Can you choose your electric company in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington is in Oncor's delivery area, so you pick the company that sells you power. Oncor owns the lines and meters that serve the city. It brings power to your home no matter which company you choose.
Why Oncor? The city gave Oncor its current electric franchise in August 2024 (Ordinance 24-040). A franchise is the right to run power lines along city streets. Oncor's lines carry power to Arlington homes, so its charge is on every bill.
Can an Arlington home get stuck with one company? Homes on an electric co-op's lines can't switch. That's the catch in parts of the Fort Worth area, as our Fort Worth guide shows. We found no part of Arlington on co-op lines. The nearby co-ops don't list Arlington on the service pages we checked.
Near the city's edge? Check first with our utility finder. Oncor's website also has a service area lookup that takes a street address. Oncor doesn't set your energy price; your provider does. The state approves Oncor's charge, and our guide to what Oncor is breaks it down.
How much is an electric bill in Arlington, TX?
An Arlington home that uses 1,000 kWh pays about $171.08 a month at an example energy charge of 9.5¢. Oncor's delivery is $72.73 of that. The energy is $95.00, and the city's 2% tax is $3.35.
- Oncor delivery: $4.06 a month plus 6.8673¢ per kWh$72.73
- Energy: 9.5¢ per kWh, an example (your plan sets this)$95.00
- City sales tax: 2% of the two lines above$3.35
Example bill. Delivery from PUCT Docket 59249, in effect since Oct 4, 2026. Tax rate from the Texas Comptroller, checked Oct 10, 2026. Change the energy charge in the bill check below.
Your own bill depends on your use and your plan. The average Texas home used 1,096 kWh a month in 2024 and paid $163.72, the U.S. Energy Information Administration says. Oncor's part went up on October 4, 2026, and it's the same on every plan. See what a normal Texas bill looks like.
Bill still looks too big? Our guide to why your electric bill is so high walks through the usual causes.
Does Arlington charge sales tax on electricity?
Yes. Arlington is on the state's list of cities that tax home electricity, and its rate is 2%. The state's own 6.25% sales tax doesn't apply to home power. So the city's 2% is the only sales tax on your electricity.
The newest part, a quarter-cent for economic development, started April 1, 2021. The state's list shows Arlington's tax on home power dates to before May 1979. Dallas and Fort Worth tax it too; both brought it back in 1992.
Want to check your own bill? Divide the sales tax line by the charges it's on. In Arlington, you should get about 0.02.
Shops and offices pay more. Business power doesn't get the home exemption, so the state's 6.25% sales tax applies on top of the city's 2%. Our business electricity guide walks through that bill.
Why doesn't the shopping price show it? State rules say a plan's facts label price must leave out sales taxes. So in Arlington, multiply any label price by 1.02 to add the city tax. Our guide to the Electricity Facts Label shows where each price sits.
What is a good electricity rate in Arlington right now?
Aim for an all-in price under 15.88¢ per kWh, the Texas average for July 2026. In Arlington, that takes an energy charge under about 8.3¢ at 1,000 kWh, once you add Oncor's delivery and the city tax.
Bars start at zero. All-in = (Oncor's $72.73 + energy) plus the 2% city tax, divided by 1,000 kWh. Texas average: EIA Electric Power Monthly, July 2026.
Where's the energy charge? Look in the pricing box on a plan's facts label. The label's big "average price" already counts Oncor's delivery. It just leaves out the city tax.
For dated plan prices on Oncor's wires, see the snapshot in our Dallas guide. To shop live plans, use Power to Choose, the state's official site. Our company scores rate each provider on public records, and TXU vs Reliant puts two well-known brands side by side. Our Fort Worth-area electric company directory covers Arlington ZIP codes too, with the state's complaint rating for each company. Want the statewide view? Read Texas electricity rates, explained.
Two plan types need extra care. Free nights plans work best when you can move a lot of use to night hours. A variable rate can change any month. Already on a plan? Read what to do when your contract is ending, or how to switch providers.
How much will my Arlington summer bill be?
Slide to your usual monthly use, then pick a typical or summer month. Type in your plan's energy charge. The check adds Oncor's delivery and the 2% city tax, then compares your price with the Texas average.
1,096 kWh: Oncor delivery $79.33 (42% of the bill) + energy $104.12 + city tax $3.67.
All-in: 17.07¢ per kWh, 1.19¢ above the 15.88¢ Texas average.
A summer month at this home: about 1,403 kWh and $238.37, or $51.25 more.
