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Part 3: Will data centers raise my electric bill?
Quick answer: Data centers might raise your electric bill, but Texas actually saw this coming and built guardrails. A 2025 law, Senate Bill 6, makes large users pay a chunky fee to connect and pushes them to cover their own grid costs. Governor Abbott told regulators to make data centers fund their own infrastructure. Your…
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Part 2: Why is everyone suddenly talking about data centers and the Texas grid?
Quick answer: Everyone seems to be talking about the Texas grid and data centers because, as of mid-2026, ERCOT was tracking roughly 475 gigawatts of requests from large new electricity users hoping to plug into the Texas grid, and about 90% of that came from data centers. That’s more than five times the most electricity…
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Data centers and your power bill: a straight-talk guide for Texans
What’s all the talk about data centers and their impact on energy, natural resources, jobs, revenue, power bills, and just about everything else? You have questions. We have answers. Data centers are rewiring the Texas grid faster than just about anything in the state’s history, and the headlines are doing that thing where they set…
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Part 1: Why does Texas have its own power grid, and why can you choose your electricity company?
Quick answer: Texas runs its own power grid, managed by a nonprofit called ERCOT, largely so it can dodge federal regulation. (Very on-brand for Texas.) And because state lawmakers deregulated the retail electricity market in 1999, with competition starting in 2002, about 85% of Texans get to choose which company sells them their electricity. Those…
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Does a Smart Thermostat Actually Save You Money?
Short answer: yes. But how much depends on your habits. ENERGY STAR-certified smart thermostats save about 8% on heating and cooling costs, roughly $50 a year, for the average home. In Texas, where air conditioning does most of the work, the savings often land on the higher end. Here’s how those savings actually happen, what…
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What’s Actually on My Electric Bill? A Texas Breakdown
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How Humidity Affects Your Electric Bill
Humidity can affect your electricity use, primarily by affecting heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Here are a few ways in which humidity can influence electric consumption: HVAC System Efficiency: Heating Systems: Appliance Efficiency: Electronic Devices: The specific impact of humidity on electricity usage can vary depending on factors such as climate and an…
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How to Conserve Energy At Home
Conserving energy at home reduces utility bills, carbon footprint, and environmental impact. We have covered tips to help you save on your electric bill, such as turning off the lights when you leave a room and only running the washer and dryer when you have a full load. However, what about the not-so-obvious energy-sucking items…
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Summer Electricity Usage
Understanding your energy usage and why you pay more during the summer is an age-old question that Texans ponder year after year. There are several reasons why you might use more electricity during the summer months. Common factors that increase electricity consumption. FUN FACT The type of TV you have, as well as the size…
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What is LIHEAP and CEAP Energy Assistance?
The Purpose of CEAP The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is a federally funded utility assistance program. CEAP assists qualifying low-income households with energy-related expenses. Educating consumers on how to reduce, manage, and control energy costs aims to save consumers money, reduce energy waste, and build habits that promote energy efficiency. CEAP offers Various Forms…
