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BKV Energy
AP Gas & Electric
BKV Energy
BKV Energy
| Provider | Plan | Rate (¢/kWh) | Term | Green % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BKV Energy
|
Verbena 13 | 13.6¢ | 13 mo | 29% |
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BKV Energy
|
Verbena 12 | 13.7¢ | 12 mo | 29% |
|
AP Gas & Electric
|
APG&E Fixed 12 | 16.6¢ | 12 mo | — |
|
AP Gas & Electric
|
APG&E Fixed 14 | 16.7¢ | 14 mo | — |
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Your electricity in zip code 78836 is delivered by AEP Texas Central. Since this area is deregulated, you can choose your retail electricity provider while AEP Texas Central maintains the power lines and handles outage restoration.
Catarina, Texas (zip code 78836) sits in Dimmit County — a sparsely populated but energy-active region in South Texas where the deregulated electricity market gives residents real purchasing power. Served by AEP Texas Central (AEP-Central) for delivery infrastructure, Catarina shoppers can choose from 18 competing retail electric providers offering 82 distinct plans as of March 2026. That level of competition is significant for a rural community of this size, translating into aggressive pricing and a wide range of contract options. Whether you're a long-term homeowner looking to lock in stability or a renter seeking month-to-month flexibility, the Catarina electricity market has options worth comparing carefully before your next billing cycle.
The most competitive rate available in Catarina right now is 9.5¢/kWh, offered by True Power on their AEPTCC 12-Month Fixed Residential plan. That's notably below the area's average rate of 12.7¢/kWh across all 82 available plans, and well below the statewide average that many Texas consumers pay without shopping. The rate range across all plans spans from that 9.5¢ floor up through plans exceeding 18¢/kWh for short-term or variable options — a spread that makes comparison shopping genuinely worthwhile. In Dimmit County, summer cooling loads can push consumption high, so even a 1–2¢/kWh difference compounds quickly over a July or August billing cycle.
The contract length data for 78836 tells a clear story in March 2026:
For most Catarina homeowners, a 12-month fixed plan offers the best balance of price certainty and commitment level heading into the summer demand season.
With 18 providers actively competing in this AEP-Central zone, Catarina residents have more choice than many rural Texas communities. Active providers include True Power, TXU Energy, Ambit Energy, 4Change Energy, Shell Energy, Spark Energy, XOOM Energy, CleanSky Energy, Payless Power, and others. Six of the 82 available plans are green or renewable-backed, giving environmentally conscious shoppers options without necessarily paying a premium. Seventy-three of the 82 plans are fixed-rate, reflecting strong market preference for price predictability in this region.
Regardless of which retail provider you choose, AEP Texas Central (AEP-Central) handles all physical electricity delivery in zip code 78836 — the poles, wires, and meter reads. Delivery charges are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and are identical no matter which REP you select. Switching providers does not affect your delivery service, and there is no interruption to your power. You can reach AEP Texas Central directly at 1-866-223-8508 or at aeptexas.com for outage reports or delivery account questions.
To switch, contact your chosen REP with your ESIID (Electric Service Identifier, found on your current bill). Switching is free, and your new rate typically activates on your next scheduled meter read date.
Catarina's rates are competitive relative to neighboring communities in the AEP-Central South zone, including Eagle Pass (78852) and Carrizo Springs (78834) in the surrounding region. Rural zip codes in Dimmit County sometimes see fewer provider options than urban Texas markets, making 78836's 18-provider lineup particularly strong. Summer months — June through September — drive the highest demand in this part of South Texas, making March an ideal time to lock in a fixed rate before seasonal pricing pressure builds.
Starting at 13.6¢/kWh
2 plans available
Starting at 16.6¢/kWh
2 plans available
Lock in a fixed-rate electricity plan before Memorial Day each year. Summer demand in Catarina's Dimmit County brushlands drives rates and usage up sharply from June through September — securing a rate in spring can shield your budget from peak-season price volatility.
Install a programmable or smart thermostat and set it to pre-cool your home before 2 p.m. During Catarina's brutal summer afternoons, running AC hardest in the cooler morning hours reduces strain on the grid and can lower your monthly bill noticeably.
Check your plan's tiered pricing structure carefully. Some REPs offer better per-kWh rates at specific usage levels — for example, rates that improve above 1,000 kWh/month. Catarina households running central AC all summer may benefit from plans designed for higher-consumption customers.
Consider a plan with renewable energy content from solar or wind sources. Texas has abundant wind generation in West Texas and solar capacity growing statewide — many REPs serving 78836 offer green plans at competitive rates with no premium over standard fossil-fuel options.
After any significant weather event — especially freezes or severe storms — contact AEP Texas Central directly for outage reporting and restoration updates. Remember, your REP handles billing while AEP handles the lines; knowing which number to call saves time during emergencies.
As of March 2026, the most competitive rate in zip code 78836 is 9.5¢/kWh from True Power on their AEPTCC 12-Month Fixed Residential plan. The average across all 82 available plans is 12.7¢/kWh.
AEP Texas Central (AEP-Central) handles all electricity delivery in zip code 78836. Delivery charges are regulated and identical regardless of which retail electric provider you choose. Contact AEP at 1-866-223-8508 for outage or delivery issues.
Contact your chosen retail electric provider with your ESIID number, found on your current electricity bill. Switching is completely free, causes no service interruption, and your new rate typically takes effect on your next meter read date.
Short-term plans (1–6 months) in 78836 average 18.5¢/kWh — nearly double the best available fixed rate. Providers charge a premium for flexibility. Unless you have a specific short-term need, a 12-month fixed plan is typically far more cost-effective.
Yes. Six of the 82 plans available in zip code 78836 are green or renewable-backed as of March 2026. Providers like CleanSky Energy and 4Change Energy are among those offering environmentally focused plan options in the AEP-Central service area.
Not significantly. Despite Catarina's rural setting in Dimmit County, 18 providers compete in zip code 78836 — a strong lineup for a community of this size. That competition helps keep rates aggressive and gives residents meaningful plan variety.