Waco Electricity Rates, Explained

By the TexasPowerCost Editorial Team — independent Texas electricity analysis · Last reviewed October 18, 2026 · how we analyze plans

Just want the cheapest plan? This guide explains how Waco electricity rates actually work. To rank today’s live plans by your real usage, use the Waco rate comparison tool →

Last updated: October 18, 2026  ·  7 min read

Waco is Central Texas's largest inland city — a university town, healthcare hub, and increasingly prominent destination anchored by Baylor University and the Magnolia market brand. The city sits on I-35 halfway between Dallas and Austin, and its housing market has evolved from a stable but slow-growing city to one attracting significant new residential construction. From century-old craftsman homes near Baylor to new-build subdivisions in Hewitt and Woodway, Waco's electricity needs vary widely by neighborhood. Every Waco address is within Oncor Electric Delivery's deregulated service territory.

Oncor in Waco — Central Texas TDU

Oncor Electric Delivery serves Waco and McLennan County as the regulated TDU. Oncor's TDSP charges — a fixed monthly customer fee and a per-kWh distribution charge regulated by the PUCT — appear on every Waco bill regardless of REP. At 1,000 kWh, these charges typically add $8–$13. At 1,500 kWh in summer, the delivery component rises to $13–$19.

Waco is centrally located within Oncor's service territory — the same TDU that serves Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler, and Longview. Plan availability in Waco ZIPs is equivalent to the broader Oncor market, typically 60–90 active plans from 20+ providers.

Waco's Diverse Housing and Usage Range

ZIP / Area	Character	Typical Housing	Summer Usage
76701–76707Central / Baylor area	Older established neighborhoods, student rentals	1920s–1970s, 900–1,600 sq ft	800–1,300 kWh
76708North Waco	Mix of eras, industrial-adjacent residential	1960s–1990s ranch homes	1,000–1,500 kWh
76710–76712Southwest / Woodway / Hewitt	Newer suburbs, growing residential	2000s–2020s, 1,800–3,000 sq ft	1,200–1,800 kWh

Waco's Growth and New Construction

Waco's national profile rose substantially through the 2015–2023 period, driven by Chip and Joanna Gaines's Fixer Upper series on HGTV and the subsequent Magnolia brand. The city attracted new residents and investors, fueling both renovation of older homes and new construction in suburban corridors. Southwest Waco (76710–76712) and the Woodway/Hewitt municipalities saw particularly strong growth in 2,000–3,000 sq ft single-family homes.

These newer, larger homes have higher absolute electricity usage than the older Baylor-area housing stock — even though they are built to better energy codes. Newer Waco construction in 76712 is likely to use 1,400–1,800 kWh in August, while a restored craftsman in 76707 near Baylor might use 900–1,100 kWh. This spread makes household-specific comparison more valuable than any city-average benchmark.

Key Takeaways

Waco ZIP codes 76701–76712 are Oncor territory — delivery charges are fixed. Usage varies considerably by neighborhood era and home size — from sub-1,000 kWh for small older Baylor-area homes to 1,800 kWh for new-build suburbs in Hewitt and Woodway. Compare plans at your actual usage level, not the 1,000 kWh advertised benchmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are typical electricity rates in Waco, Texas?

As of May 2026, fixed-rate plans in Waco (Oncor Electric Delivery territory) typically advertise 9.5–13.5 cents per kWh at 1,000 kWh. Waco's Central Texas location and diverse housing stock — from small older homes near Baylor to larger new construction in the suburbs — produce summer usage ranging from 900 to 1,700 kWh. Search by your ZIP for the true interpolated cost at your actual usage.

Who is the TDU for Waco electricity?

Oncor Electric Delivery is the TDU for Waco in McLennan County. Oncor's TDSP charges — a fixed monthly customer fee plus a per-kWh distribution charge — appear on every Waco bill regardless of which REP you choose. You cannot change your TDU but can freely switch retail electric providers.

What ZIP codes cover Waco for electricity?

Waco's primary residential ZIP codes are 76701, 76704, 76705, 76706, 76707, 76708, 76710, 76711, and 76712. The city center and older neighborhoods cluster in 76701–76708. ZIP 76710, 76711, and 76712 cover south and west Waco, including newer suburban development and the Woodway/Hewitt area.

Has Waco's housing boom driven electricity demand up?

Yes. Waco has seen significant residential growth following national media attention through HGTV's Fixer Upper series and the Magnolia Market brand. New construction in southwest Waco and surrounding suburbs (Hewitt, Woodway, Lorena) has added a substantial number of larger, newer homes to the market — with commensurately higher electricity usage than the city's older housing stock near Baylor.

Is Waco electricity more expensive than Austin or Dallas?

Waco is Oncor territory; Austin is served by Austin Energy, a municipal utility, and is not deregulated. Dallas is also Oncor territory. Waco and Dallas residents access the same competitive plan market with the same Oncor TDSP charges. Austin residents pay Austin Energy regulated tariff rates and cannot shop for competitive plans.

How many electricity plans are available in Waco?

Waco ZIP codes typically have 60–90 active plans from 20+ retail electric providers — the same broad competitive market available throughout Oncor's service area. Enter your ZIP on the search tool for a current ranked list.

Your Next Move

Enter your Waco ZIP in the search tool for live plan comparisons. For the Oncor market context, the Dallas electricity rates guide covers Oncor TDSP charges in full. For information on Austin and San Antonio — both regulated utility markets near Waco — see the Austin electricity rates guide. The True Cost Calculator models any plan at any usage level you input.