Compare Texas Electricity Providers, Plans & Rates

Same-day or next-day service is available in most Texas deregulated areas. Enroll before 2 PM CT for same-day connection. You'll get an account number instantly—no waiting, no phone calls, no technician visit required.

Many landlords require proof of electricity service before handing over keys. When you enroll online, you'll receive an account number immediately that you can provide to your leasing office. No more waiting on hold.

Advertised rates are typically shown at 2,000 kWh usage, but most Texans use around 1,200 kWh. Due to tiered pricing, base charges, and usage credits that only kick in at high usage, your actual rate may be 25-40% higher than advertised. Always compare plans at YOUR usage level, not the advertised rate.

Enter your ZIP code and monthly usage to see what you'd actually pay on available plans. We show all-in pricing including energy charges, TDU delivery fees, and base charges—so you can compare apples to apples. No more guessing from confusing EFL documents.

Compare your renewal offer to current market rates before deciding. Sometimes staying put is the right call. We'll show you how your renewal rate stacks up against 100+ available plans so you can make an informed choice.

No, your power won't be shut off. If your contract expires without action, you'll typically be moved to a month-to-month variable rate—which is often expensive. That's why it's smart to compare options before your contract ends.

Prepaid electricity plans can get your power back on the same day. These plans typically have no credit check and no deposit required. Pay-as-you-go lets you start service immediately and manage your usage.

Yes—prepaid plans typically don't require credit checks or deposits. Some traditional plans may require deposits based on credit history, but prepaid options are available for everyone. Note: some providers may still run a soft credit check even for prepaid plans.

Texas separates electricity into delivery (your TDU like Oncor or CenterPoint) and supply (your REP). Your TDU is determined by your address and handles the power lines and outages. Your REP is who you choose and pay for the electricity itself. When you 'switch providers,' you're switching REPs while your TDU stays the same.

When you find a plan you like, click 'Select Plan' to complete checkout on ComparePower.com, our Texas enrollment partner. You'll enter your service address and information, and your new provider handles the switch. It takes about 5 minutes.

A switch hold means a previous provider has blocked your ability to switch due to an unpaid balance. Options to get power: 1) Pay the outstanding balance in full, 2) Set up a payment arrangement with the provider that placed the hold, 3) Sign up for prepaid electricity (most prepaid plans work even with a switch hold), 4) Wait for the hold to expire (typically 4 years in Texas). Prepaid plans are often the fastest solution—you can get same-day service without resolving the original debt.

A switch hold is placed by your previous Retail Electric Provider (REP) when you owe them money. It prevents you from switching to another traditional provider until the debt is resolved. In Texas, switch holds typically last up to 4 years or until you pay the balance. Switch holds are registered with ERCOT and apply statewide—you can't avoid it by trying a different provider. Your options are: pay the balance, negotiate a payment plan, use prepaid electricity, or wait it out.

Free nights and weekends plans can save money IF you shift heavy usage to off-peak hours (typically 8 PM–6 AM weekdays and all weekend). However, daytime rates are higher to compensate—often 15-20¢/kWh vs. 10-12¢ on standard plans. Best for: night owls, remote workers with flexible schedules, EV owners who charge overnight, or households that can run appliances at night. Not ideal for: families home during the day, daytime A/C users, or anyone who can't shift usage. Calculate based on your actual schedule, not wishful thinking.

Free hours vary by provider but typically start between 8 PM and 10 PM and end between 5 AM and 7 AM on weekdays. Weekend free hours usually run all day Saturday and Sunday. Popular examples: TXU Free Nights (9 PM–6 AM + weekends), Reliant Free Weekends (all day Saturday and Sunday). Always check the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for exact hours—'free' periods differ significantly between plans and providers.

For a typical Texas home using 1,000-1,200 kWh/month: Under 12¢/kWh all-in is competitive, under 10¢/kWh is excellent, under 9¢/kWh is exceptional. 'All-in' means the total cost including energy charges, TDU delivery fees, and any base charges—divided by your usage. Rates vary by TDU territory: Oncor (Dallas) and CenterPoint (Houston) typically have similar rates, while TNMP and AEP areas may differ. Compare at YOUR actual usage level since advertised rates are often shown at 2,000 kWh where per-kWh costs look lower.

The 'cheapest' provider changes weekly as rates fluctuate. Low-rate providers often include: 4Change Energy, Frontier Utilities, Pulse Power, and Rhythm Energy. However, the cheapest option depends on your usage—a plan cheap at 2,000 kWh might be expensive at 1,000 kWh due to usage credits and tiered pricing. Enter your ZIP code and actual monthly usage to find your personalized cheapest option. Be wary of ultra-low advertised rates that require exact high usage to achieve.