Get customized results?

We’ll ask a few questions to find more savings.

Let's go No thanks

How to Find the Best Electric Companies for Your Apartment

Discover the best energy providers tailored for apartment living.

5 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 one-bedroom apartment size: 733 square feet
  • Average energy use: 500 kWh/month 
  • Our recommendation: Fixed-rate plans
  • Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for fees and details

Enter your ZIP code and use our marketplace filters to explore the best energy plans for your apartment based on size and usage.

The best electric companies for apartments

Shopping for energy plans for your apartment can be overwhelming. Whether you’re searching for a budget-friendly plan, green energy, or quality customer service, Choose Energy can help you find the best fit for your apartment’s electricity needs. Learn more about the top electric companies for apartments, such as Frontier Utilities, Direct Energy, and Gexa Energy.

Frontier Utilities

If you want to access some of the cheapest apartment electricity plans, Frontier Utilities may be your best choice. Frontier offers affordable 12-, 24-, and 36-month fixed-rate plans with various plan features. Some Frontier Utilities plans, such as the Frontier Saver Value 12 plan, offer usage credits each month you use 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy or more. Lock in a stable electricity rate to align with your apartment lease and enjoy your savings.

Direct Energy

Serving 14 states and Washington D.C., Direct Energy provides fixed and variable-rate energy plans for apartments. Choose Energy rated Direct Energy a 3.5 out of 5, ranking high for online accessibility but lower for plan options and customer service. With 12- and 24-month plans, you can choose a length to match your lease and preferences. While plan availability varies by location, the following describes the best Direct Energy apartment electricity plan options. 

Certain plans offer benefits depending on your usage level. For example, the Live Brighter Lite 24 waives the usage charge when you use less than 1,000 kWh. If you use the most electricity at night, you can save money with the Twelve Hour Power plan, offering free energy every night from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. If you prefer a 100% green energy plan, choose the Live Brighter On Us 24-month plan and receive a $15 Amazon gift card each month of your contract. 

Gexa Energy

Offering a variety of 100% renewable fixed-rate energy plans in Texas, Gexa Energy’s low-rate options are a good fit for apartments. We rated Gexa Energy a 4.6 out of 5, ranking high for plan option variety, including 12-, 24-, and 36-month plans. If you sign a three-year lease, you could lock in a low-rate energy plan for the same length of time. 

While every plan from Gexa is powered with 100% green energy, some offer additional savings benefits based on usage. The Eco Saver Lite 12 plan offers a $50 credit for at least 500 kWh.

For higher usage, the Eco Saver Prime Preferred plans provide a $110 usage credit every month you exceed 1,000 kWh.

How we consider the best companies for apartments

We use the following factors to determine the best electric company for apartments.

  • Plan options: The best apartment energy plans vary based on the apartment type, your electricity usage, and the 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 provide a higher quality experience. 
  • Overall reputation: We vet each provider through research and business history to provide accurate reviews. 
  • Additional benefits: Extra perks like bill credits, free usage, and rewards improve the energy plan value for apartment residents.

How to find the right energy plan for your apartment

The best electric plan for your apartment depends on your energy usage, contract length, and potential additional fees. Enter your ZIP code to determine the electricity providers and plans available for your apartment location. 

  • Energy usage: You may use more or less energy depending on the size of your apartment. Review your past energy bills to determine energy habits and choose a plan with rewards or benefits based on your usage. 
  • Contract length: Consider choosing an energy plan that matches your lease. If you are setting up your electricity at the same time you move in, there are several 12 and 24-month plan options. If you have a short lease, month-to-month plans may be the best option. 
  • Additional fees: Review your energy plan’s EFL and fine print to ensure no surprises on your monthly energy bill. 

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 kWh per month, according to data from Yardi Matrix. For a two-bedroom apartment, the typical usage reaches about 650 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. The typical apartment electricity bill ranges from $84.40 to $109.72 based on the average U.S. electricity rate

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 electric plans in your area. 

Apartment electricity FAQ’s

How can I switch energy providers for my apartment?

Start by entering your ZIP code and selecting a new energy provider and plan. If your contract ends within 14 days or you’re moving outside your current provider’s service area, you can sign up and switch energy providers without paying an Early Termination Fee (ETF). Sign up for your preferred plan, and the new provider will handle the service transition. Call the number on your screen if you have questions or want assistance from our energy experts. 

What takes up the most energy in an apartment?

Air conditioning and heating use the most electricity in apartments. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), heating and cooling makes up 52% of the average household energy consumption. 

What type of electricity plan is the best for an apartment?

The best electric plans for apartments match your lease length, benefit your usage, and fit your budget. Enter your ZIP code to explore apartment electricity plans available in your area. Choose from fixed rates, variable rates, green energy, time-of-use, no-deposit, and other plans. You can sign up online or over the phone in minutes. 

Latest Articles

  • Saving Energy for Small Businesses

    Thomas Barwick/Stone/Getty images

  • Reliant Energy is one of the many available REPs in Texas.

    Energy provider spotlight: Reliant Energy

    Reliant Energy is a Houston-based retail energy provider (REP) that has powered millions of homes and businesses across the Lone Star State. This provider is

  • TXU Energy is a popular retail energy provider in Texas.

    Energy provider spotlight: TXU Energy

    TXU Energy is a Texas retail energy provider (REP) that has operated across the Lone Star State since 1984. Not only is TXU Energy one