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This is a list of the top 10 Free Nights plans for every area in Texas, broken down by TDU service zone and filtered by contract length. These plans are ordered by the advertised 1000 kWh rate, but you should not rely on that number alone. Clear Energy Facts recommends using this data only as a reference.
To calculate an advertised rate, the provider assumes how much of your consumption will be in the Free hour window. Some providers overestimate this percentage to artificially lower the 1000 kWh advertised rate. That is why it is so important to not trust the advertised rate alone.
Tells you if the "Free Window" is truly free. If No, you still pay TDU Delivery fees (approx 4-6¢/kWh) during free hours.
Tip: See the FAQs below for key details about Free Night plans (delivery charges, hours, and fees).
The 500 / 1,000 / 2,000 kWh rates shown on Free Nights / Free Hours plans are only approximations based on the provider’s assumed “average usage pattern.” Your actual usage can be completely different.
In most Texas homes, the air conditioning and heating system (HVAC) is the largest source of electricity consumption. To benefit from a Free Nights plan, you would need to shift as much HVAC usage as possible into the free window (thermostat adjustments). During the paid hours, the thermostat should be kept as high as comfortably possible to minimize HVAC runtime.
The energy rate you pay outside the free period is often double—or even triple—than a comparable True Fixed rate. If you don’t move enough usage into the free hours, you’ll pay those premium prices on most of your consumption, and your bill can end up higher than with a simple fixed plan.
Free Nights plans can work, but only if they fit your real usage. CEF lets you compare these plans against True Fixed options using your own historical data.
Free Nights plans can work well for EV charging or solar homes with a battery, since you can shift most usage into the free window. Always review the plan’s Terms of Service to ensure EV charging or battery use doesn’t violate any provider restrictions.
DFW & North/Central TX — Dallas–Fort Worth, Arlington, Waco, Midland–Odessa
Houston metro — Houston, Katy, Cypress, Sugar Land, Pasadena
South Texas — Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo, Victoria, Brownsville
West/Central Texas — Abilene, San Angelo, Stephenville, Big Spring
LP&L service area — City of Lubbock
Gulf Coast & scattered areas — Angleton, Alvin, Texas City, League City
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