Quick Answer
Texas shoppers learn switching lessons the hard way. Don't cancel old service before new starts (Vacant Service Fee). Let your NEW provider handle the switch. Watch for final bill surprises. Switch at the right time of year.
The Bottom Line: Shop for a New Plan When Moving in Texas
Texas electricity customers can cancel their contract without paying early termination fees when moving. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) established this "take it or break it" rule specifically to protect consumers during relocations. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) cannot force you to transfer your existing plan—you have the legal right to shop for a new rate. ElectricRates.org recommends using this opportunity to find a plan that matches your new home's energy usage rather than blindly transferring a plan designed for your old address.
Why Moving Is the Perfect Time to Compare Texas Electricity Rates
Texas electricity plans are designed around specific usage patterns. A plan that saved money at a 900 kWh apartment may cost more at a 2,000 kWh house—and vice versa. Many Texas electricity plans include usage-based discounts, tiered pricing, or fees that only apply at certain consumption levels. When you move to a new home in Texas, your monthly kWh usage will change. Moving from an apartment to a house typically increases usage 50-100%. Downsizing often reduces usage by 30-50%. The ERCOT deregulated market gives you access to dozens of competing Retail Electric Providers. Use this move to find a plan optimized for your new address.
Texas Law: Cancel Your Electricity Contract Penalty-Free When Moving
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) allows customers to cancel electricity contracts without early termination fees when relocating. This PUCT consumer protection rule—commonly called the "take it or break it" provision—applies to all residential customers in the ERCOT deregulated market (which covers most of Texas except El Paso, some co-ops, and municipal utilities). Under this rule, your REP cannot charge cancellation fees when you provide proof of move (lease agreement, closing documents, or utility shutoff confirmation at the old address). This protection applies even if you are mid-contract and moving within the same REP's service territory.
Why You Should Not Blindly Transfer Your Texas Electricity Plan
Retail Electric Providers often encourage customers to simply transfer existing plans to new addresses. Some REPs may even imply you are required to stay with them if your new address is within their service territory. This is not true under Texas law. Before agreeing to transfer, consider: your old plan's rate was calculated for your previous home's usage pattern. Plans with "free nights" or usage credits may not benefit you at a home with different consumption. Some plans include hidden fees that only appear at higher (or lower) usage levels. The PUCT "take it or break it" rule exists specifically so you can shop around—use it.
How to Compare Texas Electricity Plans for Your New Address
ElectricRates.org displays electricity plans available at your new Texas address from competing Retail Electric Providers. Enter your new ZIP code to see current rates from providers serving your TDU territory (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP). Compare plans using the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which shows the rate at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels. Look for: fixed-rate plans for price stability, contract length that matches your expected stay, and any minimum usage requirements or fees. ElectricRates.org calculates your estimated monthly cost based on your actual expected usage—not just the advertised rate at 1,000 kWh.
How to Cancel Your Existing Texas Electricity Contract
Contact your current Retail Electric Provider (REP) by phone or through their online portal to request service cancellation. Have ready: your account number, service address, move-out date, and forwarding address for your final bill. Tell them you are moving and invoking the PUCT "take it or break it" provision to cancel without early termination fees. If your REP claims you must stay or transfer, remind them this is your legal right under Public Utility Commission of Texas rules. They may request proof of move—provide a copy of your new lease, closing documents, or utility connection confirmation. Get cancellation confirmation in writing (email or text).
Critical Switching Mistakes to Avoid
Texas energy shoppers learn these lessons the hard way. Don't make these mistakes:
Mistake #1: Canceling your old provider BEFORE your new service starts
| What Happens | The Problem | The Cost |
|---|---|---|
| You cancel old service for 10/9 | New service starts 10/10 | "Vacant Service Fee" $50+ from your apartment/TDU |
The right way: Let your NEW provider handle the switch. When you enroll with a new REP, they coordinate with ERCOT to take over your account on the specified date. Don't call to cancel your old service separately—your new REP handles the transition.
Mistake #2: Not checking your contract for final bill provisions
Some providers have "billing plan" charges or other fees that only appear on your final bill. One Texas shopper reported a $360 surprise charge from Green Mountain after switching—a "billing plan" fee they didn't know existed. Before you switch: Read your current contract's termination section carefully.
Mistake #3: Switching during the wrong season
If your contract ends in January (highest rates), you're forced to shop at the worst time. Try to align contract expirations with October-November (lowest rates) by choosing strategic contract lengths.
