Compare Santa Maria Electricity Rates and Plans (July 2025)
The cheapest rate on Gatby’s marketplace is 15.5 cents which is 8% less than the average electricity rate in Santa Maria in July 2025.
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Updated July 11, 2025
MAIN TAKEAWAYS
- The lowest residential electricity rate in Santa Maria is 15.5¢ ($0.155) and the average rate is 16.77¢ at 1,000 kWh.
- Compare cheap electricity in Texas from trusted electricity companies by entering your ZIP code on our marketplace.
Good to know - Santa Maria electricity prices
Spring and Fall
Best time to buy
Best time to beat the expensive rates is in the spring and fall.
Expensive to switch
Summer and Winter
Summer and the winter are the most expensive as demand is the highest.
Cheapest rate
15.5¢ per kWh
The cheapest electricity rate at 1,000 kWh in Houston
Cheapest monthly bill
$155
Estimated using the cheapest rate multiplied by 1,000 kWh
CURRENT SANTA MARIA ELECTRICITY RATES AND PLANS
Cheapest electricity plans in Santa Maria
Using Gatby’s electricity marketplace, we determined that the lowest rate in July for homeowners was 15.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for usage of 1,000 kWh, which is the standard home size. If you are looking for cheap electricity plans in Santa Maria, see below for different options. Note that unlike the stable plan table of rates further down, the plans below include bill credit and time-of-use plans so you will want to make sure your home electricity usage lines up with the plan so you don’t have any surprise bills.
| Provider | Plan Name | Rate | Term Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Brighter Lite 12 | 15.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
 | True Classic 24 | 15.6 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| True Classic 12 | 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
| True Classic 36 | 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 36 months | |
| Wise Buy Basic 24 Online | 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| True Classic 18 | 15.8 ¢ 1000 kWh | 18 months | |
| True Classic 14 | 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 14 months | |
 | Simple Advantage 24 | 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| Simple Advantage 12 | 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
| Live Brighter Lite 24 | 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 7/11/2025 for ZIP Codes 78592, 78559. Rates may have changed since this date. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your address above.
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
Your rate is the amount you pay per unit of electricity you use. Your electricity rate will be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate your electricity bill, you'll multiply your rate by your usage. For example, if you're on a fixed-rate electricity plan that charges 6¢ per kWh and you use 1,000 kWh in a month, you would calculate your supply charges like this: $0.06 per kWh X 1,000 kWh =$60
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
Your rate is the amount you pay per unit of electricity you use. Your electricity rate will be measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate your electricity bill, you'll multiply your rate by your usage. For example, if you're on a fixed-rate electricity plan that charges 6¢ per kWh and you use 1,000 kWh in a month, you would calculate your supply charges like this: $0.06 per kWh X 1,000 kWh =$60
COMPARE PRICING BY KWH USAGE
Compare electricity rates in Santa Maria for different usage amounts
If you’ve ever wondered how much electricity should cost for your household, you’re in good company. Different plans make sense for different people depending on the size of their home and their monthly usage. Here are the best electricity plans in Santa Maria depending on how much electricity you expect to use:
Apartment
< 1000 sqft
500 kWh
Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 12
15.8 ¢
APG&E Energy - True Classic 24
15.9 ¢
Cirro - Simple Advantage 24
16.2 ¢
Veteran Energy - Simple 36
16.3 ¢
Amigo Energy - Simple Choice - 36
18.3 ¢
Just Energy - Simple Choice - 36
18.3 ¢
Tara Energy - Simple Choice - 36
18.3 ¢
Rhythm Energy - Watt a Deal 12
17.7 ¢
Express Energy - Power Flash 12
19.0 ¢
4Change Energy - Power Maxx Saver 24
19.0 ¢
Small Home
1000 - 2000 sqft
1,000 kWh
Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 12
15.5 ¢
APG&E Energy - True Classic 24
15.6 ¢
Cirro - Simple Advantage 24
15.9 ¢
Veteran Energy - Simple 36
15.9 ¢
Amigo Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.5 ¢
Just Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.5 ¢
Tara Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.5 ¢
Rhythm Energy - Watt a Deal 12
17.9 ¢
Express Energy - Power Flash 12
18.2 ¢
4Change Energy - Power Maxx Saver 24
18.2 ¢
Large Home
2000+ sqft
2,000 kWh
Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 12
15.8 ¢
APG&E Energy - True Classic 24
15.4 ¢
Cirro - Simple Advantage 24
15.7 ¢
Veteran Energy - Simple 36
15.8 ¢
Amigo Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.0 ¢
Just Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.0 ¢
Tara Energy - Simple Choice - 36
17.0 ¢
Rhythm Energy - Watt a Deal 12
11.7 ¢
Express Energy - Power Flash 12
12.8 ¢
4Change Energy - Power Maxx Saver 24
12.8 ¢
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement that details how much energy you use over time. Electric companies charge you based on your energy rate multiplied by the number of kilowatt-hours used. That’s why you’ll see Santa Maria’s average energy rate stated as 16.77¢/kWh.
