Set up electricity in Texas
Start with your new address. Where there's retail choice, you pick an electricity company and open the account with it; elsewhere, you start service with the local utility.
Who do I contact for my address?
Your ZIP gives a first pass at the utilities and setup path. Some ZIPs cross service territories, so confirm the full address when you sign up.
Who you sign up with depends on the address
Retail-choice areas
Where most Texans live, including Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth
You choose an electricity provider and plan. The provider sends the start request to the delivery utility, such as Oncor or CenterPoint.
Local-utility areas
Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and areas served by other city utilities or electric co-ops
You open the account directly with the local utility or co-op. There is no separate retail plan to choose.
Three steps to get the lights on
- 1
Choose a company, or transfer your account
In a retail-choice area, choose an electricity provider and plan. If you already have a provider, ask whether it serves your new address and what terms apply. Outside retail choice, contact the assigned local utility.
Compare Texas plansChoosing a plan? What to look for in a first one
- A simple starting point: a fixed rate with one energy charge, no usage-based bill credit, and no time-of-day pricing.
- On each Electricity Facts Label (EFL), check the average price at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh, the contract length, and the cancellation fee.
- A provider that could be a long-term home. Introductory prices cover the first term only, and many plans renew higher. Look for a plan that renews at the new-customer price.
- Solar panels, a home battery, or an electric vehicle can make plans built for them worth a look.
- 2
Request a move-in for the right date
Sign up online or by phone using the complete address and unit number. Choose move-in or new service, rather than switching the company at your old address. Set the start date for when your responsibility for the home begins.
Have these ready
- The complete service address, including the apartment or unit number
- The account holder's legal name, email, phone number, and requested start date
- Any identity or credit information the company asks for
- A payment method, if a deposit, connection charge, or prepaid balance is due
Timing: request service once your move-in date is firm. A few business days leaves time for address, deposit, or meter questions. Same-day service is sometimes possible at an existing meter; ask about the cutoff and any fee.
- 3
Save the confirmed start date
Complete any identity, deposit, or payment step, then check the address and date in your confirmation. Arrange the old home's stop date separately. Opening the new account does not automatically close the old one.
Common moving questions
Should I compare Texas plans on Power to Choose?
Power to Choose is the state's comparison site, and it can be a good place to find introductory deals. But many of its lowest prices are below what a provider can likely make money at, and a price like that has to be made up somewhere: at other usage levels, or at renewal. Each plan's facts label shows other usage levels, so check its price at 500 and 2,000 kWh, not just 1,000. No facts label shows the renewal price. If you want a provider that could be a long-term home, look for a plan that renews at the new-customer price.
Why renewing can cost more than signing upCan I get electricity turned on the same day?
Sometimes. Same-day activation may be possible at an existing remotely operated meter, but is not guaranteed. Ask the company opening the account about its cutoff time, any extra fee, and the confirmed start date. New construction, inspections, and field visits can take longer.
The lights are already on. Do I still need an account?
Yes, if you are responsible for electricity. The power may still be under the landlord, builder, or previous occupant's account. Arrange your own service for the date your responsibility begins. If you rent, check whether electricity is included or billed through the property before enrolling.
Apartment utilities in TexasWill I have to pay a deposit?
Possibly. The company will tell you whether a credit check or deposit is required during signup. If it asks for a deposit, check the amount, refund terms, and whether you qualify for an alternative. You do not need past electricity bills just to begin an application.
Do I need to be home when power is turned on?
Often not at an existing remotely operated meter. The company opening the account will tell you whether access or an appointment is required. For a newly built home, check with the builder that the permanent meter and any required inspections are ready.