Prepaid electricity plans in Texas
Pay-as-you-go electricity with no deposit, no credit check, and no long-term contract. Load a balance, use power, top up when you run low.
Best prepaid & pay-as-you-go rates in Texas
Updated nightly from published sources · latest observation August 31, 2026. Rates are shown as published by their sources — enter your ZIP on the compare page for offers at your address.
| Provider | Plan | Utility | Term | Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRG Energy, Inc. | NRG Energy, Inc. - 3 month energy plan | ONCOR | 3 mo | 4.95¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| TXU Energy | TXU Energy - 12 month energy plan | ONCOR | 12 mo | 5.10¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| TXU Energy | TXU Energy - 12 month energy plan | CenterPoint Energy | 12 mo | 5.43¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| AP GAS & ELECTRIC (TX) LLC | SimpleSaver 12 | CenterPoint Energy | 12 mo | 5.70¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| AP GAS & ELECTRIC (TX) LLC | SimpleSaver12 | CenterPoint Energy | 12 mo | 5.70¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| AP Gas & Electric | AP Gas & Electric - 15 month energy plan | CenterPoint Energy | 15 mo | 5.75¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| Energy Texas | The Lone Saver Plus 12 | CenterPoint Energy | 12 mo | 6.00¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| RHYTHM | Rhythm Max Saver 24 | CenterPoint Energy | 24 mo | 6.50¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| AP GAS & ELECTRIC (TX) LLC | SimpleSaver 12 | ONCOR | 12 mo | 6.50¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
| SPARK ENERGY LLC | Sure Saver 12 | CenterPoint Energy | 12 mo | 6.50¢/kWh | Sign Up → |
Top Texas prepaid electricity providers
| Provider | Connection | Credit check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronto Power | Same-day | None | Fast activation, app-based balance alerts |
| Discount Power | Same-day | None (prepaid) | Prepaid and postpaid options |
| Energy Texas | Same-day | None | Simple prepaid billing |
| Amigo Energy | Same/next day | None | Bilingual support |
| Payless Power | Direct enrollment | None | Longtime prepaid brand — enroll at paylesspower.com |
How prepaid electricity works
You fund your account before you use power, and your smart meter deducts usage in real time. Balance alerts by text or email tell you when it is time to top up — no surprise bills at the end of the month.
Who prepaid is good for
Renters, students, anyone building credit, and households that want tight control over energy spending. Prepaid plans start service same-day in most Texas territories.
What to watch for
Prepaid rates can run slightly higher per kWh than 12-month fixed plans, and service pauses if your balance hits zero. Compare the effective rate at your usage level before enrolling.
How does prepaid electricity work?
Prepaid electricity works like a prepaid cell phone plan — you pay for electricity before you use it. You load money into your account ($50-$100 typical), monitor your daily usage via mobile app or website, and refill your balance as needed. When your balance gets low, you receive alerts via text or email. There are no monthly bills, no late fees, and no long-term contracts.
Is prepaid electricity cheaper than regular electricity?
Prepaid electricity rates are typically 0.5¢ to 2¢ per kWh higher than standard postpaid plans. However, prepaid plans save you money by eliminating deposits ($100-$300), late fees ($25-$50), reconnection fees ($50+), and credit check fees. For people with bad credit or inconsistent income, prepaid often costs less overall despite the slightly higher ¢/kWh rate.
Do I need good credit for prepaid electricity?
No, prepaid electricity requires no credit check whatsoever. Anyone can sign up regardless of credit score, bankruptcy history, or past utility disconnections. This makes prepaid electricity perfect for people with poor credit, no credit history, college students, immigrants new to the U.S., or anyone rebuilding their financial reputation.
What happens if I run out of prepaid electricity credit?
If your prepaid electricity balance reaches $0, your power will be disconnected automatically. However, most providers send multiple low-balance alerts (via text, email, and app notifications) when you reach $10, $5, and $1 remaining. Many providers also offer auto-refill options, so your balance never runs out. You can refill your account 24/7 online, by phone, or via mobile app, and power is restored within minutes.
Are there contracts or cancellation fees with prepaid electricity?
No, prepaid electricity plans have no contracts and no cancellation fees. You can switch providers at any time without penalty. Your unused balance is typically refunded within 30 days. This flexibility makes prepaid ideal for short-term rentals, seasonal homes, or people who move frequently.
What are the fees for prepaid electricity?
Common prepaid electricity fees include: (1) Daily base charge: $0.50-$2.00/day (like a monthly fee, divided by 30), (2) Connection fee: $20-$50 one-time, (3) Refill fees: Usually free for online/app refills, $1-$3 for phone refills. There are typically no late fees, no deposit, no credit check fees, and no disconnection/reconnection fees.
Which Texas providers offer prepaid electricity?
Major prepaid electricity providers in Texas include Pronto Power, Discount Power, Energy Texas, Amigo Energy, Think Energy, and Gexa Energy. Each offers slightly different rates, daily fees, and app features. Payless Power, a longtime prepaid brand, has left the public Texas marketplace listings but still operates — you can enroll directly at paylesspower.com. Use FindEnergyRates.com to compare all prepaid plans available in your ZIP code.
Can I get same-day electricity with prepaid service?
Yes, most prepaid electricity providers offer same-day or next-day connection. After enrolling online or by phone and making your first payment, your power can be turned on within 24 hours (often within 2-4 hours). This is much faster than traditional postpaid plans which take 1-2 billing cycles.
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