TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) is the company that delivers electricity to your Texas home through power lines, poles, and meters. Your TDU is determined by your address and cannot be changed. Major Texas TDUs include Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth), CenterPoint Energy (Houston), AEP Texas (South/West Texas), and TNMP. While you can't choose your TDU, you can choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP) who sells you electricity.
Definition verified January 2026 from PUCT
Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, North and Central Texas
3.9 million customers • Largest TDU in Texas
Houston metropolitan area
2.8 million customers
Corpus Christi, South Texas, West Texas
1.1 million customers • Two divisions (Central & North)
Various areas across Texas
250,000+ customers
TDUs are responsible for the physical delivery of electricity, not selling it. Here's what your TDU handles:
TDU delivery charges appear on your electricity bill and cover the cost of delivering power to your home. These charges are regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and are the same regardless of which REP you choose.
Typical TDU charges include a monthly base charge (around $3-5/month) plus a per-kWh delivery charge (typically 3-4¢/kWh). These charges are passed through by your REP and appear on your monthly bill.
| Aspect | TDU | REP |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Delivers electricity | Sells electricity |
| Choice | Cannot choose (based on location) | You choose from 100+ providers |
| Examples | Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas | TXU, Reliant, Gexa, Constellation |
| Contact for | Outages, new connections | Billing, plan changes, rates |
TDU stands for Transmission and Distribution Utility. These companies own and maintain the power lines, poles, and meters that deliver electricity to your home. Also called TDSP (Transmission and Distribution Service Provider).
No, you cannot choose your TDU. Your TDU is determined by your geographic location—the service territory is fixed. However, you can choose your Retail Electric Provider (REP), which is the company you pay for electricity.
Call your TDU for power outages, not your REP. Your TDU is responsible for restoring power. Find your TDU's outage number on your electric bill or contact: Oncor (888-313-4747), CenterPoint (800-332-7143), AEP Texas (866-223-8508), or TNMP (888-866-7456).
Enter your ZIP code on our Texas electricity page to instantly identify your TDU. You can also find your TDU name on your current electricity bill.
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