Partner toolWe may earn a fee if you sign up. It never changes our scores.
Nothing you type is saved. Delivery is Oncor's $4.06 a month plus 6.8673¢ per kWh, from Oct 4, 2026. A summer month is your typical use times 1.28, from EIA's 2025 data for Texas and nearby states. Presets are examples; 1,096 kWh is the 2024 Texas average. Plan has a base charge? Divide it by your kWh and add it to the energy charge. Any gross receipts line on your bill is left out.
Above the 15.88¢ line? Compare a few plans at your own usage. Our plan cost calculator lines up three at once.
Why are Arlington electric bills so high in summer?
Because your AC works hardest from June to September. At DFW Airport, the average August high is 95.8°F. Those four months hold about 78% of the year's cooling need.
Bars start at zero. Each bar adds up a month's cooling degree days: how far each day's average temperature sits above 65°F. Hot summer months score highest. Source: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 monthly normals, DFW Airport station; definition from the National Weather Service.
On a fixed-rate plan, your price per kWh barely moves in summer, but the kWh pile up. Say a home uses 1,096 kWh in an average month. In a summer month, it might use about 1,403 kWh. At the example price, that's $51.25 more.
Want a smaller summer bill? See utility energy-saving rebates, ways to get paid to use less power, and whether a heat pump or new AC makes sense.
Who do I call when the power goes out in Arlington?
Call Oncor at 888-313-4747, day or night. Oncor owns the lines in Arlington, so it fixes outages. Your electric company can't send a crew.
- 1Report it
Call 888-313-4747 or text OUT to 66267. Texting works once you sign up for MyOncor Alerts: text REG to 66267.
- 2Track it
Oncor's outage map shows where the power is out near you.
- 3Stay safe
Stay far away from any downed line and keep others back. If someone is hurt or in danger, call 911.
Is the whole state short on power? That's a different problem. When ERCOT, the grid operator, asks Texans to save power, your lines may be fine. See ERCOT alerts, explained. For long outages, read what to do when the power is out, and see if a home battery is worth it.
Where can I get help paying my electric bill in Arlington?
Start with Community Action Partners. This City of Fort Worth program is the community action agency for Tarrant County. It helps eligible homes pay electric, gas and propane bills, and it has an office in Arlington.
- 1Check the basics
You need to live in Tarrant County and meet the income limit. CAP's page lists the papers you need, including proof of income.
- 2Apply online on an open day
CAP's page says online applications open at 9 a.m. on Fridays in October 2026: Oct 9, 16, 23 and 30. Check which kind of help each date covers. Each round closes once CAP is full.
- 3Get help in person
The Arlington CAP Center is at 401 W Sanford St., Suite 2700. It's open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only.
How much can you get? Texas's energy aid program, CEAP, can pay up to $1,800 a year for the lowest-income homes. Our bill help guide shows the income limits. You can also dial 211 for other local aid.
Hot, leaky home? Fort Worth's weatherization program adds insulation and seals leaks in eligible Tarrant County homes at no cost. Some help is limited to certain cities, and the city warns that waits are very long. Call 817-392-7554 or read our free weatherization guide.
Already behind? Ask your provider for a deferred payment plan. It splits what you owe across later bills. For bills due during a heat advisory, your provider must offer one if you ask.
How do I set up electricity in a new Arlington home?
Pick a plan, then give the provider your new address and move-in date. Your provider then sends Oncor the order to turn on your power. There's nothing to set up with Oncor yourself.
- 1Confirm the utility
Arlington is Oncor's area. If your address sits near the city's edge, check it with our utility finder.
- 2Match the plan to your lease
State rules bar an early termination fee when you move and give a forwarding address. Your provider may ask for proof of the move. So a plan longer than your lease won't cost a fee.
- 3Ask about a deposit
A provider may ask new customers for a deposit. With a prepaid plan you pay ahead instead, and state rules cap the starting balance at $75. See our guide to no-deposit and prepaid plans.
Moving here from Dallas? It's the same Oncor wires and delivery charge, so ask your provider about moving your plan with you. If you move in during sumer, the AC runs from day one. So check each plan's price at 2,000 kWh on its label too.
For more, see how to set up electricity in Texas. Comparing North Texas cities? Read our Plano guide.
Arlington electricity questions, answered
Who provides electricity in Arlington, Texas?
Oncor Electric Delivery owns the power lines in Arlington and delivers the electricity. You buy the power itself from a retail electric provider you choose, such as TXU Energy, Reliant or Champion Energy. Your provider sends the bill, and Oncor's delivery charge is passed through on it. Outages always go to Oncor at 888-313-4747.
