price per kWh and contract length.
To download your data, log in on smartmeter.org and select “Usage” from the main menu. Navigate to “Download Usage Data,” set your desired date range, then click “Download.”
You’ll get a breakdown of the energy used each hour in your set time period.
With this invaluable insight into when your peak demand occurs, you can make informed decisions when choosing between various discount electricity rates from the cheapest energy plans.
Choosing Energy Plans With Your Meter Data
One of the biggest benefits of accessing your exact historic info is using it to find an electricity plan that suits your precise needs.
Once you’ve found your home’s historic energy usage, you can search by zip code to review rates and plans that match your energy use needs.
Compare discount electricity rates with SMT
Using your Smart Meter Texas info, you can compare cheap energy rates. This can help you find the best rates on Texas electricity plans, saving you money.
How? By knowing your exact electricity consumption, you can pick the plan that provides the best rates for your usage needs.
For example, some plans provide bill credits, but only when you use a set amount of kWh. If you meet that requirement, you can save lots of money. But if you use more or less, you may end up not qualifying for the bill credit and spending far more money.
It’s also important to note that some plans offer their best rates for set home sizes, with different electricity use levels.
When you’re comparing your SMT data against a plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL), you’ll find rates for 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh, and 2,000 kWh.
These are approximate averages for apartments and condos, mid-size homes, and large homes respectively. If a plan is designed to offer the best rates for a large home, but you select that plan for your apartment, you may end up paying far more than you need to.
With your usage info, you can match your chosen plan with how you consume electricity.
Evaluate contract lengths for your needs
Consider the contract lengths available when choosing an electricity plan in addition to price per kWh.
If you’re renting temporarily, a longer contract may not be the best bet. But if you’re purchasing a home and you plan on putting down roots, a long-term contract may be the best option.
Note that shorter contracts of 6 months may have cheaper prices, but could be susceptible to changes in the market.
Meanwhile, longer terms provide more dependability but might have slightly higher rates. Term lengths tend to vary from 6 months to 12, 24, and 36 months.
For more energy shopping tips, browse our Savvy Shopper’s Guide.
Optimizing Energy Use with Smart Meter Data
After choosing the perfect electricity plan with insights from your meter data, you can save money by implementing changes that lower your costs.
By reducing energy usage you may lower your carbon emissions. Check out our tips to help reduce your energy bill and save the planet while doing it.
Adjust your thermostat according to historical trends
Analyze your real-time data to identify patterns in temperature preferences and usage habits. Then, adjust your thermostat settings during peak hours or when you’re away from home to save money on your monthly bill.
You can also invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature to help you save while keeping you comfortable.
Upgrade appliances with high-efficiency models
Outdated or inefficient home appliances can be a major source of energy waste. Upgrading to Energy Star models can reduce energy use and save you money.
It’s also a good idea to replace incandescent bulbs with LED lights to reduce power consumption and save money. You may also want to upgrade other high-energy-use appliances, like your air conditioner and refrigerator.
Safety and Smart Meters: Radio Wave Technology
Don’t let worries about radio wave communication technology keep you in the dark about smart meters—they’re safe and secure.
What is radio wave communication tech?
These meters employ low-powered radio frequency (RF) signals to send energy consumption data from the user’s residence to the utility business.
The technology is similar to those of cellular phones and Wi-Fi routers, but it’s operated independently.
Compliance with federal guidelines
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates RF exposure to ensure public safety.
- Smart meters must meet or exceed these guidelines before being installed.
- Independent studies show that these meters emit RF levels well below the FCC’s maximum limits, making them safe for use.
Rest easy knowing that they’re designed with your wellbeing in mind, adhering to strict federal guidelines and implementing safety measures to provide a secure way to monitor your energy usage.
In short, if you want to save money and optimize your energy use, make the switch to a Texas smart meter.
Texas Smart Meter FAQs
Are smart meters mandatory in Texas?
Yes, they’re mandatory for new installations or replacements in Texas, but some utility companies may offer opt-out options with additional fees and restrictions.
Is a Smart Meter in Texas free?
They aren’t free, but you won’t have to pay the full price when it gets installed at your location. You only have to pay a surcharge that’s added to your monthly bill.
To get one, contact your utility about their distribution plans and costs in your neighborhood. You can find TDU contact info below:
- Centerpoint Energy: 800-332-7143
- AEP Texas: 866-223-8508
- Texas-New Mexico Power: 888-886-7456
- Oncor Electric Delivery: 888-313-4747
For more TDU info, check out our Power Outage Guide
What are the pros and cons of smart meters?
While there are almost entirely pros, some Texans have a handful of concerns about them, including:
- Potential health concerns related to radio wave exposure
- Data privacy issues
- Lack of control over personal energy consumption data
- Possible increased costs associated with installation and maintenance
As we said, there are many advantages, including:
- They let you view your historic energy use, helping you choose the best energy plan for your home, saving you money and cutting bill surprises.
- They monitor your energy consumption in 15-minute intervals. You can use this “real-time” data to make changes to reduce electricity consumption.
- Helps customers on prepaid plans easily monitor their energy use and know when their credit is running low and needs replenishment.
- A digital reader puts an end to monthly visits from a meter reader.
Can I opt out of a smart meter in Texas?
You may be able to opt out of using a smart meter, depending on your utility company’s policies. Contact them directly for more information about opting out and any associated fees or requirements.
How do I calculate my bill using a smart meter?
To calculate your bill using your meter data, follow these quick steps:
- Go to the outside meter and look at the display showing the total number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) for the current billing period.
- Multiply that number by your plan’s price per kWh.
For example, if your electric use in the first half of the month was 800 kWh and you pay per kWh is 11 cents, you owe $88 for the first two weeks.
Many electric companies offer weekly email reports with your electricity use.
What’s the difference between a smart meter and an analog dial meter?
Smart meters provide virtually real-time information about your energy consumption every 15 minutes, which you can access daily.
Old analog dial meters, on the other hand, offer no insights about when or how electricity is consumed except that you receive a monthly bill showing the total amount you owe.
