How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas

Thanks to the flexibility of Texas’ deregulated energy market, both residents and businesses have the freedom to change energy suppliers at any time. Whether you want a lower rate, plan to move, or need a plan that better matches your usage, you can switch electricity providers.

That’s where Choose Energy comes in — we’re a free energy marketplace that makes switching providers easy. When you work with our energy agents, we’ll assess your energy needs and budget to find the best fit for your home or business.

Why you may want to change energy companies

Many Texans find themselves stuck in an energy plan that doesn’t align with their needs or budget. Whether you’re dealing with high energy bills, a restricting contract, or frustrating customer service, switching to a better plan can improve your overall satisfaction.

Our energy agents focus on factors like your monthly energy usage, home size, and priorities to make tailored suggestions. We’ll dive into how your home uses energy to help you understand which type of energy plan is the best match.

Before switching your energy provider, it helps to understand more about what to expect during the process. Here are the top things to keep in mind if you’re considering changing energy companies:

• You may have to pay a fee. Most Texas energy plans charge an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel your plan before the contract ends. The price depends on your provider’s policy, but it’s often between $100 and $300. Check your plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to find out if it includes this fee.
• Check the satisfaction guarantee. If you recently signed up for a plan and decide it’s not a good fit, you may be able to switch without penalty. Many providers offer a satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to switch within the first few months of your plan. Review the EFL to learn if this is an option.
• Schedule your switch in advance of moving. If you have a move coming up, take one task off your plate and ensure the lights are on when you move in. You can sign up for a new energy plan up to 90 days in advance.
• Same-day service is available. Many Texas electricity providers offer same-day setup if you enroll before their cutoff time. If you need electricity fast, explore our same-day provider guide to learn your options.

Tips to find the best match

With so many options available in Texas’ deregulated energy market, it can be difficult to know which option is right for you. Luckily, we’ve outlined some tips on how to choose a Texas electricity provider and plan.

• Know your monthly usage. Matching a plan to your average energy usage is the best way to achieve affordable power bills. Review your past bills to determine your usage tier, then filter by home size to explore compatible offers.
• Research providers. Texas has dozens of energy providers, each with unique characteristics and strengths. Our experts review every provider on our marketplace to help you find a provider that meets your priorities. Consult our provider ratings to help narrow down your choices.
• Review the EFL. The EFL contains key information about your plan, including your energy rate, term length, associated fees, renewable energy content, and more. You can find the EFL for every plan listed on our marketplace by clicking “more details” and “plan documents.”
• Consider what features you prefer. Popular plan features include 100% renewable energy, bill credits, or free usage periods. Before switching to a new plan, it can be helpful to have the plan features you want in mind as you search.

You can change electric companies on Choose Energy in two ways: online through our free marketplace or over the phone with help from one of our energy agents. Either way, the process only takes a few minutes.

Prefer to shop independently and compare rates at your own pace? Here’s how to switch plans on our online marketplace:

• Enter your ZIP code. Get started by submitting your ZIP code on this page. We’ll use that information to give you a list of the latest rates in your area.
• Explore your options. You can filter by price, provider rating, plan features, and more. We recommend using these filters to narrow down your options and customize your results.
• Enroll in minutes. Once you find the right plan, you can enroll online in minutes. From there, your new provider will handle switching your service with zero interruption to your power.

Call Choose Energy for personalized guidance

Want customized guidance and real-time answers to your questions? Our team is standing by to help. Be ready with a few details, such as your address or ESID number, social security number, and email address (your data is always secure). One of our agents will ask you a few questions to better understand your energy needs and budget, and then connect you with the best deals available in your area. Some plans are only available over the phone, so you may have access to even more options. We’ll make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, whether that’s a lower bill, a more reliable provider, or a plan that better matches your usage.

We also understand the deregulated energy market can be complicated — our experts can answer questions about confusing terms like ETFs, EFLs, fixed-rate vs. variable-rate plans, and more.

Once you identify the right plan match, you can sign up right away. Just like with the online experience, your new provider will take over from there and ensure there is no interruption to your service.

How difficult is it to switch electricity providers?

Choose Energy makes switching electricity providers easy. All you need to do is browse available plans and sign up. Your new provider will handle switching your service. However, it’s helpful to check your past plan’s EFL for any cancellation fees before you make the switch.

Who is the cheapest electricity supplier?

The cheapest electricity suppliers on our marketplace are usually APG&E, Atlantex Power, 4Change Energy, Gexa Energy, and Frontier Utilities. Enter your ZIP code to discover the cheapest company near you.

When is the best time to switch energy providers?

Spring and fall are typically the cheapest times to shop for energy because the demand is lower during these seasons. On the other hand, summer and winter can be more expensive because extreme weather drives up demand and, consequently, electricity prices.

Can I avoid paying an early termination fee?

The only time an ETF is usually waived is when you move outside of your provider’s service area. In this scenario, you can show your provider proof of your move to get the fee waived. Otherwise, you’ll probably have to pay the ETF if you cancel your plan early.