Setting Up Electricity Service at Your New Texas Address
After selecting a plan on ElectricRates.org, your new Retail Electric Provider (REP) coordinates with your local TDU (Oncor in Dallas-Fort Worth, CenterPoint in Houston, AEP Texas in South/West Texas, or TNMP in scattered areas) to activate service. Most Texas homes have smart meters enabling same-day activation if you enroll before 3pm on a weekday. If the new address has active service under another tenant, expect a 1-3 business day "move-in switch" as your REP takes over the account. Schedule your new service to start on your move-in date. ERCOT processes all switches through your TDU—your REP handles communication.
How to Avoid Paying for Electricity at Two Texas Addresses
Double billing happens when service overlaps at old and new addresses. To prevent this: schedule cancellation at your old address for your actual move-out date (keep power on through final cleaning and walk-through). Schedule new service activation for your move-in date. Both your old REP and new REP will coordinate with the respective TDUs to align meter readings. Keep confirmation emails from both cancellation and enrollment. Review your final bill from the old address—if charges extend past your move-out date, dispute with your REP and file a complaint with the PUCT if unresolved. Deposits from your old account should be credited or refunded within 45 days.
Texas Electricity Moving Checklist: Step-by-Step Timeline
Two weeks before moving: Compare Texas electricity rates on ElectricRates.org for your new ZIP code. Do not assume your old plan is the best option for your new home. One week before: Enroll with your chosen REP for service at the new address. Contact your current REP to schedule cancellation at the old address using the PUCT "take it or break it" provision. Three days before: Confirm both activation and cancellation dates are correct with each provider. Move-in day: Verify electricity is on at the new address. If power is off, contact your new REP immediately. First week: Register your new address on Smart Meter Texas (smartmetertexas.com) to monitor usage. First bill: Verify the rate matches your contract and billing started on the correct date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay an early termination fee when moving in Texas?
No. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) "take it or break it" rule allows residential customers to cancel electricity contracts without paying early termination fees when relocating. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) may request proof of move (lease, closing documents, or utility shutoff confirmation), but they cannot charge cancellation fees. This protection applies to all customers in the ERCOT deregulated market.
Should I transfer my existing Texas electricity plan when I move?
ElectricRates.org recommends against blindly transferring. Texas electricity plans are optimized for specific usage patterns—a plan that saved money at 900 kWh may cost more at 2,000 kWh. When you move, your energy consumption changes. The PUCT "take it or break it" provision exists specifically so you can shop for a plan that fits your new home. Compare rates on ElectricRates.org before deciding.
My Texas REP says I must stay with them when moving. Is that true?
No. Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) cannot force you to transfer service. Under Public Utility Commission of Texas rules, you have the legal right to cancel without penalty when moving—even if your new address is within the same REP's service territory. If your provider claims otherwise, cite the PUCT "take it or break it" provision. File a complaint with the PUCT if they refuse to honor this right.
How do I compare Texas electricity plans for my new address?
Enter your new Texas ZIP code on ElectricRates.org to see all available plans from competing Retail Electric Providers. Compare using the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which shows rates at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh. Look at your new home's expected usage—not just the 1,000 kWh advertised rate. Fixed-rate plans provide price stability; variable plans may save money short-term but carry risk.
What if I am moving to a different Texas TDU territory?
Texas has four main Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs): Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth), CenterPoint (Houston), AEP Texas (South/West Texas), and TNMP (scattered areas). If your move crosses TDU boundaries, your current plan may not be available at the new address. You will need to select a new plan from REPs serving that TDU. Rates and available providers differ by territory—use ElectricRates.org to compare options in your new TDU area.
How long does it take to switch electricity providers when moving in Texas?
Most Texas homes have ERCOT-connected smart meters enabling same-day activation if you enroll before 3pm on a weekday. If the new address has active service under another tenant, expect a 1-3 business day "move-in switch" as your new REP takes over the account. If the address has no active service, activation is typically same-day. Schedule enrollment 2-3 days before move-in to ensure power is on when you arrive.
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.
Electricity deregulationTexas retail electricity providersPUCT consumer regulationsTexas satisfaction guaranteesERCOT electricity market
Compare rates in your area
Topics covered
Texas moving electricity switch providers no penalty REP new home
Sources & References
- Public Utility Commission of Texas (Public Utility Commission of Texas): "Public Utility Commission of Texas Substantive Rule 25.483 allows customers to cancel electricity contracts without early termination fees when moving"Accessed Dec 2025
- Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT): "ERCOT manages the deregulated electricity market covering 90% of Texas electric load"Accessed Dec 2025
Last updated: January 26, 2026