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement that details how much energy you use over time. Electric companies charge you based on your energy rate multiplied by the number of kilowatt-hours used. That’s why you’ll see Santa Maria’s average energy rate stated as 16.77¢/kWh.
Types of Electricity Plans in Santa Maria
As you compare available plans in Santa Maria, you’ll find multiple plan types, such as:
Fixed-Rate Energy Plans
Fixed-rate plans: With fixed-rate plans, you'll be paying the same rate for every kilowatt-hour of power you use during your electricity contract. It's a straightforward and predictable way to manage your energy costs. Contracts usually range from one to three years. So, here's the deal: if you decide to cancel your plan before your contract is up, you might end up having to pay something called an early termination fee (ETF). One great thing about fixed-rate plans is that the price you pay for energy stays the same, which means you don't have to worry about sudden increases in the market.
| Provider | Rate | Term Length | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
| 15.6 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
| 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 36 months | |
| 15.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| 15.8 ¢ 1000 kWh | 18 months | |
| 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 14 months | |
| 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months | |
| 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months | |
| 15.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 24 months |
Variable-Rate Energy Plans
Variable-rate plans: Variable-rate plans work by adjusting your monthly electricity rate according to the current wholesale electric prices. This means that your rate can go up or down depending on the market conditions. You don't need to sign a contract for this plan type. You can easily switch electric plans in Santa Maria whenever you want. Just so you know, with variable-rate plans, the cost of electricity can go up during times when there's a high demand for it. This is because when demand is high, the wholesale cost of electricity also increases.
| Provider | Plan Name | Rate | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Champ Saver-1 | 19.3 ¢ 1000 kWh | 1 months |
 | PowerShift 12 | 14.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift EV 12 | 14.6 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift Select 12 | 14.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift Payback 12 | 13.7 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| Champ Saver-1 | 19.3 ¢ 1000 kWh | 1 months |
| PowerShift 12 | 14.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift EV 12 | 14.8 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift Select 12 | 15.1 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
| PowerShift Payback 12 | 13.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 12 months |
Renewable electricity plans in Santa Maria
Renewable energy plans: Every electricity plan you come across in Texas will include a certain percentage of green energy. Pretty cool, right? It can differ depending on the company and the specific package you choose. There are certain electricity providers, such as Rhythm, Ohm Connect, and Champion that only offer green energy plans. This means that all the electricity they provide comes from renewable sources, which is great for the environment.
| Provider | Plan Name | Rate | Renewable % | Term Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple Choice - 12 | 18.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 12 months | |
 | Basics - 24 | 18.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 24 months | |
| Basics - 12 | 18.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 12 months | |
| Basics - 36 | 17.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 36 months | |
| Simple Choice - 36 | 17.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 36 months | |
| Simple Choice - 24 | 17.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 24 months | |
| Simple Choice - 12 | 18.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 12 months | |
| Basics - 36 | 17.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 36 months | |
| Basics - 24 | 18.5 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 24 months | |
| Basics - 12 | 18.9 ¢ 1000 kWh | 100 % | 12 months |
No-deposit electricity plans in Santa Maria
No deposit plans: Before providing service to a residence or place of business, certain Santa Maria-based electricity providers demand a deposit. If you want to skip the hassle of paying a deposit, you can check out electricity companies in that offer no-deposit plans, like prepaid options. With prepaid plans, you can pay for your electricity ahead of time and easily add more funds to your account whenever you need to. They are also useful for consumers that don’t have a social security number.
