Online or Phone — How Should You Order Electricity?

Learn which electricity enrollment option is best for you.

Author: Dominique Coury / Editor: Jamie Cesanek / Updated: May 21, 2026

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Ordering electricity online or over the phone: Which is best?

Texas energy shoppers can enroll in electricity service online or by phone through Choose Texas Power’s free marketplace. Each option has its unique advantages — the right choice depends on how much guidance you want when shopping for a plan.

When you order over the phone, you can speak directly with an energy expert to discuss your home size, budget, and priorities. Ordering online, on the other hand, allows you to explore your options independently and shop at your own pace. When in doubt, give us a call so our energy experts can answer questions, reduce confusion, and help you choose the best plan.

No matter which route you choose, you can access affordable electricity plans from Texas’ best energy providers safely and reliably through Choose Texas Power.

Choose over the phone for hands-on guidance

Enrolling in electricity service over the phone lets you speak directly with an energy expert who can walk you through your options. We’ll simplify the process by asking questions about your home, budget, and preferences to recommend plans that fit your needs. If you’re not sure which plan is right for you, ordering over the phone gives you personalized guidance and helps you make a confident choice.

Order over the phone if you:

Are new to Texas’ deregulated energy market
Want to speak directly with an energy expert
Have questions about which plan is best for you
Want personalized recommendations
Are curious about switching plans and want to compare your current plan with a new one

Our sales center is open:

Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST
Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST

Choose online for quick, self-guided enrollment

Online enrollment is a great option for shoppers who want to compare Texas electricity plans at their own pace. This route is best for someone who already has a strong understanding of deregulated energy and knows what’s best for their home. When you shop online, you’re responsible for reviewing a plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL), so make sure you can confidently understand this document to learn the terms of your plan.

Choose online enrollment if you:

Already know your average monthly energy usage
Feel comfortable comparing plans and rates on your own
Understand important plan features like fixed rate versus variable rate
Know your preferred contract length

Are phone-only energy plans a scam?

No, phone-only energy plans are not a scam. Some energy plans are only available by phone because they feature unique pricing structures that are difficult to display online, such as free nights and weekends plans. Here are some tips if you’re thinking about enrolling in a phone-only plan:

Always review the plan’s EFL before signing up.
Shop through a verified energy marketplace, like Choose Texas Power.
Research the provider’s ratings on public platforms such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews.

What information do I need to enroll in an energy plan?

Regardless of whether you choose online or over the phone, you’ll need the same information to enroll in an energy plan. Here’s what you need:

Your address or ESID number
Billing address (if it’s different from your main address)
Name
Date of birth
Email address
Social security number (except for prepaid electricity plans)

Want the best of each route?

Our latest AI-powered shopping tool combines the convenience of online ordering with the personalization of speaking with an agent. Take a short quiz about your home, budget, and energy needs, and we’ll curate a list of compatible energy plans.

Texas electricity shopping FAQs

Is it better to sign up for energy online or over the phone?

Neither option is necessarily better. Signing up over the phone offers personalized guidance from an energy expert, whereas shopping online gives you freedom to compare plans at your own pace.

Are there better deals over the phone or online?

In general, both avenues give you access to the same providers, plans, and rates. There are some unusual plan types, like free nights and weekend plans, that you can only shop for over the phone due to their complicated pricing structure.

How long does it take to enroll in a plan online?

The average checkout time on the Choose Texas Power marketplace is 12 minutes.

Electricity plan resources

Choose Texas Power creates educational resources to help our shoppers pick the best plans. Here are a few of our expert guides to help inform your choice:

Deregulated energy made easy

Let us put the power in your hands with a new electricity plan.

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