![What Is The Average Electric Bill in San Antonio [2024 Updated]](http://www.jackery.com/cdn/shop/articles/average_electric_bill_san_antonio.png?v=1719198469)
San Antonio is a major city in South Central Texas, and most of the electricity consumed in the city is commercial, residential, industrial, and public authorities. The average electric consumption in San Antonio, Texas, is estimated to be around 1,367 kWh, and the monthly average electricity bill in Texas is around $162.17. The average electricity price is calculated by knowing customers' usage by end-use sectors such as industrial, solar, transportation, and more.
San Antonio is one of the most visited cities in Texas and attracts millions of tourists annually. This may increase utility consumption, and electricity prices may rise. Jackery Solar Generators can be used as a solar power system to reduce electricity bills. These allow you to become independent of the conventional grid energy and save a massive amount on your electric bills.
Key Takeaways
- According to the United States Census Bureau, San Antonio has a population of approximately 1,495,295, and around 94.6% of households have a computer.
- 9% of households have a broadband internet subscription.
- Natural gas is the largest energy source in San Antonio, Texas, with over 4,500 Btu.
- One hour of solar power is believed to meet the one-year power requirement.
What Is The Average Electric Bill in San Antonio?
Most energy in San Antonio, Texas, comes from natural gas, wind, coal, nuclear, and solar. The average electric bill in San Antonio, Texas, is around $160-$162 per month. San Antonio, Texas, has a 9 percent lower bill than the national average, and the average electric rate is around 10-12¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh). Over the year, San Antonio uses around 16,000- 16,500kWh energy and around 1,300kWh per month.
According to EIA, as of March 2024, the total residential electric rate in the US is 16.68 cents per Kilowatt Hour, the commercial rate is 12.76 cents per Kilowatt Hour, the industrial rate is 7.73 cents per Kilowatt Hour, and the transportation rate is 11.91 cents per Kilowatt Hour.
In San Antonio, Texas, the energy sources are natural gas, hydrocarbons, gasoline, jet fuel, residual fuel, renewables, nuclear electric power, coal, etc. Natural gas is the most consumed energy source in Texas, with over 4,500 Btu, followed by hydrocarbons, renewables, and other petroleum.
Natural gas in Texas includes storage facilities and pipelines, containing almost one-fourth of US dry natural gas reserves. The 30 most significant natural gas fields are located in Texas, and natural gas in Texas has a capacity of around 69,890MW. Other energy sources in Texas include coal-fired power plants, which produce 20,000MW of electricity; wind energy, which has a generation capacity of 10,000MW; and solar power systems, which have a capacity of over 14,818MW.
Note: The average electric rates of cities are not available on the official website of EIA; hence, the rates, energy consumption, and electricity bills are based on an estimated range provided by utility companies.
What Factors Affect The Average Electric Bill in San Antonio?
Many people work from home, and even children sometimes do virtual schooling, which has become a heavy hitter. When you work from home, there are more heaters, AC, computer screens, and Wi-Fi consumption, which impacts the electric bill significantly. Many other factors might not be residential but also economical, affecting the average electric bill in San Antonio, Texas:
Fuel
During periods of high electricity demand, the price of natural gas and petroleum increases. Fuel supply constraints, mainly due to weather conditions and transportation damage, are another reason for high fuel prices. This results in higher fuel prices and higher costs for electricity generation.
Transmission And Distribution System
Transmission and distribution systems connect power plants with consumers. When the system undergoes repairs caused by accidents or weather conditions, the construction and maintenance costs increase. Sometimes, improving cybersecurity can also lead to an additional fee.
Weather Conditions
Changes in weather conditions may lead to heat waves in summers or cold in winters. This increases the demand for heating and cooling, increasing electricity prices. Although there are other alternatives like low-cost hydropower generation and wind energy, these work only when the natural resources are favorable. When a competing demand increases for water resources or the speed of wind drops, energy from renewable sources is lost, which can put upward pressure on fuel prices.
Energy Consumption
Energy consumption is directly related to consumer behavior, which refers to the monthly electricity used to power home appliances. The amount of electricity used to power your heating and cooling system, lighting, kitchen appliances, phone, and other appliances is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Number Of Occupants
The total number of residents living in the house also describes the total electricity consumption of a home. Moreover, when there is a large house gathering or the arrival of guests, appliance consumption increases as you might need to cook extra and turn on additional lights and TV.
Outdated Appliances
Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators are the second largest power drain after heating and cooling systems. They account for around 25 percent of energy consumption. If you have used appliances for over ten years, you should upgrade to more efficient models. Even though the upfront cost might be high, upgrading to a new device can save you money in the long run.
The average monthly kWh usage in San Antonio, Texas, is around 1,300 to 1,367 kWh. The average electric bill in Houston and Austin is around $140 to $148 and $130 to $140, respectively. In Dallas, the average electric bill is around $165 to $185; in El Paso, it is around $130 to $146.
