Start with the three average-price examples
Texas EFLs generally display average prices at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh. If the price changes sharply between those columns, a credit, fee, or non-linear rule may be affecting the plan. These examples are checkpoints—not a promise that your bill will equal the displayed average.
Find every part of the formula
| EFL item | What it means |
|---|---|
| Energy charge | The retail provider’s charge tied to kWh usage. |
| Base charge | A recurring amount that may apply regardless of usage. |
| Delivery charges | The regulated utility charges, often including fixed and per-kWh parts. |
| Bill credit | A discount that applies only when its stated conditions are met. |
| Minimum-usage fee | An extra fee triggered below a stated usage level. |
| Time-of-use terms | Prices or discounts that depend on the hour or day. |
Check the contract details
- Contract term: the number of months the agreement lasts.
- Rate type: fixed, variable, indexed, or another stated structure.
- Early termination fee: the amount or formula that may apply if the contract ends early.
- Renewable content: the portion attributed to renewable sources.
- Other conditions: autopay, paperless billing, new-customer status, or required enrollment steps.
Why the 1,000-kWh rate is not your personal rate
Your actual bill uses the plan formula and your actual usage. If a large credit activates at 1,000 kWh, the EFL’s 1,000-kWh example may look much lower than 999 kWh would cost. The only reliable way to understand the pattern is to calculate multiple usage levels or apply the formula across your own history.
Reconcile the formula before trusting it
A good pricing check rebuilds the EFL’s advertised examples within a small rounding tolerance. If the formula cannot reproduce the label, the plan should be reviewed rather than ranked as though the result were certain.
Use the current EFL for the exact plan and service area. Similar plan names can have different terms, dates, or delivery areas.