AARP Texas Is Fighting Oncor’s Plan to Raise Your Electricity Rates

Home electricity bills are going up across Texas, and many people are already having a hard time keeping pace with the costs. Now, Oncor Electric Delivery, the largest company that manages power lines and poles in the state, is asking to raise rates by about $834 million. If this plan is approved, most customers could see their monthly bills go up by $7 to $20.

"This increase could make life even harder for Texans who are already choosing between paying for food, medicine, housing, or electricity," said Stephanie Mace, who leads AARP Texas' utilities advocacy work.

Oncor provides electricity service to 40 percent of Texas counties, encompassing a wide swath of North Texas and Central Texas. Customers don’t get to choose their provider — it’s based on where they live. Mace said that that means if Oncor raises its rates, "people have no choice but to pay more."

Besides raising rates, Mace said some electricity providers have also added new fees for things like storm damage. "That leaves many customers likely feeling as if they have no control over these changes. And they don’t understand why their bills keep rising," said Mace. "Older adults and families with low incomes are especially affected because they often live on fixed budgets."

That’s why AARP Texas is stepping in to help. AARP is officially part of the case against the Oncor rate hike, serving as an intervener and is working to stop or reduce the rate increase.

Mace says the case is in the early stages. Participants are in a discovery phase, asking questions and gathering facts. In November, there will be a hearing where both sides will cross-examine witnesses and share evidence. After that, an administrative law judge will make a recommendation to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, which will likely announce a decision at a public hearing, possibly in April 2026. Sometimes, groups reach an agreement before the final hearing, but most cases are decided by the PUC.

AARP Texas is collecting petition signatures from people who would be hurt by higher electricity bills. The petition will be shared with the PUC to remind the decision-makers that real people will be impacted by the rate increase.

This fight is about more than just money. It’s about protecting Texans from unfair costs.

Mace said, "AARP Texas is working hard to ensure that customers are treated fairly and that electricity prices stay reasonable."