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Deregulation changes the relationship between customers and their utility companies. In regulated cities, customers are forced to buy electricity from the local utility. However, in most parts of Texas, you have the power to choose your energy plan from any retail electricity provider serving your area. Residents and businesses can explore plans and rates from dozens of electric companies in Texas with the Choose Texas Power marketplace. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates and find the best fit for your energy needs.
In this environment, Texas utility companies still play an important role. Regardless of where you buy your power, you’ll need to know your Texas utility company and have its contact information handy.
Utility companies in Texas maintain the electrical infrastructure, deliver power, and fix outages. You can choose your electricity provider and shop for cheap Texas electricity rates, but you can’t select your utility — it is determined by where you live. Although you’ll find many electricity providers in your area, you’ll have one utility assigned to you.
Whether you’re establishing a new service or switching to a new electric provider, it’s important to know which Texas utility company services your area. During a power outage, you’ll need to contact your utility company to report the problem. Your electric bill will also include some transmission and delivery fees from your Texas utility company.
Most Texas cities only have one utility company, but a few areas are served by multiple utilities. When you sign up for an energy plan with one of Choose Texas Power’s trusted energy companies, you’ll need to select the Texas utility company for your ZIP code.
Here are the five main electric utility companies in Texas and the deregulated areas they serve. You can find more information about each utility and its service areas at the links provided.
Major Areas Served: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Harlingen, Victoria, Laredo
Founded: 1906
Former Names: Central Power and Light
Customers: 1 million+
Major Areas Served: Abilene, Albany, Alpine, Marfa, San Angelo, Vernon
Founded: 1927
Former Names: West Texas Utilities Company
Customers: 1 million+
Major Areas Served: Houston metropolitan area
Founded: 1866
Former Names: Houston Lighting & Power Company, NorAm Energy Corp.
Customers: 2.8 million+
Major Areas Served: Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler, Waco, Midland, Odessa, Wichita Falls
Founded: 1912
Former Names: TU Electric, Sharyland Utilities, Dallas Power & Light, Texas Electric Service Company (TXU)
Customers: 13 million+
Major Areas Served: Dickinson, Texas City, Fort Stockton, Friendswood, Lewisville, West Columbia, Clifton
Founded: 1934
Former Names: Community Public Service Co.
Customers: 270,000+
In deregulated areas of Texas, you can’t choose your utility company. Although you can choose your electricity supplier, the utility company is set based on your location.
Texas has several major utility companies, including Oncor Electric Delivery, CenterPoint Energy, Texas-New Mexico Power, and AEP Texas. Your utility company can vary depending on your location within Texas.