What Are The Electric Rates in San Antonio?
The electric rate is the actual rate that includes consumption charges and taxes at which the house owner purchases from the utility company that supplies electrical energy. There are different types of electric rates, such as flat rates, fixed tariffs, tariffs dependent on consumption time, green tariffs, happy hour tariffs, etc. You can determine your electric rate using your electricity bill, as it will specify the name of the rate you are on. Once you know the name of the utility provider, you can check the specific pay per hour for a particular rate tariff.
Electricity rates are the easiest way to compare the cost of electricity in one region to another. Residential rates in the United States range from 7¢/kWh to 75¢/kWh, depending on daily consumption. In San Antonio, Texas, the average residential electricity rate is around 11¢/kWh to 14¢/kWh, which is 32 percent less than the average rate in the nation, which is around 16.68¢/kWh as of March 2024.
According to the EIA, the average commercial rate in the United States is 12.76¢/kWh, whereas in Texas, it is 8.78¢/kWh, 29% lower than the national average. In San Antonio, Texas, the average commercial rate falls at 8 to 10 ¢/kWh, depending on the utility provider you have chosen.
As of March 2024, the national average industrial electricity rate in the US is 7.73¢/kWh, and that of Texas is 5.72¢/kWh. The average industrial electricity rate in San Antonio, Texas, ranges from 5¢/kWh to 8¢/kWh, depending on your chosen plan and utility company.
If you choose an electric company with the lowest rates, you can reduce your power costs significantly. Some options include Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, Amigo Energy, Clearview Energy, Chariot Energy, 4Change Energy, Payless Power, Veteran Energy, etc. Reliant Energy has flexible electricity plans to give you a better chance of finding a low-cost strategy. TXU Energy is one of the oldest energy companies providing free electricity during specific periods. It also has a quick transfer setup, allowing you to get your service immediately.
In their plans, Amigo Energy has some of the lowest per kWh rates in San Antonio, Texas. You can benefit from Amigo's affordable rates as a business or residential customer. Payless Power has a prepaid or pay-as-you-go electricity setup and works well for those who want to avoid putting in a deposit for their service. 4Change Energy is a charitable company and donates 4% of its profit to the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, and Feeding Texas.
Here is a table showing the different electric rates by some more providers in San Antonio, Texas:
|
Provider |
Term |
Rate (¢/KWH) |
|
Chariot Energy |
12 months |
17.27¢/kWh |
|
Rhythm Energy |
12 months |
16.67¢/kWh |
|
OhmConnect Energy |
12 months |
17.37¢/kWh |
|
4 Change Energy |
12 months |
12.7¢/kWh |
|
Express Energy |
12 months |
12.7¢/kWh |
|
Frontier Utilities |
12 months |
12.7¢/kWh |
|
Gexa Energy |
12 months |
12.7¢/kWh |
|
V Veteran Energy |
12 months |
14.1¢/kWh |
|
Amigo Energy |
12 months |
14.9¢/kWh |
|
Just Energy |
12 months |
14.9¢/kWh |
Note: The electric rates are subject to change, and it is advisable to check and stay updated on the provider’s website for the actual rates.
There are different types of electric plans, such as fixed-rate plans, variable-rate plans, commercial electricity plans, renewable energy plans, and weekend electricity plans. Finding the best electricity plan and provider can be challenging with so many companies. So, while selecting the electricity provider, you must check the company’s background, history, reputation, charges, portfolio, offers, Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating, and online reviews.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in San Antonio?
The common utilities in San Antonio, Texas, include renting or buying a house, food, electricity, transportation, healthcare, goods, and income. While the cost of living in Texas is 9% more than in San Antonio, housing in San Antonio is 20% less expensive than the US average. Compared to the US average, healthcare in San Antonio costs 5% more. Here is the breakdown of utilities in San Antonio:
Restaurant
In San Antonio, Texas, people can choose an inexpensive restaurant, a meal for two people, a mid-range or a three-course restaurant, a McDonald's meal, domestic or imported beer, regular cappuccino, coke, and water. The restaurant comprises around 14.3% of the total utility consumption, ranging from $30 to $100 monthly.
Grocery
Food and grocery costs in San Antonio are 11% lower than the national average. They include milk, bread, eggs, bananas, vegetables, chicken, beef, wine, beer, water, and fruits. The cost ranges from $20 to $25 per month.
Transportation
The transportation cost comprises a one-way ticket for local transport, a monthly pass at regular price, a taxi with normal tariff, gasoline, and a four-wheeler (Volkswagen Golf or Toyota Sedan). The transportation expenses are 4% lower than the national average and range from $40 to $28,000 (if you buy a new car).
