Power to Choose Texas

Texas residents in deregulated areas served by (about 85% of Texas) can switch providers. Enter your ZIP code above to find out. Austin, San Antonio, and El Paso have municipal utilities that do not participate in retail choice.

Switching Texas electricity providers typically takes 1–3 business days after enrollment. The new retail electric provider coordinates the switch with the local utility (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP). No action is needed beyond signing up. Texas customers receive a confirmation email with the start date.

No. Same wires, same utility, same power. Your utility company (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP) keeps delivering electricity through the same lines. Only the company on your bill changes. No truck roll, no new meter, no interruption.

Same rights as homeowners. If you're the account holder at your address, you can pick any provider you want. Texas landlords cannot restrict your choice of electricity provider. It's your meter, your plan.

Texas residents moving to a deregulated area need to choose an electricity provider before move-in day. Enter your new ZIP code on ElectricRates.org or PowerToChoose.org to see available plans. Select a provider, provide your move-in date and new address, and the provider will coordinate service activation with your local utility (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP). Most providers can activate service within 1–3 business days. If you're moving from out of state, you do not need a Texas ID to sign up. Just your new address and a valid ID.

A good electricity rate in Texas in 2026 is between 7¢ and 10¢ per kWh for a fixed-rate plan at 1,000 kWh monthly usage, including all delivery charges. Rates below 8¢/kWh are considered excellent. Rates vary by utility service area. CenterPoint (Houston) and Oncor (Dallas) areas typically have the lowest rates because of higher population density and more provider competition. Check current rates for your ZIP code to see what's available today.

Texas households typically save 10–25% by switching from variable rates or expired contracts to competitive fixed-rate plans, based on ElectricRates.org enrollment data from 2025–2026. Actual savings depend on the current rate and monthly energy usage. Enter your ZIP code to see current rates in your area.

Switching is free. The only potential cost: if you're breaking a fixed-rate contract early, you may owe an early termination fee (typically $50–$200). Month-to-month and variable-rate plans? No fee, ever. If your contract is ending soon, there's no fee at all. Just pick a new plan before the end date.

Month-to-month and variable-rate plans have no cancellation fee. Fixed-rate contracts may have an early termination fee, typically $50-$200. The exact fee amount is listed on your Electricity Facts Label (EFL).

Your rate jumps — sometimes by 30–50%. Most providers quietly roll you onto an expensive month-to-month variable rate. They're required to send a notice 30 days before your contract ends, but they're counting on you not reading it. Set a calendar reminder and start comparing new plans 2–3 weeks before your end date.

The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) is the one document that shows what a plan actually costs — not what the provider wants to advertise. The PUCT requires one for every plan (§25.475), and it must show the total price per kWh including delivery fees, contract length, cancellation fee, and renewable energy percentage. PowerToChoose.org displays EFL information from all available providers at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels. Always compare EFL rates — not advertised rates — to understand true costs.

An ESID (Electric Service Identifier) is a unique number assigned to your meter by ERCOT. Your ESID identifies your specific electrical connection and determines which utility delivers your power. You can find your ESID on your electricity bill or through the ESID lookup tool.

Yes. Several Texas providers offer prepaid electricity plans with no credit check, no deposit, and no long-term contract. You pay in advance and add funds as needed. Prepaid plans are a good option if you have no credit history or want to avoid a deposit.

Yes, but differently. Texas commercial and industrial customers in deregulated areas can choose their electricity provider, just like residential customers. However, PowerToChoose.org focuses on residential plans. Texas businesses typically get custom rate quotes based on their usage profile, demand patterns, and contract size. Commercial rates in Texas are generally 20–30% lower than residential rates per kWh. Learn how to read your commercial electric bill or understand demand charges before shopping for a business plan.

PowerToChoose.org is the official electricity comparison website operated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT created PowerToChoose.org in 2002 when the Texas electricity market deregulated. Every retail electric provider listed on PowerToChoose.org holds a valid PUCT license.

The main Power to Choose alternatives are ElectricRates.org, SaveOnEnergy, ElectricityPlans, and Energy Ogre. Each lets you compare Texas electricity plans with custom usage calculations, provider ratings, and direct enrollment, features that PowerToChoose.org doesn't offer. PTC remains the most comprehensive listing (every provider, every plan), but alternatives are faster for finding the best plan for your specific usage. See the full comparison table above.

The PUCT publishes a quarterly REP Industry Scorecard that rates every retail electric provider in Texas based on complaint volume per customer. The scorecard uses a five-dot system. Five dots means the fewest complaints relative to customer count. Texas electricity shoppers should check the scorecard before choosing a provider, since the lowest rate means nothing if the company has a history of billing errors, unauthorized charges, or poor customer service. The scorecard is available on puc.texas.gov.

Under PUCT §25.480, every retail electric provider must maintain a complaint handling process. Texas electricity customers can file complaints with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) by calling (512) 936-7000, emailing consumer@puc.texas.gov, or submitting a complaint online at puc.texas.gov. The PUCT investigates complaints about billing disputes, unauthorized switches (slamming), service quality, and deceptive marketing. Texas customers should first attempt to resolve issues directly with their provider, then escalate to the PUCT if unresolved.

You won't lose power. The PUCT designates a Provider of Last Resort (POLR) under §25.43 that must accept customers from any failed retail electric provider. Your electricity keeps flowing through the same TDU wires — POLR just takes over your account until you choose a new provider. POLR rates are typically higher than competitive market rates, so shop for a new plan as soon as possible after a provider failure.