Can I choose my electric company in Arlington?
Yes. Arlington is in Oncor's delivery area, which is open to competition, so you can pick any retail provider that sells there. We found no part of Arlington on electric co-op lines, where choice isn't allowed. If a plan search shows nothing for your address, check which utility serves it before you shop.
Does Arlington charge sales tax on electricity?
Yes. Arlington is on the Texas Comptroller's list of cities that tax home electricity, and its city rate is 2%. The state's 6.25% sales tax does not apply to homes. On a $167.73 bill before tax, the city tax adds $3.35. The price on a plan's facts label leaves this tax out.
What are electricity rates in Arlington, TX right now?
Since October 4, 2026, Oncor's delivery charge is $4.06 a month plus 6.8673 cents per kWh, or $72.73 at 1,000 kWh. Your provider adds its energy charge on top. To beat the 15.88 cent Texas average from July 2026, an Arlington plan needs an energy charge under about 8.3 cents. That counts the city tax and assumes 1,000 kWh.
What is the Oncor outage number in Arlington?
Call Oncor at 888-313-4747, 24 hours a day. If you signed up for MyOncor Alerts, you can text OUT to 66267 to report an outage. To sign up, text REG to 66267. Oncor's online outage map shows current outages. Your electric provider can't restore power, so call Oncor, not them.
Why is my electric bill so high in Arlington in the summer?
Air conditioning. At DFW Airport, the average August high is 95.8 degrees, and about 78% of the year's cooling need falls from June to September. Across Texas and nearby states, homes used about 28% more power from July to September 2025 than in an average quarter. More use means a bigger bill, even on a low rate.
Where can I get help paying my electric bill in Arlington?
Community Action Partners, a City of Fort Worth program, is the community action agency for Tarrant County. It helps eligible homes with electric, gas and propane bills. Applications are online, and the Arlington CAP Center at 401 W Sanford St., Suite 2700, sees people by appointment. Call 817-392-2276, or dial 211 for other help.
Are there electric co-ops in Arlington, Texas?
We found none. The City of Arlington's electric franchise is with Oncor. The co-ops near Arlington, such as Tri-County Electric Cooperative and United Cooperative Services, don't list Arlington on the service pages we checked. Co-op homes can't pick a provider, so if your address shows no plans, confirm your utility first.
How do I set up electricity at a new home or apartment in Arlington?
Choose a plan and give the provider your new address and move-in date. The provider asks Oncor to turn on the power, so you don't need to call Oncor yourself. If you're leaving a plan with time left, Texas rules bar an early termination fee when you move and give a forwarding address.
How can I find a low electricity rate in Arlington?
Compare plans on Power to Choose, the state's official shopping site, using your Arlington ZIP code. Read each plan's Electricity Facts Label and check the price at your own usage, not just at 1,000 kWh. Then add 2% for Arlington's city tax, since labels leave it out. A fixed-rate plan keeps your energy charge steady.
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Sources and updates
Sources (27)
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Cities With Local Sales and Use Tax on Residential Use of Gas and Electricity: Arlington is listed as taxing home power since before May 1, 1979; Dallas (Jan 1, 1992) and Fort Worth (Oct 1, 1992) brought the tax back. Page updated June 2, 2026.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, City Sales and Use Tax rate table: Arlington's local rate of 2.0% and total rate of 8.25%. Page updated Sept 24, 2026.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Cities with Additional Sales and Use Tax: Arlington's 1% city tax (Oct 1, 1969), 0.25% street maintenance tax (Jan 1, 2003), 0.5% sports and community venue tax (Apr 1, 2005) and 0.25% Type B economic development tax (Apr 1, 2021). Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Local Sales and Use Tax on Residential Use of Gas and Electricity: cities that adopted local sales tax on or after Oct 1, 1979 can't tax home power; counties and transit authorities can't either. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Local Sales and Use Tax Collection: A Guide for Sellers (94-105): local tax is based on where the customer receives the electricity. April 2022.
- Texas Comptroller rule 34 TAC §3.295, Natural Gas and Electricity (Cornell LII copy): home electricity is exempt from state sales tax and subject to local tax in cities that impose it. Amended March 7, 2017.
- Texas Comptroller rule 34 TAC §3.334, Local Sales and Use Taxes (Cornell LII copy): "city sales and use tax" includes the street maintenance, venue and development corporation taxes. Amended July 4, 2024.
