Texas electricity FAQ
Common questions
How do I switch electricity providers in Texas?
Enter your ZIP code on TXPowerRates, compare plans by estimated monthly cost at your usage, read the plan's Electricity Facts Label (EFL), and enroll with the new retail electric provider. The new provider handles the switch with your utility. You do not need to call your old provider, and your power is not interrupted.
Does it cost anything to switch electricity providers in Texas?
Switching itself is free. If you leave a fixed-rate contract before it ends, your current provider may charge the early termination fee listed in your contract. Under PUCT rules, a provider cannot charge an early termination fee if you switch within the last 14 days of a contract or if you are moving.
How long does it take to switch?
A standard switch usually completes within a few business days, on your next meter read or an off-cycle read if you request one. A move-in at a new address can often start in 1 to 2 business days.
Can everyone in Texas choose their electricity provider?
No. Retail choice applies in the competitive areas served by Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas Central, AEP Texas North, TNMP and Lubbock Power and Light. Customers of Austin Energy, CPS Energy (San Antonio), El Paso Electric, most electric cooperatives and many city-owned utilities cannot switch providers.
What is the difference between my utility and my provider?
Your utility (also called the TDU or wires company, such as Oncor or CenterPoint) owns the poles and wires, reads your meter and restores outages. Your retail electric provider sells you the electricity and sends your bill. You choose the provider; the utility is set by your address.
What is an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
The EFL is a standard disclosure every Texas provider must publish for each plan. It shows the average price per kWh at 500, 1,000 and 2,000 kWh, the contract term, fees and renewable content. TXPowerRates estimates costs from these published averages and links to every EFL.
Why does TXPowerRates hide some very cheap short-term plans?
Some plans advertise a very low rate for only 1 to 3 months, after which the price can rise sharply. We hide those plans by default and flag them clearly when you choose to show them, so the ranking reflects plans you can keep.
Fixed rate or variable rate: which is better?
A fixed-rate plan keeps your energy rate the same for the full contract term, which makes bills predictable. A variable-rate plan can change monthly at the provider's discretion. Most households looking for stable bills choose a fixed-rate plan of 12 months or longer.
Can I get electricity with no deposit?
Yes. Prepaid electricity plans usually require no deposit and no credit check. Some postpaid providers also waive deposits based on your credit or a letter of good payment history from a prior provider.
How does TXPowerRates make money?
We may earn a referral fee from providers when you sign up through our links. Fees never change the ranking: plans are sorted only by estimated cost at the usage you enter.
Where does the plan data come from?
Plan data comes from Power to Choose, the official plan listing run by the Public Utility Commission of Texas, and is refreshed several times a day.