Moving to Texas? Here’s Your Guide to Setting up Electricity

Moving to Texas?

If you are moving to Texas for the first time, you may have some questions about deregulated energy. The Lone Star State first deregulated its energy market in 2002 to give consumers the power to choose their electricity plan rather than being limited to their local utilities’ rates. As a result, Texans can pick their energy plan from a variety of retail electric providers (REPs).

Energy deregulation benefits consumers because REPs compete for their business by offering low rates, unique packages, and opportunities to save. You can shop for electricity up to 90 days before your move-in date to ensure your power is ready to go once you arrive.

Choose Texas Power: Your guide to Texas electricity

Choose Texas Power is a free energy marketplace that connects shoppers with affordable energy plans from some of the state’s best providers. As an energy marketplace, we aim to make shopping for Texas electricity easy, and we offer multiple ways to shop for electricity:

• Guidance from an expert: If you’re new to Texas, we recommend calling our energy experts to get started with your first energy plan. They can help explain how deregulation works, guide you through your options, and match you with the best option for your needs.
• No-pressure shopping: You can also browse and compare plans at your own pace on our online marketplace. Filter your results by contract length, rate type, price, and more.
• Tailored results: Use our AI-powered plan comparison tool if you prefer to shop online but want a quicker way to find options that work for your home.

Once you’ve found the right plan, sign up online or over the phone in minutes. You can schedule your activation to match your move-in date.

Our recommended plans for movers to Texas

Best if you are moving into an apartment: Apartment Basics 12

The Apartment Basics 12 plan is our top choice if you are moving into an apartment, as it offers a lower energy rate for your first 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) each month. There is no usage minimum, and your rate is fixed for 12 months. Consider this plan if you signed a one-year lease on a new Texas apartment.

Best if you are moving into a house: Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12

Gexa Energy’s Eco Saver Plus 12 plan is one of the most popular plans in Texas. It offers a $125 bill credit every month you use at least 1,000 kWh. The average Texas household uses 1,096 kWh per month according to the EIA, so if you’re moving into a house with multiple occupants, you’ll likely meet this usage minimum. It’s also backed by 100% green energy, so you can take advantage of Texas’ abundant renewable resources.

Best for large families: Smart 2000 Saver 12

Larger households will probably fall into the highest usage tier (2,000 kWh), so they’ll need a plan equipped to handle high usage. TXU Energy’s Smart 2000 Saver 12 is geared toward larger homes because it offers a $100 bill credit each month you use 2,000 kWh.

Choose your new energy plan like an expert

Navigating Texas’s electricity market can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Review these expert moving tips to find the right electricity plan.

• Don’t settle for the first plan. Take your time reviewing plans. Many types of electricity plans are available in Texas, and it’s important to find the right match.
• Consider your household size. Your home size and number of occupants are important when picking an energy plan. If you have a small household or live in an apartment, search for plans that support lower usage levels, usually between 500 and 1,000 kWh. A large household with more complex energy needs would benefit from a plan that caters to the highest usage tier, up to 2,000 kWh.
• Shop according to contract length. It helps to match your contract length to the time you plan to spend in your new home. Consider a short-term plan to avoid cancellation fees if your living situation is in flux. However, if you plan to be in your home for at least a year, a fixed-rate plan offers the most stability and price protection.
• Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). An EFL is a document that comes with every energy plan in Texas. It outlines key details of your plan, including the rate, contract length, additional fees, and payment options. You can find the EFL on our marketplace by clicking on “more details” and “plan documents” under every plan.

If you are struggling to decide which plan is best for you, call our team. We have over 20 years of experience working with Texas electricity plans, and we can match you with the best option.

What to watch out for when shopping for energy

There are a couple of red flags to be aware of when you shop for electricity in a deregulated market. If you’re unsure about a plan, call our team for guidance.

• Providers with overwhelmingly negative reviews: Review online provider reviews from real customers to gauge customer satisfaction. If you notice a large number of negative reviews with a similar theme, this could be a red flag.
• Promotions that seem too good to be true: Be wary of promises that sound too good to be true. A common example is a plan that advertises “free electricity.” These plans usually offer free or discounted electricity at certain times of the day, but make up for it with high rates at others. Call our team to discuss a plan if you’re unsure whether it’s a good deal.
• Variable-rate plans: Variable-rate plans can be a flexible option because there is no contract, but they often lead to very high bills because your rate fluctuates monthly. During periods of high demand, you might end up paying an expensive rate. For someone new to Texas, we recommend a more stable fixed-rate plan so you don’t have to deal with volatile rates.

You have the power to switch providers in Texas

Since you get to choose your provider in Texas, you can also choose to switch providers if you’re unhappy with your service. The only thing to keep in mind is that you may incur an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel your contract early. Check your EFL to learn if an ETF applies.

Otherwise, you can switch plans on Choose Texas Power. Simply enroll in a new plan, and your provider will handle switching your service. There should be no interruption to your power during the transition.

Same-day electricity services in Texas

You still have options if you forgot to set up electricity before your move. Many Texas providers offer same-day electricity setup within 24 hours of enrollment. To qualify, you must enroll before the provider’s cutoff time and have a smart meter with remote activation. Review our guide on same-day electricity to learn which providers offer this service.

Explore our energy resources

Choose Texas Power doesn’t just help you sign up for energy — we’re also committed to educating our customers on how the market works. Our energy experts craft detailed guides that explain your options and empower you to make the best choice for your home or business. Browse a few of our top energy-shopping guides ahead of your move:

• How to read your energy bill
• Texas energy deregulation explained
• Understanding TDU delivery charges
• The most and least expensive cities for electricity
• How to find your Texas ESID number
• What matters most to real Texas energy customers
• What is a switch hold on electricity?
• How the power grid works
• Types of energy plans
• How to choose a provider
• How to switch providers
• Most popular energy providers in Texas

Moving to Texas FAQs

What is the best electricity company in Texas?

A few of the highest-rated providers on our marketplace are TXU Energy, Gexa Energy, and 4Change Energy. However, each provider offers its own benefits and possible drawbacks, so use our marketplace to compare features and find the best electricity provider for your home or business.

What if I have to move before my plan expires?

If you are moving before your plan expires, you can either take it with you if your provider services your new location or cancel it. Luckily, you do not have to pay an ETF if you move outside of your provider’s service area in Texas. Simply show proof of your move to your provider, and they’ll waive the fee.

How is Texas’ deregulated energy market different from other states?

In Texas, residents must choose a retail electric provider to power their home or business. Unlike other deregulated states, Texans cannot purchase electricity from their local utility company if their city is deregulated. Instead, utility companies deliver electricity and maintain the local electric infrastructure, while energy providers operate independently to sell electricity.