Buying a home in Lufkin and trying to predict your monthly electric bill can feel confusing. You may hear “Oncor” mentioned and wonder if that changes what you pay or who you choose for service. You want a clear picture before you make an offer or set your budget.
This guide explains how electricity works in Lufkin and greater Angelina County, what Oncor actually does, and how to compare plans and estimate real monthly costs. You will also get a checklist to use during your inspection and negotiation. Let’s dive in.
Texas electricity in Lufkin: the basics
In much of Texas, Oncor is a transmission and distribution utility. That means Oncor owns the poles, wires, and meters, and restores power after outages. Oncor does not sell you electricity in deregulated areas. Instead, Oncor charges delivery fees that show up on your bill no matter which retail provider you choose.
Some addresses in Lufkin and Angelina County are in a deregulated market. In those areas you shop for a retail electric provider, often called a REP. Other addresses are served by a municipal utility or an electric cooperative. In those areas you usually do not pick a retail provider. The local utility sets the rates and programs.
The key takeaway is simple. Your address determines whether you can shop for plans. It also determines which company handles delivery and outages.
If you want to learn how retail competition works in Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas provides consumer guidance and rules.
What Oncor means for your bill
If your Lufkin address is in Oncor’s territory and deregulated, your monthly bill has two main parts:
- Generation, also called energy, which is the price per kWh set by your chosen REP.
- Delivery, which are fees charged by Oncor for using the poles, wires, meter, and for maintaining the grid.
You will also see taxes and regulatory fees. Delivery charges are not optional. Even with a low energy price, delivery can be a big share of your total bill. Always compare total cost, not just the headline cents per kWh.
For Oncor service information, visit Oncor’s website.
Can you shop for power at this address
Before you compare plans, confirm the electric provider that serves the exact property you are buying.
- Ask the seller for the most recent 12 months of electric bills. This is the fastest way to see who provides service and what the usage looks like.
- Call the local city or county utility office to confirm whether the address is in a deregulated area or served by a municipal utility or co-op.
- Contact Oncor or review its service information if you think the address may be in its territory. You can start with Oncor’s site and customer support.
If your address is deregulated, you can compare offers at PowerToChoose.org. It lists plans and terms from retail providers in your ZIP code.
Plan types you will see in deregulated areas
If the property is in a deregulated ZIP code, you will find several plan types. Each fits a different budget and risk level.
- Fixed rate. A set price per kWh for a contract term. Good for budgeting and protection during price spikes.
- Variable or month to month. The price can change monthly. It may start low, but it can rise quickly in high demand periods.
- Indexed or wholesale pass through. Price is tied to the market. It can be very low or very high depending on the wholesale grid.
- Time of use. Prices vary by hour. Works best if you can shift usage to off-peak times, like EV charging at night.
- Renewable or green. Backed by renewable energy credits. Often at a small premium.
For plan shopping and contract details, use PowerToChoose.org and review each plan’s facts label before you enroll.
Estimate your monthly cost before you buy
You can build a simple, realistic estimate using the home’s history and the plan you expect to choose.
- Gather 12 months of bills. Note total kWh used each month and the total dollar amount paid.
- Calculate average kWh per month. Also note summer peaks. East Texas homes often see air conditioning spikes.
- Apply the formula. Expected monthly cost equals expected monthly kWh times the expected dollars per kWh. Include delivery and all fees in that dollars per kWh figure.
- Sense check with climate and size. Larger homes and older systems often use more energy. Real bills are best, but use conservative assumptions if bills are not available.
Tip: Do not rely on the advertised energy rate alone. A plan with a low energy rate can still produce a higher total bill after delivery charges and fixed fees.
Read the bill the right way
When you review those 12 months of bills, focus on these items:
- Monthly kWh usage and seasonal swings.
- Delivery charges listed by the utility, which can be Oncor or the local provider.
- Any base charges, minimum usage fees, or bill credits on the retail plan.
- Average price per kWh for each month, which is total bill divided by kWh.
This gives you an apples to apples view across plans.