Time of Use Electricity Plans
Time-of-use plans: Time-of-use plans are a type of electricity plan where customers have rates that change depending on when they use electricity. So, if you're enrolled in a time-of-use plan, the rates you pay for electricity will vary depending on the time of day you use it. It's like having different prices for electricity during different times of the day. If you plan your activities during off-peak times, like late nights, weekends, and holidays, you can score lower rates. But here's the thing: if you happen to use a ton of energy during the daytime and on weekdays, you might end up paying higher rates.
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
Since time of use and bill credit plans have the cheapest prices, does that really mean you'll have the lowest energy bills? It's kind of a mixed bag. Some of the lowest rates come with bill credits or specific usage times that may not work for everyone in Santa Maria. Following strict usage times or meeting specific kilowatt-hour requirements might save you money, but they could also lead to unexpectedly high bills if you don't meet those conditions.
Gatby Electricity Shopping Tip 🤓
Since time of use and bill credit plans have the cheapest prices, does that really mean you'll have the lowest energy bills? It's kind of a mixed bag. Some of the lowest rates come with bill credits or specific usage times that may not work for everyone in Santa Maria. Following strict usage times or meeting specific kilowatt-hour requirements might save you money, but they could also lead to unexpectedly high bills if you don't meet those conditions.
Bill Credit Plans
Bill credit plans are designed to provide credits on your monthly energy bill if your energy usage falls within a specified range. These plans are promoted as offering low rates specifically forSanta Maria homes. However, it's important to note that they can potentially result in unexpectedly high bills if your energy consumption does not align with the specific bill credit requirements.
Santa Maria gives you the power to choose your electricity
Looking for the best electricity plan in Santa Maria? Take advantage of Texas's deregulated energy market and choose Gatby to easily compare electricity providers and find the right plan for you. Enter your address to get started and explore your options today.
Who is My Electric Utility Company in Santa Maria?
Your local utility is responsible for transmitting, connecting and disconnecting electricity to your home and reading and maintaining your home's electric meter. The utility also maintains the lines and other equipment used to transmit electricity.
While you have a choice in who you buy electricity from, you cannot choose the company that transmits and delivers electricity to your home.
If you live in Santa Maria, there's a good chance that AEP Texas Central is your utility company.
SWITCH PROVIDERS QUICKLY AND PAINLESSLY
How to use Gatby to switch electricity providers in Santa Maria
With Gatby, switching electricity providers has never been easier. Enjoy the convenience and savings with these simple steps:
- Explore Providers: Begin by browsing through the available electricity providers on Gatby's platform. Compare their rates, plan details, and customer reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
- Sign up: Once you've chosen a provider, simply sign up for their services directly through Gatby's platform. Fill out the required information and complete the enrollment process hassle-free.
- Sit Back and Relax: Gatby takes care of the rest! We handle the transition process by informing your old provider about the switch, ensuring a smooth transition with no interruptions to your service.
Tips for Moving or Switching Energy Providers in Santa Maria
It is easy to sign up for an electricity plan in Santa Maria whether you are moving here or switching plans for a cheaper rate. If you use Gatby we’ll handle all aspects of the switch and and make sure that the provider doesn’t charge you an early termination fee if you’re moving. That said see some tips below if you want to do it yourself.
Move to a New Service Address
Need lights on before your move? If you’re moveing to a new home in Santa Maria, see below for some Gatby tips.
- If you're getting ready to move to a new place in Santa Maria, it's super important to think about your energy provider early on. You should start looking for a new energy provider at least a month before your move. That way, you'll have plenty of time to check out different companies, pick the best plan for you, and sign up without feeling rushed.
