Texas Guide
Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
How We Ensure Accuracy
Since 2009, the team at ElectricRates.org has helped over 5 million energy consumers find better electricity rates. Supplier information comes from state regulators, company filings, and documented customer feedback. Read the editorial standards & see our methodology.
Can I Get Electricity Without a Deposit in Texas?
Yes. Texas has many no-deposit electricity options available in deregulated areas like Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. The most common ways to avoid a deposit:
- Prepaid electricity — No credit check, no deposit, pay-as-you-go
- Autopay enrollment — Many providers waive deposits with autopay
- Good credit — Pass a soft credit check (no impact to your score)
- Assistance programs — LIHEAP and local programs help with deposits
Month-to-Month Plans Available Now
No deposit required • No contract • Cancel anytime
Types of No Deposit Electricity Plans
| Plan Type | Credit Check | Contract | Typical Rates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prepaid | None | No contract | 17-21¢/kWh | Bad credit, flexibility |
| Month-to-Month | Soft check | No contract | 11-14¢/kWh | Short-term, renters |
| Autopay Waiver | Varies | 6-24 months | 9-12¢/kWh | Stable address, good rates |
| Traditional (with deposit) | Hard check | 12-24 months | 8-11¢/kWh | Best long-term rates |
Rates shown are typical ranges for 2025. Actual rates vary by provider, TDU area, and usage level.
How Prepaid Electricity Works in Texas
1. Sign Up & Pay Initial Amount
Pay $40-75 to start service. This covers the connection fee (~$5-15) plus a starting balance for electricity. No deposit or credit check required.
2. Use Electricity
Your balance decreases as you use power. Most providers give you real-time usage tracking through an app or text alerts.
3. Get Low Balance Alerts
When your balance drops below a threshold (usually $10-20), you'll receive text or email alerts to add more funds.
4. Add Funds Anytime
Reload online, by app, phone, or at retail locations. Auto-reload options available so you never run out.
What Happens if Your Balance Reaches Zero?
If your balance runs out, service may be disconnected. However, Texas has protections: service cannot be disconnected on weekends, holidays, or during extreme weather alerts. To restore service, simply add funds—reconnection is usually automatic within 2 hours.
No Deposit Electricity by Texas City
Availability depends on whether your city is in a deregulated area. Here's the breakdown:
Houston
TDU: CenterPoint Energy
No deposit plans available
Dallas
TDU: Oncor
No deposit plans available
Fort Worth
TDU: Oncor
No deposit plans available
Arlington
TDU: Oncor
No deposit plans available
Plano
TDU: Oncor
No deposit plans available
Corpus Christi
TDU: AEP Texas
No deposit plans available
Lubbock
TDU: LP&L (Limited choice)
No deposit plans available
Cities Without Electricity Choice
Some Texas cities are not deregulated, meaning you cannot choose your electricity provider:
In these cities, contact your municipal utility directly about deposit policies and assistance programs.
Prepaid vs. Traditional Electricity: Pros & Cons
Prepaid Advantages
- + No deposit required — Keep your money in your pocket
- + No credit check — Available regardless of credit history
- + No contract — Cancel anytime without penalty
- + Budget control — See usage in real-time, avoid surprises
- + Same-day service — Get connected quickly
Prepaid Considerations
- ! Higher rates — Typically 10-20% more per kWh
- ! Active management — Must monitor balance and add funds
- ! Disconnection risk — Service stops if balance runs out
- ! No rate lock — Rates can change over time
- ! Fees for adding funds — Some payment methods have fees
Low Income Electricity Assistance in Texas
If you're struggling to afford electricity or a deposit, Texas has assistance programs:
LIHEAP
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides help with bills, deposits, and weatherization.
Apply through your local Community Action Agency
211 Texas
Dial 211 or visit 211texas.org to find local assistance programs, payment help, and emergency services.
