Learn how Texas electricity works
Whatever brought you here — a move, a renewal notice, a plan you're weighing, or a bill you want to understand — these guides explain the practical details in plain language, with no jargon assumed.
Getting set up at a new address
Practical checklists for opening an account, coordinating a move, and getting settled.
Choosing or changing a plan
Picking a plan, comparing contract lengths, and what actually happens if you switch.
How to switch electricity providers
How to change electricity providers without interrupting service, plus what to check before you switch.
Read the guideComparing electricity contract lengths
How 12- and 24-month electricity contracts differ and what happens when they expire.
Read the guideRenew or switch when your contract ends
How to decide whether a renewal offer or another plan better fits your usage and priorities.
Read the guideHow to compare solar buyback plans
Find the best fit using your imports, exports, credit rules, and tolerance for bill volatility.
Read the guideRTW (real-time wholesale) solar buyback
Compare real-time wholesale solar credits with fixed buyback rates, using verified ERCOT data and whole-bill examples.
Read the guideBefore you sign a plan
What the plan documents disclose about rate types, bill credits, and fees.
How to read an Electricity Facts Label
A plain-English walkthrough of every line on the EFL.
Read the guideBill credits and free nights
See when special pricing can save money and when it can cost more.
Read the guideEarly termination fees
When you can leave a Texas electricity contract without a fee.
Read the guideYour bill and your usage
Understanding what you use, what it costs, and how to bring it down.
Why your electric bill is so high
How to tell whether a high bill came from your usage, rate, billing period, or equipment.
Read the guideHow to lower your electric bill
Practical ways to find the biggest costs on your electric bill and lower them.
Read the guideHow thermostat settings affect your electric bill
How thermostat settings affect cooling costs, why savings vary, and how to measure the difference at home.
Read the guideHow to use Smart Meter Texas
How to create an account, download meter data, and understand monthly, daily, and 15-minute electricity usage.
Read the guideHome batteries and virtual power plants
How home batteries and virtual power plants work, including payments, control, and backup power.
Read the guideHow the Texas market works
The background: who generates, delivers, and sells your power, and what that split means for your bill.
How the deregulated market works
How generators, utilities, and providers work together in Texas, and what your choice of provider changes.
Read the guideWhich parts of Texas are deregulated
Where you can choose your provider, the exceptions, and how to check your address.
Read the guideTDU delivery charges explained
What TDU delivery charges cover, who sets them, and why they stay the same across providers.
Read the guide