Texas Freeze Expected Tonight: How to Winterize Your Home and Manage Electricity Costs

Freeze Warning Issued Across Parts of Texas

A freeze warning has been issued for parts of Texas tonight into early tomorrow morning, marking the first widespread freeze of the season for many households. Overnight temperatures are expected to dip near or below freezing, prompting residents to prepare their homes for cold conditions.

While this is not expected to be a prolonged or extreme winter event, even brief freezes can increase electricity usage and strain household systems if homes are not properly prepared.

Why Even a Short Freeze Affects Energy Use

Cold weather drives higher electricity consumption for two main reasons:

• Heating systems run longer, especially overnight and early in the morning

• Heat loss increases through windows, doors, and poorly insulated areas

In Texas, where many homes rely on electric heating or heat pumps, short freezes can lead to noticeable spikes in usage—particularly during early morning hours when demand is highest.

Preparing your home ahead of time helps reduce both energy waste and unexpected bill increases.

How to Winterize Your Home Tonight

Here are simple, high-impact steps you can take before temperatures drop:

1. Protect Pipes

• Drip faucets slightly to prevent freezing

• Insulate exposed pipes in garages or exterior walls

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation

2. Seal Drafts

• Close blinds and curtains overnight to reduce heat loss

• Use door sweeps or towels to block drafts under doors

• Check windows for noticeable air leaks

3. Adjust Your Thermostat Thoughtfully

• Set a consistent temperature rather than large swings

• Avoid cranking the heat higher than necessary—it doesn’t warm the house faster

4. Prepare Outdoor Areas

• Cover or bring in plants sensitive to cold

• Disconnect garden hoses

• Protect outdoor faucets

These small steps can significantly reduce energy waste during cold nights.

Smart Electricity Usage Tips During Cold Weather

To manage electricity use during freeze conditions:

• Run major appliances (dishwashers, laundry) outside early-morning peak hours

• Avoid space heaters unless necessary—they can be inefficient and costly

• Use ceiling fans on low, clockwise settings to circulate warm air

• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics overnight

If you’re on a variable-rate electricity plan, demand spikes during cold weather can influence pricing, making efficiency even more important.

What This Means for Your Electricity Plan

Cold snaps don’t automatically cause outages or price surges—but they do highlight how different electricity plans perform under real-world conditions.

• Fixed-rate plans offer stability during short weather events

• Variable-rate plans can fluctuate during periods of high demand

• Month-to-month plans may adjust pricing more quickly during seasonal changes

If your contract is expiring soon, winter is a smart time to review your plan and understand how it handles increased demand.

Take Control of Your Energy Future

This freeze is a reminder—not a crisis. Preparing your home and understanding your electricity plan can help you stay comfortable and avoid unnecessary costs during cold weather.

If you’re unsure how your current rate compares to today’s market, or if your plan is nearing renewal, now is a good time to explore your options.

Enter your ZIP code to compare available electricity plans in your area and find a rate that fits your home, usage habits, and budget this winter.

Staying informed and prepared is the best way to navigate Texas winters—no matter how brief the cold may be.