At Choose Texas Power, we aim to provide consistent, reliable information about energy plans. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
Texas has had a deregulated electricity market for over two decades. Since 2002, residents and businesses throughout much of the Lone Star State have had the power to choose their own electricity companies and rates.
Instead of merely buying from the local utility, most Texans can choose from a wide range of electric companies. These companies sell electricity to residents and businesses, and they must offer competitive rates and plans to attract customers.
That doesn’t mean utility companies are no longer relevant. In fact, they play a critical part in the Texas energy market, and it’s important to know your utility and understand its role as an energy company.
In Texas, utility companies maintain the electrical infrastructure and deliver power to customers. Like in traditional, regulated markets, you can’t choose your utility — it’s based on your location. No matter which energy company you choose, your utility will deliver your power and handle outages. That makes it critical to know which utility to call when your power goes out.
Even when signing up for a new plan or switching electricity companies, it’s important to know your utility. Although most cities only have one utility company in their area, some towns are split between two different 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 correct utility for your area.
Below are the five utility companies for deregulated Texas communities and the main areas that 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: 1906
Former Names: West Texas Utilities Company
Customers: 1 million+
Major Areas Served: Houston metropolitan area
Founded: 1882
Former Names: Houston Electric Light & Power, NorAm Energy Corp.
Customers: 2.4 million+
Major Areas Served: DFW, 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
Founded: 1934
Former Names: Community Public Service Co.
Customers: 260,000+