Utilities
Utilities include electricity, heating/cooling systems, water, and garbage for a 900 sq ft apartment. This also includes phone bills with data plans and internet with 60Mbps or unlimited data. The average cost is $75 to $360. If you buy a house, the cost can be around $350,500 or a rent of $1,500 / month, and the housing expenses in San Antonio are 20% lower than the national average.
Rent
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in San Antonio, Texas, is around $1,200 to $2,000, whereas outside of the center, it is $1,000 to $1,700. For a three-bedroom apartment in the city center, the monthly rent is $2,100-$3,400, whereas, outside the center, it is $1,700-2,530.
Healthcare
Healthcare in San Antonio, Texas, is 2% higher than the national average and includes doctor visits, dentist visits, vet visits, optometrist visits, and medicine. The average cost is around $400 per month.
Income
After taxes, the average monthly salary in San Antonio, Texas, is around $3,500 to $3,900. The mortgage interest rate for 20 years is around 5-7%.
Note: The average electric rates of cities are not available on the official website of EIA; hence, the rates, energy consumption, and electricity bills are based on an estimated range provided by utility companies.
Here is a table showing the average cost of utilities in San Antonio, Texas:
|
Utility |
Avg. Cost |
|
Electricity |
$156.84 / month |
|
Median Home Price |
$360,279 |
|
Median Rent |
$1,095 / month |
|
Phone Bill |
$168.73 / month |
|
Gas |
$3.26 / gallon |
|
Doctor Visit |
$126.91 |
|
Dentist Visit |
$109.49 |
|
Optometrist Visit |
$119.54 |
|
Veterinary Visit |
$61.18 |
|
RX Drug |
$467.59 |
Note: The average utility costs of cities are not available on the official website of EIA.
Why Is My Electric Bill So High in San Antonio?
Electricity is generated and delivered to appliances that use fuel and require maintenance costs. When the price of fuel or the cost of repairing increases or decreases, it affects your total electricity bill. The key factors that determine the price of electricity are fuel cost, power plant cost, transmission and distribution system cost, weather, regulations, climate, location, and type of consumer.
Taking action to reduce electricity bills does more than just save your money as lesser consumption of energy also preserves natural resources and promotes a safer environment. Here are some tips that might help you in saving your electricity bills:
Turn Off The Appliances
Shutting off the appliances is not enough if the main switch is still on; in that case, appliances like TVs, computers, and PlayStations drain the vampire energy when turned off. As a solution, you can use power strips that will allow you to shut down the appliances at once. If you put a computer in sleep mode, it will still consume a fair amount of electricity, and therefore, you must turn it off completely, unplug the device, and turn the main switch off.
Use Energy-Efficient Lights
Traditional incandescent light bulbs are a thing of the past. According to the US Department of Energy, they consume 75 percent more energy than compact fluorescent light (CFL), which can last 25 times longer. The updated CFL bulbs have many types and colors that eliminate the harshness of fluorescent lights.
Use Cold Water For Washing
Heating water wastes a lot of energy. Many detergent brands provide cold-water soaps to wash clothes without heating the water.
Set The Thermostat
According to the US Department of Energy, you can save 10% on the thermostat by setting it to 7° (-13oC) -10°F (-12oF) for 8 hours. In milder climates, the percentage of savings is more significant than in severe climates in buildings. While in winter, you can save energy by setting the thermostat to 68°F (20oC) to 70°F (21oC).
Save Energy While Dishwashing
While using the dishwasher, you can pre-rinse the dishes to remove pieces of food and load the utensils with the top facing up so that water is concentrated on the solid part. Keep cups and bowls on the top rack of the dishwasher to avoid them to trap water, and put the plates facing the center.
Invest in Solar Energy
Although renewable power sources are gradually increasing, only 0.001% of solar energy consumption is still used. It is also known that one hour of solar power can meet the one-year power requirement. Solar system consists of solar panels and generators, which convert sun energy to electrical energy and provide AC to the appliances. Solar energy is clean and green energy, while electricity energy has no pollution in the origin of solar energy. The pressure on conventional energy sources decreased after solar energy existed, which is good for the ecosystem.
After initial set-up, solar power systems do not require heavy repairs or maintenance. In fact, there are easy-to-set solar power systems like the Jackery Solar Generators, which are compact and lightweight and can be set easily by an individual.
Solar power is more secure for use and maintenance than conventional power sources. Solar energy is free and abundant in every corner of the world; hence, it is a never-ending energy source. You may get a huge relief from electricity bills if you start meeting all your needs with solar energy. How much you can save on your bill depends on your needs and behavior. You can use solar power for various purposes or anything that can generate electricity or heat energy—for example, factories, clean water supply, households, and space satellites.
