Understanding Texas Electricity
10 guides
Learn how the Texas electricity market works. Master ERCOT, understand TDUs, read EFLs, and make informed decisions about your power.
Key concepts: ERCOT operates the Texas grid. TDUs (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP) deliver power to your home. REPs (retail providers) sell you electricity. The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) shows the true cost of any plan.
Texas Fixed-Rate Plans
Stable rates for predictable bills • Most popular plan type
Texas Electricity Choice Guide: ERCOT Deregulation Explained
Texas deregulated electricity in 2002 under Senate Bill 7. Today, 140+ providers like TXU, Reliant, and Gexa compete in the ERCOT market. Compare rates on Power to Choose or ElectricRates.org to save 20-40% on your electric bill.
Texas Electricity Facts Label: How to Read EFL Guide 2025
The Texas Electricity Facts Label (EFL) shows rates at 500, 1000, and 2000 kWh—required by PUC rules. Look for: energy charges, TDU delivery fees (Oncor, CenterPoint), usage credits, and contract terms. Plans advertising 9¢ may cost 14¢ at low usage. Always read the EFL before enrolling.
Understanding ERCOT: Texas Power Grid & Deregulation Guide
ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) manages 90% of Texas power for 26 million customers on an independent grid separate from the US Eastern and Western grids. Energy mix: 52% natural gas, 30%+ wind/solar. ERCOT enables electricity choice—compare providers on ElectricRates.org.
Smart Meter Texas: Access Your Usage Data & Save on Bills
SmartMeterTexas.com provides free 15-minute interval usage data from your Oncor, CenterPoint, or AEP smart meter. Register with your ESID and meter number to access 13-month history. Use this data to evaluate free nights plans and compare rates at your actual usage on ElectricRates.org.
Shop Texas Electricity by Your Actual kWh Usage: Save More
Get your 12-month kWh history from SmartMeterTexas.com, then compare rates at your actual usage tier (500, 1000, or 2000 kWh). Power to Choose shows rates at 1000 kWh, but your real costs depend on your usage. ElectricRates.org calculates total costs including TDU delivery charges.
Fixed vs Variable Texas Electricity Rates: Which Saves More
Fixed-rate plans (12-36 months) lock your rate at 8-12¢/kWh from providers like TXU, Reliant, and Constellation. Variable rates follow ERCOT wholesale prices—cheaper in spring/fall but risky in summer. For most Texas homes, fixed rates provide budget certainty. Compare both on ElectricRates.org.
TDU vs REP in Texas: Understanding Your Electric Bill Parts
Your Texas electric bill comes from your REP, but your power comes through your TDU. Understanding this split is the key to comparing plans and avoiding billing surprises.
TDU Delivery Charges in Texas: Oncor, CenterPoint & More
TDU delivery charges add 3-5 cents per kWh to every Texas electricity bill. Here is what you are paying for and why these fees are the same regardless of which provider you choose.
Why Texas Electricity Rates Vary by ZIP Code: TDU Impact
Enter two Texas ZIP codes and get different rates for the same plan. Here is why your neighbor across town might pay more or less than you for identical electricity.
Texas Electricity Contract Terms: What You Must Know First
Understand the fine print in Texas electricity contracts before committing to a plan.
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