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The Best Electric Companies for Apartments

Discover the best energy providers tailored for apartment living.

6 min read

At Choose Energy, our reporters seek out information that puts you in control of your energy. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.

For business

Apartment electricity at a glance

  • Average apartment electricity usage: 400–700 kWh per month
  • Best plan type: Fixed-rate plans with low usage thresholds
  • Watch out for: Minimum usage fees and bill credits requiring 1,000+ kWh
  • Best contract length: Match your lease whenever possible.
  • Best for renters: Plans with 500 kWh bill credit thresholds or no minimum usage requirement
  • Pro tip: The cheapest advertised rate is not always the cheapest monthly bill.

Enter your ZIP code and use our marketplace filters to explore the best light companies for apartments based on size, usage, and more.

The best electric companies for apartments

Shopping for apartment electricity is different from shopping for power for a larger home. You’ll typically use less electricity in an apartment than a single-family homeowner would, which means certain plans that advertise low rates may actually cost you more if they include minimum usage fees or bill credits that require higher consumption.

Whether you’re moving into your first apartment or simply searching for a cheaper electric company for apartments in Texas, understanding how apartment energy plans work can help you avoid overpaying.

Best for usage credits: Frontier Utilities

For apartment residents, one of the biggest challenges when shopping for electricity is finding a plan that rewards lower monthly usage. Many Texas electricity plans reserve their best rates for households using 1,000 kWh or more each month — a threshold many apartment renters never reach.

That is where Frontier Utilities stands out. With a strong 4.8 out of 5 Choose Energy rating, Frontier offers several plans with some of the most competitive usage credits currently available, including options that begin at 500 kWh and others that offer bill credits ranging from $50 to $150 at higher usage levels. For renters who want to keep monthly costs predictable while still benefiting from usage-based savings, Frontier is one of the strongest apartment electricity options on the market.

Top pick: Frontier Saver Value 12, which offers a $50 bill credit when you use at least 500 kWh

Best for affordable apartment electricity: APG&E

Apartment renters often have one major priority when shopping for electricity: keeping monthly costs as low and predictable as possible. But the cheapest advertised rate does not always translate to the lowest monthly bill, especially when plans include hidden fees or usage requirements.

APG&E stands out as one of the strongest options for budget-conscious renters, combining some of the most affordable electricity rates on the Choose Energy marketplace with a strong 4.8 out of 5 rating. For apartment residents seeking a straightforward fixed-rate plan without unnecessary complexity, APG&E can be a smart option to secure reliable, low-cost electricity.

Top pick: Rent Simple Saver 12, which offers some of the cheapest electricity for apartments and a $35 monthly bill credit that kicks in at 500 kWh

Best for green apartment electricity: Gexa Energy

Many renters assume green energy plans come with significantly higher costs, but that is not always the case. Providers like Gexa Energy make it easier for apartment residents to choose cleaner electricity without dramatically increasing monthly bills.

Rated 5 out of 5 by Choose Energy, Gexa offers a variety of 100% renewable electricity plans alongside competitive fixed-rate options. If you are comparing electric companies for apartments and want a provider that balances sustainability, flexibility, and overall plan quality, Gexa is one of the strongest options currently available.

Top pick: Eco Saver Lite 12 offers a $50 usage credit at 500 kWh, making this one of the most affordable green energy options for renters.

Best for short-term renters: Payless Power

Not every apartment renter wants to commit to a long-term electricity contract. If you live in a temporary rental, relocate frequently, or simply want more flexibility, prepaid electricity plans can be a practical alternative to traditional contracts.

Payless Power stands out as one of the best light companies for apartment renters in this category. Unlike many traditional providers, Payless offers no-deposit electricity plans with no credit check required, helping customers get power connected without adding extra upfront costs during a move. Payless Power can be one of the most convenient options for apartment residents who value flexibility or want to avoid a long-term commitment.

Top pick: The 12-month Prepaid plan offers a slightly lower rate, with no deposit or credit check requirements.

How we choose the best electric companies for apartments

At Choose Energy, we partner with a wide range of electricity providers — but not every one of them is a great fit for renters. We use the following factors to determine who offers the best setup for apartment electricity.

  • Plan options: The best apartment energy plans vary based on apartment type, electricity usage, and lease length. We search for providers with various options to fit your needs and preferences.
  • Customer service: We prioritize companies with highly rated customer service so you can quickly resolve problems and easily access information.
  • Online accessibility: Simple online management for bill payment, plan changes, and price transparency usually makes for a better overall experience.
  • Overall reputation: We vet each provider’s business history and customer reviews to provide accurate information.
  • Additional benefits: Extra perks such as bill credits, free usage, and rewards enhance the value of the energy plan for apartment residents.

How to find the right energy plan for your apartment

Apartment renters have several unique considerations when choosing an electric company. Here are a few of the most important plan features to prioritize:

  • Low usage compatibility: Apartment residents typically use less electricity than homeowners, so it’s usually best to avoid plans built around 1,000+ kWh thresholds.
  • Contract flexibility: Try to match your electricity contract with your lease term whenever possible to avoid any issues when moving.
  • Move-in speed: Some providers offer same-day electricity setup if your apartment already has a smart meter.
  • Deposit requirements: First-time renters may benefit from no-deposit electricity plans that reduce upfront moving costs.
  • Bill predictability: Fixed-rate plans usually work best when budgeting monthly housing expenses.
  • Additional fees: Review your energy plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and fine print to avoid surprises on your monthly energy bill.

Enter your ZIP code and filter for “apartments” to compare the top light companies for apartments in your area.

How much electricity does the average apartment use?

Apartment electricity usage varies by location, but the average one-bedroom apartment in the U.S. uses 500–700 kWh per month, according to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA). For a two-bedroom apartment, the typical usage reaches about 650–1,000 kWh. A three- or four-bedroom apartment will use more electricity because it’s a larger space to maintain indoor temperatures and potentially has more appliances.

Based on the average U.S. electricity rate — 18.56 cents per kWh, according to the EIA — the typical apartment electricity bill ranges from $92.80 to $185.60.

Understand your energy usage

Keeping track of your energy usage prevents surprises on your energy bill. Over time, review how your usage varies by season and consider adjusting your habits to save energy and lower your bills. Understanding your patterns can also help you choose the best energy plan for your needs. Enter your ZIP code to search and compare apartment electricity plans in your area.

Apartment electricity FAQs

How can I switch energy providers for my apartment?

Switching apartment electricity providers is usually simple. Compare plans by ZIP code, enroll in a new plan, and your new provider will typically handle the transition. If you’re moving or near the end of your contract, you may be able to switch without paying an early termination fee.

What takes up the most energy in an apartment?

Air conditioning and heating use the most electricity in apartments. According to the EIA, heating and cooling account for up 52% of the average household energy consumption.

What type of electricity plan is best for an apartment?

Most apartment renters benefit from plans that match their lease length, fit their typical energy usage, and keep monthly costs predictable. Fixed-rate plans are often the safest option, but no-deposit, prepaid, and green energy plans may also be worth considering depending on your situation.

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