- When it's time to cancel your current energy plan, just be aware that there might be an Early Termination Fee (ETF). But don't worry! Even if there's a fee, switching to a new plan with lower rates could still save you money in the long run. You can figure out if paying the ETF is worth it by calculating potential monthly bill savings. And guess what? You will not have to pay an ETF if you're moving to another service address, moving out of your provider's service area or if you end your plan within two weeks of your contract's end date.
- If your move is still within your current provider's service area, you have the option to transfer your plan to your new home without any extra cost. This smooth transfer can help you keep your energy service consistent during the moving process.
Switching Providers in Santa Maria
Even if you're not planning on moving, it can be highly advantageous to reassess and potentially switch energy providers. The Texas energy market is incredibly unpredictable, leading to significant and frequent price variations. As a result, a rate that initially seemed favorable may no longer be so attractive.
Surprisingly, many residents of Santa Maria do not regularly explore alternative energy providers, despite the potential for cost savings. Changing to a different provider is a great strategy for Texans to potentially reduce their energy expenses. The key lies in selecting the most suitable plan and provider to meet your specific electricity requirements.
Additionally, securing a low electricity rate now can offer protection against potential future rate hikes. If your current energy contract is approaching its end, it's advisable to review your energy rate and compare it with the current prices offered by other suppliers. You might find that your current electric company now offers more competitive rates than when you originally signed up.
- If you want lower rates, consider a longer-term plan:Variable-rate plans may offer low rates occasionally, but you are exposed to price hikes – especially during summer. A fixed-rate plan locks your rate for the entire contract term.
- Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), not only the advertised rates:Electricity providers are legally required to provide an for each plan, which is a document with detailed pricing information. By reading the EFLs, you can rule out any plans with hidden fees or unfavorable contract terms.
- Consider your monthly consumption when comparing energy plans:Electricity plans show the average rate paid at 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh per month. Make sure you are comparing rates at your consumption level since prices vary.
How to Choose the Best Electricity Plan for Your Home In Santa Maria
Here are some essential things to think about when choosing an energy plan for your home:
Understand Your Needs:
It's essential to know how much electricity you use every month, the size of your home, and how your heating and cooling costs affect your electricity use in different seasons. You can check your old electricity bills to find this information. Knowing your electricity needs is crucial because your electricity bill is based on how much power you consume, and not every plan calculates different levels of electricity use in the same way. For example, some plans may offer discounts that apply after the first 1,500 kWh. If you only use 1,000 kWh per month, you won't save money. Similarly, if you have a large home and use over 2,000 kWh every month, a plan intended for a small apartment might result in a high bill.
Decide on the Length of Service:
Electricity service is available in several contract lengths, such as month-to-month, 6-month, 12-month, 18-month, 24-month, and 36-month terms, and sometimes even longer. Consider your needs and plans when choosing a contract length. If you own your home and don't plan on moving, you might benefit from lower rates offered by a longer contract. However, if your needs only extend six months, you don't want to sign a more extended contract and end up paying early termination fees.
Consider Renewable Energy:
If using renewable energy is a priority for you, you can sign up for a plan from a provider that offers clean, green energy. Read the plan details carefully to ensure the fine print matches the headlines.
Understand Fixed and Variable Rates:
When shopping for electricity plans, you'll come across fixed-rate and variable-rate contracts. Fixed rates remain the same regardless of external factors, while variable rates may change based on different conditions. Consider your lifestyle and electricity usage to determine if a fixed-rate or variable-rate plan suits you best.
Read the Electricity Facts Label:
It's super important to understand the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to avoid any unexpected charges on your alectricity bill. The EFL contains crucial details about your electricity plan, such as contract length, use of renewable resources, billing specifics, and potential fees. Before you sign up for a plan, make sure to carefully review the EFL to fully understand the terms. Pay close attention to the early termination fee, as it could end up costing you a lot. If you have any questions, reach out to the company's customer support for clarification. Also, keep track of when your electricity plan expires so you have enough time to find a new plan before the current one ends or automatically renews without you realizing.
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