Quick Answer
PowerToChoose.org is the official PUC of Texas comparison site showing 300+ plans from 60+ providers. Filter by term length, rate type (fixed/variable), and TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP). Always check the EFL—advertised rates often hide usage credits. ElectricRates.org offers faster enrollment.
What Is Power to Choose?
Power to Choose ([PowerToChoose.org) is the official electricity shopping website operated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
Key facts:
- Launched in 2002 alongside Texas electricity deregulation
- Serves as a neutral marketplace—no paid placements or promotional ranking
- All licensed REPs must list their available plans
- Currently shows 300+ plans from 60+ providers
- Providers face penalties for deceptive listings
Why it matters:
Unlike third-party comparison sites that may receive commissions, Power to Choose shows all plans equally without bias. Every plan displayed must be genuinely available to consumers.
The catch: Power to Choose remains the most comprehensive and unbiased resource for Texas electricity shopping, though using it effectively requires understanding its tools.
Getting Started: Entering Your ZIP Code
Your Power to Choose journey begins with your ZIP code, which determines your TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) and available plans.
Texas TDU territories:
| TDU | Service Area | Major Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Oncor | North Texas | Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington |
| CenterPoint | Greater Houston | Houston, The Woodlands, Galveston |
| AEP Texas | South & West Texas | Corpus Christi, Laredo, Midland |
| TNMP | Scattered territories | Various smaller areas |
Good to know:
- Some ZIP codes straddle TDU boundaries—verify your exact TDU if results seem unusual
- The site remembers your ZIP during your session but doesn't require account creation
- Power to Choose does not save searches between visits—bookmark your results or note preferred plans
Essential Filtering Strategies
Power to Choose offers filtering options that dramatically narrow your results.
Recommended filter settings:
| Filter | Recommended Setting | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Term Length | 12 months | Best balance of price stability and flexibility |
| Rate Type | Fixed | Avoid variable-rate volatility |
| Renewable | 100% (optional) | Texas has competitive green plans |
| Price Sort | Use with caution | Lowest price often has usage tricks |
Critical warning about price displays:
The advertised prices reflect 1000 kWh usage only. If you use significantly more or less, these rankings may mislead you.
Avoid this trap:
Don't sort purely by lowest advertised price—this often surfaces plans with usage credits that cost more in practice for your actual usage.
Interpreting Search Results
Each plan listing on Power to Choose displays key information you need to evaluate.
What each listing shows:
| Field | What It Means | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Name | Company selling electricity | Research reputation |
| Plan Name | Marketing name for the product | Watch for "promo" or "intro" |
| Term Length | Contract duration | 12 months is standard |
| Price/kWh | Rate at 1000 kWh usage | Not your actual rate |
| Complaint Ratio | Complaints per 1000 customers | Lower is better (<0.5%) |
Critical step: Click "Plan Details" to access the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
Why the EFL matters:
- The advertised price only tells part of the story
- Plans with usage credits may show artificially low rates at exactly 1000 kWh
- Your actual cost at different usage levels can be dramatically different
Best practice: Review at least 5-10 plans before deciding.
Avoiding Common Marketing Tricks
Some providers game Power to Choose rankings using techniques that inflate apparent value.
Common tricks to watch for:
| Trick | How It Works | The Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Bill credits at exact usage | $50 credit if you use exactly 1000 kWh | Use 999 or 1001 kWh = lose $50 |
| Promotional intro rates | Low first-month rate | Jumps to standard pricing after |
| Low energy + high base fee | Looks cheap per kWh | Base fee kills savings for low users |
| Tiered pricing | Low rate up to 2000 kWh | Rate spikes dramatically in summer |
The antidote:
Always check the EFL to see actual pricing across all usage levels rather than trusting the single advertised number on Power to Choose.
Red flags in plan names:
- "Promo," "Intro," or "Limited Time"
- "Bill Credit" or "Usage Credit"
- No term length specified
Evaluating Electricity Providers
Power to Choose lists dozens of providers, from major utilities like TXU Energy and Reliant to smaller companies you've never heard of.
Key insight: Provider size does not determine service quality—all use the same power grid and TDU for delivery.
What actually varies between providers:
How to evaluate providers:
- Check complaint ratio on Power to Choose—above 0.5% deserves scrutiny
- Research through Better Business Bureau
- Read online reviews before committing
- Look for billing accuracy complaints specifically
Enrolling Through Power to Choose
Power to Choose does not handle enrollment directly—clicking "Sign Up" takes you to the provider's website.
Before leaving Power to Choose:
Download or print the EFL for your selected plan as documentation.
What enrollment requires:
- Your name and service address
- Social Security number (for credit check)
- Preferred start date
Timeline and what to expect:
Important: Your electricity service continues uninterrupted during the switch—you simply see a new provider name on your next bill.
Keep these documents:
- Confirmation email
- Contract/Terms of Service
- Downloaded EFL
Best Times to Shop on Power to Choose
Texas electricity prices fluctuate seasonally based on wholesale market conditions.
Seasonal pricing patterns:
| Season | Price Level | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Late Fall | Lowest | Low demand, providers compete |
| Early Spring | Low | Moderate demand before summer |
| Summer | Highest | Peak AC demand, wholesale spikes |
| Winter | Moderate | Heating demand, variable costs |
Smart shopping timing:
- Check your contract end date at least 30 days in advance—providers may auto-renew you at unfavorable rates
- Power to Choose listings update continuously—check multiple times over a few weeks
- Many providers release promotional plans at month-end to meet sales targets
- Shopping on weekends sometimes surfaces overlooked plans from smaller providers
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder 45 days before your contract ends to give yourself time to compare options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Power to Choose a government website?
Why can I not sign up directly on Power to Choose?
Are all Texas electricity providers listed on Power to Choose?
How often do Power to Choose listings update?
What areas of Texas can use Power to Choose?
Looking for more? Explore all our Texas Energy guides for more helpful resources.
About the author
Consumer Advocate
Enri knows the regulations, the fine print, and the tricks some suppliers use. He's spent years learning how to spot hidden fees, misleading teaser rates, and contracts that sound good but cost more. His goal: help people avoid the traps and find plans that save money.
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Topics covered
Sources & References
- Power to Choose (Public Utility Commission of Texas): "Power to Choose is the official Texas electricity comparison website"Accessed Dec 2025
- Public Utility Commission of Texas (Public Utility Commission of Texas): "Texas deregulated electricity in 2002 under Senate Bill 7"Accessed Dec 2025
Last updated: December 31, 2025