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Miscellaneous Gross Receipts Tax: retail electric providers pay 1.997% of receipts in cities of 10,000 or more. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- City of Arlington, Code of Ordinances, Utilities chapter: Article IV (Electricity) grants Oncor's franchise by Ordinance 24-040, Aug 27, 2024.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas, Docket 59249, Oncor temporary tariff filing (Item 105): home delivery of $4.06 a month plus 6.8673¢ per kWh from Oct 4, 2026, or $72.73 at 1,000 kWh.
- Oncor, oncor.com outage information: outage line 888-313-4747 (24/7), text OUT to 66267, text REG to 66267 for MyOncor Alerts, and the outage map. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas rule 16 TAC §25.475, General Retail Electric Provider Requirements and Information Disclosures (Cornell LII copy): the facts-label price leaves out sales taxes; no early termination fee when you move and give a forwarding address. Effective Jan 6, 2022.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas rule 16 TAC §25.479, Issuance and Format of Bills (Cornell LII copy): bill terms for sales tax and the gross receipts tax reimbursement. Effective Jan 6, 2022.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas rule 16 TAC §25.483, Disconnection of Service (Cornell LII copy): no disconnection for nonpayment on a county heat advisory day or the two days after. Effective July 19, 2023.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480, Bill Payment and Adjustments (Cornell LII copy): deferred payment plans for bills due during extreme weather. Effective May 13, 2018.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas rule 16 TAC §25.498, Prepaid Service (Cornell LII copy): a home's starting balance is capped at $75. Effective Jan 6, 2022.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: Texas average home price of 15.88¢ per kWh, July 2026 (released Sept 24, 2026).
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price, Table 5A: the average Texas home used 1,096 kWh a month and paid $163.72 in 2024 (accessed Oct. 10, 2026).
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, October 2026, Table 7b: home power sales in the West South Central region (Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana) were 79.0 billion kWh in July to September 2025, out of 246.4 billion for the year, or 1.28 times an average quarter.
- NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020, monthly, DFW Airport: cooling degree days by month (2,824 a year; 78% in June to September) and an average August high of 95.8°F (accessed Oct. 10, 2026).
- National Weather Service, Heating and Cooling Degree Days: how cooling degree days are counted from a 65°F base. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Arlington city, Texas: 54.3% of homes owner-occupied (so 45.7% rented) and 86.7% of people in the same house a year earlier, 2020–2024 ACS (accessed Oct. 10, 2026).
- City of Fort Worth, Community Action Partners: the community action agency for Tarrant County; help with electric, gas and propane bills; online applications on October 2026 Fridays at 9 a.m.; Arlington CAP Center; 817-392-2276. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- City of Fort Worth, Weatherization Assistance Program: free upgrades for income-eligible Tarrant County homes, some limited to certain cities, with very long waits; 817-392-7554. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): local agencies run CEAP in all 254 counties. The up-to-$1,800 yearly aid figure is from TDHCA's 2026 LIHEAP state plan, as shown in our bill help guide. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
- Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Service Territory: a multi-county service area shown on a map; Arlington is not named (accessed Oct. 11, 2026).
- United Cooperative Services, Office locations: offices include Mansfield and Burleson; Arlington is not named. Checked Oct 10, 2026.
Changelog · last updated October 16, 2026 · 2 updates
- October 16, 2026: Linked our new Fort Worth-area electric company directory, which covers Arlington ZIP codes, from the fair-price section and the next-step cards. We also pointed old links straight at their current pages, so none goes through a redirect. We now score 25 Texas electricity companies, so the next-step card says 25. Delivery charges, taxes and bill examples did not change. We also added our new city guides, four new company reviews and the Smart Meter Texas guide to the guide map.
- October 11, 2026: Guide published: who delivers Arlington's power, the 2% city tax on home bills, a fair-price target, DFW summer data, Oncor outage steps, Tarrant County bill help, move-in tips and the Arlington summer bill check.
How to cite this page: The Day Company, "Arlington electricity: who delivers it, what it costs, and how to choose", updated October 16, 2026, https://theday.company/tx/arlington-electricity.
Delivery charges are Oncor's from PUCT Docket 59249, in effect since October 4, 2026. Tax rates are the Texas Comptroller's as of October 2026. Bill examples use a 9.5¢ energy charge you can change in the tool, and rates change often, so check your facts label and your bill. The Day Company is not affiliated with any electric company or utility named here, and no company pays to be listed, scored or ranked.