12-Month vs 24-Month Electricity Plans in Texas: How to Time the Seasonal Rate Curve
In Texas, the month your electricity contract expires matters just as much as the rate you lock in today. Enrolling in a 12-, 18-, or 24-month plan that sets your future renewal in spring (March–May) or fall (October–November) avoids renewing during July/August cooling peaks when wholesale ERCOT forward curves are highest.
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See live all-in rates—including regulated TDU delivery charges—for your exact service area.
1. Comparing 12-Month, 24-Month, and 36-Month Fixed Plans (Nov 2026 Snapshot)
Based on our verified November 4, 2026 PUCT rate snapshot across 928 active English residential plans, here is how term lengths compare:
| Contract Term Length | Nov 2026 Lowest Flat Rate (Oncor) | Typical Early Termination Fee | Best Strategic Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-Month Fixed | ~12.2¢ – 13.5¢/kWh | $150 flat or $20/mo remaining | Ideal when shopping in spring (March–May) or fall (Oct–Nov), locking in a mild-season renewal next year. |
| 15- to 18-Month “Bridge” Fixed | ~12.8¢ – 14.0¢/kWh | $150 – $200 flat | Best when you are forced to shop in July or August—shifts your future expiration date out of summer into spring or fall. |
| 24- to 36-Month Fixed | ~13.1¢ – 14.6¢/kWh | $200 – $295 flat or $20/mo remaining | Multi-year budget certainty; pairs best with providers charging $20/remaining month so you can refinance if rates drop in year 2. |
2. Why Per-Remaining-Month ETFs Make 24- & 36-Month Plans Safer
If you choose a 24- or 36-month contract, inspect the EFL’s early termination fee structure. A provider that charges $20 per remaining month (such as 4Change Energy, Gexa Energy, or Chariot Energy on select plans) gives you a declining exit cost in year 2, whereas a flat $295 fee stays $295 even with 3 months left. Run your exact numbers in our Switching Break-Even Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest month of the year to shop for electricity in Texas?
Historically, Texas retail electricity offers are most competitive during shoulder months—specifically March through early May and October through November—when moderate weather keeps ERCOT demand low and natural gas storage is stable.
If I sign a 36-month plan and sell my house in 14 months, do I owe the cancellation fee?
No. Under PUCT Substantive Rule §25.475, moving to a new residence always waives early termination fees regardless of whether you have 2 months or 22 months left on your contract.
Related Tools, Provider Profiles & Guides
- Compare 12, 24 & 36-Month Plans by ZIP
- Calculate Early Termination Fee Break-Even
- View Nov 2026 Rate Snapshot by Term
- Compare ETF Policies Across 27 Providers
All rate examples and TDU delivery tariffs verified November 4, 2026 from official PUCT filings and Electricity Facts Labels.