Texas Summer Light Rates 2026 — What to Expect This Year

Every summer, the same thing happens in Texas: temperatures climb, AC units run nonstop, and light bills follow right behind. If you’re on a prepaid or no-deposit plan, here’s what 2026 is shaping up to look like.

Why Summer Rates Go Up

Texas runs its own power grid. When everyone cranks their AC at the same time, demand spikes. More demand means higher prices, and those costs get passed down to you.

Summer 2025 was relatively mild compared to the brutal 2023 season. But forecasters are expecting 2026 to bring above-average temperatures across most of the state, which usually means higher rates.

What This Means for Prepaid Plans

Prepaid plans are typically tied closer to wholesale market prices than fixed-rate plans. That means when wholesale prices spike on a hot afternoon, your daily usage cost can jump noticeably.

The good news: Prepaid plans don’t lock you in. If you find a better rate, you can switch without paying an early termination fee. That flexibility is worth something when prices are moving around.

What This Means for No-Deposit Plans

If you locked in a fixed-rate plan with no deposit earlier in the year, your rate stays the same all summer. That’s the advantage of a fixed rate — the price you signed up at is the price you pay, even when everyone else is seeing higher bills.

If you haven’t locked in a rate yet, sooner is better than later. Fixed rates tend to be lower in spring when demand is down. By June, the good deals are usually gone.

Three Things You Can Do Now

1. Lock In a Rate Before June

If your credit allows you to get a fixed-rate plan, sign up before summer pricing kicks in. Compare providers to find one that approves you without a deposit. Spring rates are typically 10-20% lower than summer rates for new sign-ups.

2. If You’re on Prepaid, Budget Higher for Summer

Plan for your daily prepaid costs to increase 30-50% during peak summer months (June through September). If you’re spending $5/day in April, budget for $7-$8/day in July and August.

3. Reduce Usage Where You Can

The cheapest energy is the kind you don’t use. Small changes add up:

Keep blinds closed on south and west-facing windows during the afternoon
Set your thermostat to 78 or higher
Replace old light bulbs with LEDs (they produce less heat too)
Run large appliances in the morning or evening

The Bigger Picture

Texas light prices have been volatile since the 2021 winter storm exposed weaknesses in the grid. ERCOT has added generation capacity since then, but demand keeps growing too. New data centers and population growth mean the grid is still tight during extreme weather.

None of that means your lights are at risk. It means prices will keep being unpredictable, and planning ahead gives you an edge. Whether you’re on prepaid or a fixed-rate no-deposit plan in Texas, knowing what’s coming helps you stay ahead of it.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).