Transfer Electricity Service in Texas: Moving Guide 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.