Inspect the home for energy cost drivers
Your inspection is a chance to spot features that affect monthly bills. Ask your inspector to document:
- HVAC. Age, type, and efficiency rating. A newer high SEER heat pump can cut cooling costs compared to an older unit.
- Insulation and air sealing. Attic insulation level, duct condition, and weatherstripping.
- Windows and doors. Double pane or low E glass can reduce heat gain and loss.
- Water heating. Heat pump or tankless heaters can use less energy than older electric resistance tanks.
- Appliances. Energy Star models tend to use less electricity.
- Thermostat. Programmable or smart thermostats can lower costs with proper settings.
- Solar PV or batteries. If present, confirm ownership versus lease or PPA and how any agreements transfer.
- EV readiness. Check for a 240V outlet or dedicated charger and panel capacity.
If you want a deeper look, a blower door test and infrared scan can quantify air leaks. Ask the seller if an energy audit has been done recently.
Compare plans by total cost, not just rates
If the address is deregulated, compare offers using your expected usage. Focus on:
- Total monthly cost at your kWh level, not just the listed energy price.
- Contract length, renewal rules, deposits, and early termination fees.
- Minimum usage fees or bill credits that only apply at certain kWh thresholds.
- Whether a time of use plan fits your lifestyle. It helps only if you can shift load.
You can also follow statewide market context through ERCOT market updates and price trends from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Use energy findings in your negotiation
Energy costs are part of total ownership. If your inspection finds issues, you have options.
- Ask for seller credits if major systems are near end of life.
- Request repairs or replacements for unsafe or failed equipment.
- Seek a price adjustment if the home needs insulation or duct sealing soon after closing.
- Include a utility bill contingency so you can review the last 12 months in detail.
Frame these requests around your goal to keep monthly costs predictable.
Rebates and incentives to check
Federal tax credits and local programs can reduce upgrade costs. Availability changes, so verify before you buy.
- Start with the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency to see current federal, state, and utility incentives.
- Check Oncor, your retail provider, or the local municipal utility or co-op for weatherization or appliance rebates. Programs vary and may be seasonal.
Factor incentives into your budget and your negotiation strategy.
Quick buyer checklist
- Get 12 months of electric bills from the seller.
- Confirm who serves the address, Oncor with retail choice or a municipal utility or co-op.
- Model total monthly cost using your expected kWh, including delivery and fees.
- During inspection, document HVAC, insulation, water heater, windows, solar, and EV readiness.
- Consider an energy audit if you need precise savings estimates.
- Review plan contracts carefully if you will shop for a REP.
- Ask for credits or repairs for major efficiency gaps.
- Explore incentives before you commit to upgrades.
Buying in Lufkin should feel confident and clear. If you want help gathering bills, interpreting plan options, or building an apples to apples cost estimate for a specific property, reach out. At Norton Property Group, you get local guidance and a hands on process that protects your budget from contract to close. Connect with us at Norton Property Group to start your search with clarity.
FAQs
Can I shop for electricity in Lufkin if Oncor serves my address
- If your address is in a deregulated ZIP and Oncor is the TDU, you can choose a retail provider, but if a municipal utility or co-op serves the property, you usually cannot shop for a REP.
Why do delivery charges show up on every Oncor-area bill
- Delivery fees pay for poles, wires, meters, and outage restoration, and they are billed by the TDU and apply regardless of which retail provider you choose.
Is a fixed rate plan better for a new homeowner in Lufkin
- Fixed plans help with budgeting and protect you during price spikes, while variable or index plans can be cheaper at times but can rise quickly when wholesale prices jump.
What documents should I request from the seller to estimate electric costs
- Ask for 12 months of electric bills, HVAC and water heater service records, any energy audit reports, and any solar or rebate paperwork.
How do solar panels affect my bill in Angelina County
- Owned solar reduces the kWh you buy from the grid, but buyback and net metering policies vary by utility or co-op, so confirm the local rules and any existing solar contracts.
Who fixes outages if I switch retail providers in an Oncor area
- The TDU handles outage restoration on the grid, so Oncor would still restore power and maintain the lines even if you pick a different retail provider.