According to the US Department of Energy, residential solar energy is affordable with the extension of the federal solar tax credit. This means that you, as a taxpayer, can claim a 30% tax credit on your income tax on the cost of the solar system. With less down payment, many payment options exist to purchase solar systems easily.
Whether you own a house or live in a rented apartment, you can benefit from a single shared solar array. You do not need to own a house for a solar system. Community solar programs can install solar arrays on your buildings, and the cost can be divided among the people using the system.
Jackery Solar Generators for Lowering Your Electric Bills
Jackery is a leading brand that has marked its vision to bring green energy to all through solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels. The Jackery Solar Generator is a solar power system combining the Jackery Portable Power Station and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels. It uses solar energy to operate and power the electrical appliances when the solar panels are placed outside on a bright sunny day.
Solar panels trap sun energy through their special cells and convert it into electrical energy. The energy is then sent to the portable power station with an in-built inverter, which eventually converts DC to AC and powers the appliances. While independent of grid power, you can save tremendous costs on electricity bills by using a solar generator.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is ideal for various scenarios, including RV living, camping, and home emergencies. With a huge capacity, it can charge 99% of medium and heavy-duty devices. It features a pull rod and double wheels to be carried away easily. While it can charge many essential devices, you can depend upon the solar generator to reduce your consumption of grid energy. By doing so, you will be saving considerable costs in electricity bills over the years.
Appliance Working Hours
- Refrigerator (560W): 4.6H
- Heater (1800W): 1.4H
- Coffee Machine (1500W): 1.7H
- Microwave (960W): 2.7H
- Electric Grill (850W): 3.0H
Customer Review
“Living in a condo leaves very few options for a generator during power outages. I have tested its mettle by running a few power-hungry small appliances simultaneously and keeping the refrigerator going. I highly recommend it!” -- Wendy Horn
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has an expandable capacity that is ideal for off-grid living or during situations when there is an extended power cut due to extreme weather conditions. The solar generator uses clean solar energy to operate and charge your devices. Moreover, it is suitable for the environment and ecosystem as it is noise-free and does not emit any toxic fumes.
Appliance Working Hours
- Refrigerator (560W): 3.1H
- Heater (1800W): 1.0H
- Coffee Machine (1500W): 1.2H
- Microwave (960W): 1.8H
- Electric Grill (850W): 2.0H
Customer Review
“I have used the 2k+, and it works great. I ran an Iceco refrigerator for five days and went to 67%! I will try solar panels! More to do! I Am impressed!” -- Mark Jensen
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh) is also expandable and supports additional battery packs and solar panels. It is ideal for off-grid living and powering your devices during extended blackouts. Solar energy makes the power fully independent, and you can significantly reduce your electricity bills. It is a sustainable next-generation generator with long-lasting reliability. It is also perfect for road trips and outdoor camping and can elevate your off-grid living to the next level.
Appliance Working Hours
- Refrigerator (560W): 9.3H
- Heater (1800W): 2.8H
- Coffee Machine (1500W): 3.5H
- Microwave (960W): 5.4H
- Electric Grill (850W): 6.1H
Customer Review
“ The Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus and Battery Pack with the 400W solar panels package is a great combination for home backup and RV usage. The 120VAC and RV receptacles and the others are great on the unit. I like the idea that if I need more power, I can purchase another battery pack.” -- Larry Gee.
San Antonio Average Electric Bill FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my house in San Antonio?
Investing in solar generators can allow you to make a positive impact on yourself and the environment. Before you decide on the size of the generator, you need to know how many devices you will be charging and for how long.
For example, Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro can charge a refrigerator (520W) and microwave (960W):
Working Time = Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro Capacity in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances
So, Working time = 3024Wh × 0.85 / 1480W = 1.7H
Note: While charging the devices, some power loss occurs; hence, multiplied by 0.85.
How much is the average electric bill in San Antonio, Texas?
The average electric bill in San Antonio, Texas, is around $140-$146.
How much is the electric bill for a 2000 sq ft house in Texas?
The average electric bill in Texas for a 2000-square-foot house is around $164, with a monthly consumption of 1,367kWh.
Why is Texas electric bill so high?
Texas electric bills are high because of frequent blackouts, increasing demand due to heat waves, and the state's increasing population.
What month are electric bills the highest?
July and August have higher electric bills in Texas compared to other months.
Average Electric Bill San Antonio
In recent years, the peak energy demand in Texas has increased due to heat waves and a rise in population. This leads to an increase in energy consumption in every household, which eventually increases your electricity bills. There are various tips to reduce the average electric bill in San Antonio with energy-efficient devices, such as turning off the devices and installing solar power systems. With solar power systems like Jackery Solar Generators, you can reduce your reliance on grid energy without worrying about blackouts or power cuts. These solar generators have a considerable capacity to solar charge heavy-duty appliances, which you use daily.
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