How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas (2026)

Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets

Published January 15, 2025 Updated January 2, 2026

Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.

The Truth About Switching Electricity in Texas

Here's what most people don't realize: switching electricity providers in Texas is stupidly simple. You don't call your old company. You don't schedule anything. You don't even have to be home.

You find a better rate, sign up online, and your new provider handles everything else. Your power stays on the entire time—same wires, same meter, just a different company sending your bill.

The whole thing takes about 5 minutes online and 1-3 days to complete. That's it.

5 Steps to Switch (Takes 5 Minutes)

Find your ESI ID or service address

Locate your 17-22 digit ESI ID on your current electricity bill. It's usually near your account number. If you can't find it, your service address works too—new providers can look up your ESI ID.

Compare electricity plans at your usage level

Enter your ZIP code to see available plans. Look at rates at your actual monthly kWh usage (check your bill). Compare the all-in price including TDU delivery fees, not just the energy rate.

Select a plan and sign up online

Choose a plan that fits your needs—fixed rate for stability, or month-to-month for flexibility. Click 'Sign Up' or 'Enroll' and enter your information. Most signups take 5-10 minutes.

Provide your information

Enter your ESI ID or service address, your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and payment method. Your new provider uses this to process the switch.

Confirm and wait 1-3 days

Review your order and submit. You'll receive a confirmation email immediately. Your new service typically starts within 1-3 business days. You don't need to do anything else—your new provider handles the switch.

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Pro tip: Skip the guesswork

Already have Texas electricity? Connect your smart meter to see exactly what you'd pay on each plan—based on your actual A/C usage, not estimates.

5 Myths About Switching (All Wrong)

I'll lose power during the switch

Reality: Your power never goes out. Same wires, same TDU, same meter—just a different company sending your bill.

I have to call my old company to cancel

Reality: Your new provider handles everything. You don't need to contact your old company at all.

Switching takes weeks

Reality: Most switches complete in 1-3 business days. Smart meter homes can switch next-day.

The process is complicated

Reality: Online signup takes 5-10 minutes. You just need your address and basic info.

Smaller providers are less reliable

Reality: Your TDU delivers power regardless of provider. Oncor, CenterPoint, and AEP handle reliability—not your REP.

What Happens After You Sign Up

Day 1

Sign up with new provider

Complete online enrollment in 5-10 minutes

Day 1-2

Enrollment processed

New provider submits switch request to ERCOT

Day 2-3

Switch completes

Your meter is transferred to new provider

Day 3+

New service active

You're now with your new provider—same power, new billing

30-45 days

Final bill from old provider

Receive final bill and any deposit refund

What You Need to Switch

Required

✓ Your service address (or ESI ID from your bill)
✓ Valid ID (driver's license, state ID)
✓ Social Security number
✓ Payment method (credit card or bank account)

NOT Required

✗ Calling your old provider
✗ Your old account number
✗ Being home for installation
✗ Any paperwork to mail

What About Early Termination Fees?

If you're currently under contract, you may owe an early termination fee (ETF) when you switch. Typical ETFs in Texas range from $50 to $300, depending on your plan.

Here's the math that matters: If switching saves you $30/month and your ETF is $150, you break even in 5 months and save money from there. Run the numbers before you decide.

Pro tip: Many providers allow penalty-free switching if your contract expires within 14 days—check your EFL. Per PUCT rules (§25.474), you also have 3 business days to cancel any new enrollment.

Already have Texas electricity?

Ready to Switch?

Connect your smart meter and we'll show you exact costs on every plan—based on your actual A/C usage, not estimates. Most people save $200-400 per year.

Uses your real usage data

Compare 100+ plans instantly

Switch online in 5 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to switch electricity providers in Texas?

Switching electricity providers in Texas takes 1-3 business days for the actual switch to complete. If you have a smart meter (most homes do), your new provider can often start service the next business day. The entire signup process takes about 5-10 minutes online. You'll receive confirmation emails from both your old and new provider once the switch is processed.

Will I lose power when I switch electricity companies in Texas?

No, you will never lose power when switching electricity providers in Texas. Your electricity delivery comes from your TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP) regardless of which retail provider you choose. Switching only changes who bills you for the energy portion—the same wires, same meter, same reliability. There's zero service interruption during the switch.

Do I need to contact my old electricity company to cancel?

No, you don't need to contact your old provider. When you sign up with a new provider, they handle everything—including notifying your previous company. Your old provider will send a final bill within 1-2 billing cycles. The only exception is if you're moving out of your current address; then you should contact your old provider to close the account.

What do I need to switch electricity providers in Texas?

To switch electricity providers in Texas, you need: 1) Your ESI ID (17-22 digit number on your current bill) or your service address, 2) A valid ID and Social Security number, 3) A way to pay (most providers accept credit/debit or bank account). You don't need your old account number or to contact your current provider. The new provider can look up your ESI ID from your address.

What is an ESI ID and where do I find it?

Your ESI ID (Electric Service Identifier) is a unique 17-22 digit number assigned to your meter. It's on your electricity bill, usually near your account number or service address. You can also find it by: calling your TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP), checking Smart Meter Texas (smartmetertexas.com), or asking your new provider to look it up from your service address.

Can I switch electricity providers if I'm in a contract?

Yes, you can switch anytime, but you may owe an early termination fee (ETF) if you're under contract. ETFs in Texas typically range from $150-$400 depending on your contract. Check your Electricity Facts Label for your specific ETF. Some providers offer to pay your ETF as a signup bonus. Many providers allow penalty-free switching if your contract expires within 14 days, but check your EFL for exact terms. You also have a 3-business-day rescission right per PUCT §25.474 to cancel any new enrollment.

What happens to my deposit when I switch electricity providers?

Your deposit from your old provider will be credited to your final bill or refunded to you, typically within 1-2 billing cycles after your account closes. If you have a credit balance after your final bill, you'll receive a refund check. Your new provider may or may not require a deposit depending on your credit history and their policies.

Can I switch electricity providers if I rent an apartment in Texas?

Yes, if the electricity is in your name, you can switch providers just like a homeowner. Check your lease—some apartments require specific providers or include utilities in rent. If you receive a separate electricity bill in your name, you have full choice of providers. Your landlord cannot restrict your choice of electricity provider if the account is in your name.

When is the best time to switch electricity providers in Texas?

The best time to switch is 30-45 days before your current contract expires to avoid month-to-month rates. Seasonally, March-April and October-November typically offer the lowest rates. Avoid switching in July-August when summer demand drives rates up. Also check rates when your usage is lowest—providers compete more aggressively during shoulder seasons.

How do I know if I'm getting a good deal when switching?

Compare the all-in rate (including TDU delivery fees) at your actual usage level, not just the advertised energy rate. Check the Electricity Facts Label for prices at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh. If the new rate is lower than your current rate at your usage level, you'll save money. Use ElectricRates.org to compare current offers side-by-side.

How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas

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