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Repurposed EV Batteries Stabilizing The Texas Grid

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How Can Used EV Batteries Help Texas? Old EV batteries actually have about 80% capacity left in them. Learn how repurposing them in Texas could lower your electric rates. Across Texas, large-scale energy storage is growing fast, and repurposed EV batteries are playing a key role. Batteries that once powered cars now support the grid as storage systems. B2U Storage Solutions is installing hundreds of used electric vehicle battery packs near San Antonio. The project charges its 24 MWh system when it’s cheap and releases power during peak demand. This novel concept helps keep energy online and supports having the cheapest electricity plans for Texans.  Plus, by using these kinds of batteries, Texas avoids the high cost and ecological impact of new ones. Why EV Batteries Matter to Texas Homes Storing power helps expand the use of green energy like solar and wind. When solar output peaks in the afternoon, the batteries absorb the excess power. Later, during hot summer eve...

Back to School Energy Saving Tips

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Going Back to School? Saving Energy is Easy! If your family's routine is about to shift when the school year starts, so will your energy useage. Learn ways to trim your late summer electric bills and save! When the school year kicks off, your family’s daily routine can change fast. So can your energy use! Those quiet summer mornings quickly turn into hectic evenings packed with homework and activities. So, now’s a great time to adjust how and when your household uses electricity. These back-to-school energy saving tips can help you make smarter choices about your Texas power use. School Energy Saving Starts with Smarter Schedules The best school energy saving strategy is to time your energy use to when your house is actually busy. During school hours, your home is mostly empty. That’s a great opportunity to reduce heating and cooling costs. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to automatically adjust your home’s climate when no one is there. Some models eve...

Cheapest Summer Electricity in Dallas

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Where is Dallas’s Cheapest Summer Electricity? Even though summer heat is high, you can still find the cheapest summer electricity plans for homes in Dallas. See how you can shop smart and save more! When the mercury rises in the thermometer, so do Texas power rates . But don’t worry too much! You’re in the right place. Sure, summer energy prices trend upward compared to fall and spring, but you can still find great deals. The cheapest summer electricity in Dallas can be yours with just a few clicks of your mouse.  A Plethora of Summer Electricity Deals Retail electric prices have remained flat compared to last month. The cheapest summer electricity still costs just $98 per month on average. The plans in the table below are all extremely competitive with one another.  Plan Term Rate Avg. Bill Bill Credit ETF Gexa Energy Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 12 months  9.8 cents $98 $125 @ 1,000 kWh $150 Frontier Utilities Frontier Saver Plus 12 12 months  9.8 ce...

New Law Ends Energy Efficiency Tax Credits for Texas Homeowners

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Do Energy Credits Still Matter? Find out why tax credits for those big energy efficiency upgrades to your home are ending. Learn how changes to renewable energy could affect your Texas electricity rates. Texas homeowners recently lost key energy efficiency tax credits when the new One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) became law. This change affects the power to choose how you upgrade your home’s energy efficiency. These credits helped cover costs for insulation, efficient windows, and HVAC systems. Without them, homeowners face higher upfront expenses. Meanwhile, power prices have risen about 24% from 2021 to 2024, upping monthly energy bills overall. That is why energy tax credits matter now more than ever. Energy Efficiency Tax Credits Affects Homeowners Under OBBB, credits like Section 25C and 25D of the Internal Revenue Code will expire at the end of 2025. These credits cover up to 30% of upgrade costs. Starting next year, homeowners must pay full price for projects. Forgoing...

Oncor Files for 4.7% Utility Rate Increase

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Will Oncor’s Utility Rate Increase Happen? Oncor has filed for a rate increase on its delivery charges. Learn why and how much more north Texas electricity customers may need to pay each month. Oncor has filed for a 4.7% utility rate increase which could raise the average home electric bill by about $7 per month. The added income would help keep up with rising costs, fix damage from severe storms, and expand Oncor's power grid. As utility costs climb, so do electricity prices , which is why customers should stay alert and plan ahead. Oncor Says It Needs the Rate Increase Bump Oncor deals with more than 30 major storm events each year. These storms damage equipment and service lines, often requiring costly repairs. Nearly half of the proposed utility rate increase would cover storm recovery and hardening the system against future weather events. In addition, about 20 percent of the increase would go toward inflation-driven costs like higher insurance rates, rising wages, and int...

Texas Storm Preparation Tips

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How Do You Stay Safe in Severe Texas Weather? Texas is a unique place and each area in the state faces specific threats from wind, water, and wave. Learn what you need to know about Texas storm preparation to keep your family safe. Storms in Texas can hit fast and hard. And every region of the state faces a different type of threat. While you focus on safety, don’t forget your wallet; severe weather often leads to higher electricity prices . That’s why Texas storm preparation matters for your home, family, and finances. Gulf Coast: Hurricanes and Tropical Storms Storms from the Gulf bring heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surge. They form over warm ocean water from June to November. Therefore, these storms grow stronger when wind patterns and water temps work together. As one of the most devastating storms in recent memory, Hurricane Harvey in 2017 caused $125 billion in damage and flooded over 300,000 homes. When storms are forecasted, watch for fast-moving clouds, risin...

Best AC Tips to Cool Off Your Hot Texas Power Bills

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What Are The Best AC Tips? Find out the best AC tips to cool you home during this summer's scorching heat and keep your energy bills lower! Texas summers are no joke. Long, hot days and warm nights can push your AC into overdrive. Consequently, that means higher electric bills. Doing an energy comparison can help you find ways to save. But there are smart ways to keep your home cool without running the AC all day. These best AC tips can help you beat the heat and save money.  Top 9 Ways to Use Less AC Close Blinds and Curtains. Sunlight brings in heat. So shut your blinds or curtains, especially in the afternoon. This keeps rooms cooler and makes your AC work less. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way. In summer, set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise. This moves cool air down and helps you feel more comfortable. Remember that ceiling fans don't cool your home, but they do make you feel cooler. Cook Outside or Use Small Appliances. Ovens give off a lot of heat. Therefore, try...