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Many major cities in Texas allow you to choose your electricity provider, thanks to energy deregulation. Residents and business owners in large and small cities across the state — including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, and Corpus Christi — have the power to choose their energy plan from various providers in a competitive market. However, an open market with a range of options can make changing electric companies or finding new energy plans a challenge.
Fortunately, learning how to switch electricity providers has never been easier. The Choose Texas Power marketplace streamlines the process of finding the best electricity providers in your area so you can pick a new plan and switch light companies quickly. With our marketplace, you can search for the cheapest energy plan, filter for your preferred features, compare options, and start saving on your energy bill today.
Here’s what you need to know about switching energy providers and picking the right energy plan for your Texas home or business.
In a deregulated market, you can switch electric companies anytime. Some customers switch electricity providers because their new location is outside their current retail electricity provider’s (REP) service area. But there are other reasons to change electricity providers in Texas, from nabbing lower rates to prioritizing green energy. These include:
You want a lower rate or different options. Electricity prices change constantly. You may be paying more than you’d like for your current electric plan. Or, if you have a variable rate that fluctuates month-to-month, a fixed rate may provide more stability.
Your current plan no longer fits your needs. Sometimes priorities change, and your energy plan should account for that. Whether you’ve decided to go green or your average usage has shifted, it’s normal for your household or business needs to change. Choose Texas Power can help you shop for a new plan and switch electric companies to better achieve your energy goals.
You are unhappy with your current provider’s service. Deregulation encourages competition, which means you have plenty of options for electric service. There is no reason to stay with a supplier that doesn’t meet your standards. If you’re unhappy, consider switching to a Texas energy company with better customer satisfaction ratings.
It may sound like a headache, but switching electricity companies is easy, and only takes a few steps to find a new provider. Using the Choose Texas Power marketplace, you can filter by plan type, price, household size, provider, length of service, and more.
The following are the steps you need to take in order to change your electric provider. If you have questions about the process, call the number on your screen to speak with one of our energy experts.
Only customers in deregulated areas can choose electric companies. Most parts of Texas are deregulated, but a few cities haven’t made the switch. Austin, San Antonio, and Fredericksburg are a few cities that still have regulated markets, for instance. If you’re unsure about your city, enter your ZIP code on our marketplace to see if you’re eligible.
Before you change your electric company in Texas, you should prepare to make an informed decision. Plan ahead so you can budget for any fees you’ll have to pay to make the switch.
Have the following information ready:
If you switch electricity plans within 14 days of your current contract’s end, you won’t need to pay an ETF. Similarly, variable-rate plans and no-deposit electricity plans may not have ETFs, and providers usually waive fees if you’re moving out of their service area.
Now that you understand the switching process, you can exercise your power to choose a Texas energy provider. When you enter your ZIP code, we’ll show you available electricity rates in your area. You can filter by rate type, provider, or contract length to narrow your options. Review our guide to understanding electric plans for more information about plan types.
You can sign up over the phone or online when you find a plan you like. Unlike some other marketplaces, we won’t send you to another website to complete the process, and you can sign up right here in minutes. Your new provider will ensure your transition goes smoothly with no interruption to your service.
Once you sign up for a new electricity plan, we’ll give you a confirmation number. You’ll receive two confirmation emails — one from Choose Texas Power and one from your new provider. Your new electric company will coordinate with your utility company and previous provider to switch your service. Your power will continue without interruption, and your next bill will show the change in electricity providers.
You can change your electricity provider if you live in a deregulated energy market. Most of Texas is deregulated, allowing consumers and businesses to choose their own providers, regardless of their utility company. Enter your ZIP code to see if your city offers the freedom to change plans.
That depends on your situation. Weigh any early termination fees you might have to pay against potential cost savings of a lower rate. You should also consider whether your current plan fits your preferences for customer service, green energy, time-of-use rates, and other features.
That depends on the details of your agreement with your current provider. You may need to pay your balance in full before terminating service, or you may have time to pay it off after switching energy suppliers. Your new provider may also require a deposit before beginning service if you have an outstanding balance with your previous provider.
Let us put the power in your hands with a new electricity plan.