Free 24/7 helpline
Provider Payment Plans
Most electricity providers offer payment plans, budget billing, and hardship programs for qualifying customers.
Contact your provider directly
211 Texas Utility Assistance
Connects low-income Texans to local utility assistance programs, emergency bill help, and community resources.
Call 211 or visit 211texas.org
Find No Deposit Plans in Your Area
Enter your ZIP code to see prepaid and no-deposit electricity options available at your address. Compare rates and get connected today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get electricity in Texas without a deposit?
Yes, many Texas electricity providers offer no-deposit plans. Options include prepaid electricity (pay-as-you-go with no deposit), waived deposits through autopay enrollment, plans that use soft credit checks instead of deposits, and assistance programs for low-income households. Prepaid plans are the most common no-deposit option and are available to virtually everyone regardless of credit history.
What electricity companies in Texas have no deposit?
Several Texas REPs (Retail Electric Providers) offer no-deposit options including prepaid providers like Payless Power, Direct Energy prepaid plans, and various pay-as-you-go providers. Many traditional providers also waive deposits if you enroll in autopay or have good credit. Enter your ZIP code to see specific no-deposit plans available at your address.
How do prepaid electricity plans work in Texas?
Prepaid electricity works like a prepaid phone—you add money to your account before using electricity. When your balance runs low, you get alerts to add more funds. If your balance reaches zero, service may be disconnected until you add money. Benefits include no deposit, no credit check, no long-term contract, and real-time usage tracking. The trade-off is slightly higher per-kWh rates than traditional plans.
Is prepaid electricity more expensive than regular plans?
Prepaid electricity rates are typically 10-20% higher than traditional fixed-rate plans. However, when you factor in the deposit savings ($100-400 that traditional plans may require), prepaid can be more economical in the short term. Prepaid also helps you avoid late fees and helps control usage since you see your balance in real-time.
Can I get no deposit electricity with bad credit in Texas?
Yes. Prepaid electricity plans typically do not check your credit at all, making them available regardless of credit score. Some traditional providers offer no-deposit plans with a soft credit check that does not affect your credit score. Note: If you have a switch hold from a previous provider, you must resolve it before any provider—including prepaid—can serve your address.
What is the difference between no deposit and prepaid electricity?
No deposit means you do not pay an upfront security deposit to start service. Prepaid electricity is a type of no-deposit plan where you pay for electricity in advance. Not all no-deposit plans are prepaid—some traditional plans waive deposits based on credit or autopay enrollment. Prepaid plans require an initial payment to start service, but this is for actual electricity usage, not a refundable deposit.
How much do I need to start prepaid electricity service?
Most prepaid electricity providers require a minimum initial payment of $40-75 to start service. This money goes toward your electricity usage, not a deposit. Some providers offer same-day connection if you pay by a certain time (often 2-3 PM). The initial amount covers connection fees (around $5-15) plus a starting balance for electricity usage.
Are there low-income electricity assistance programs in Texas?
Yes. Texas offers several assistance programs: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps with bills and deposits, utility assistance from local community action agencies, payment plans and bill averaging from most providers, and special rates for low-income seniors and disabled Texans. Contact 211 Texas or your local community action agency for eligibility information.
Can I switch from prepaid to a traditional electricity plan?
Yes, you can switch from prepaid to traditional service at any time with no cancellation fee. Once your credit improves or you can afford a deposit, switching to a fixed-rate plan may save money long-term. Your prepaid balance will be used for final charges, and any remaining credit is typically refunded or transferred.
Do no deposit plans require a contract in Texas?
Prepaid electricity plans have no contract—you can stop service anytime without penalty. Some no-deposit traditional plans may have month-to-month terms or short contracts. Always check the terms before signing up. Month-to-month plans offer flexibility but may have variable rates that change over time.
Prepaid plans: No credit check
Get Electricity Today Without a Deposit
Find prepaid and no-deposit electricity plans in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and across Texas.