How to Switch Texas Electricity Providers

In traditional energy markets, you’re required to buy power from your local utility company — which means that you’re limited to their rates and plans. However, in most parts of Texas, energy is deregulated, offering you the power to choose your electricity provider and shop around to find a plan that aligns with your needs.

Whether you’re an existing electric customer looking for a cheaper rate or you’re planning a move to the Lone Star State, Choose Energy is here to help. You can use our marketplace to discover and compare rates from top-rated Texas energy providers.

With that said, there are a few things you should know before you sign up or switch electricity providers in Texas. This guide will help you get comfortable with deregulation and the process of changing light companies.

Keep reading to learn more, or submit your ZIP code on this page to check out electricity rates near you.

Before you switch to a new energy provider in Texas, it helps to understand what the process entails. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you look for a new light company.

• Consider early termination fees. Fixed-rate electricity plans may have early termination fees (ETFs) if you cancel or switch before your contract ends. These fees may come in the form of a lump sum or as a monthly fee for each month remaining on your contract, depending on the provider and length of your agreement. Read your plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for details.
• Be mindful of when you can switch. Some companies will let you lock in a rate up to 90 days in advance, so you don’t necessarily need to wait for your contract to expire before beginning the process of changing providers.
• Don’t worry about canceling your current service. There’s no need to contact your electric company before switching to another provider. In fact, disconnecting your electricity can actually lead to a lapse in service. Your new supplier will manage the transfer process (and work with your utility company to make sure the transition is seamless).
• Assume your renewal rate will be higher than your current one. Introductory rates are typically lower than renewal ones — which is why customers switch power suppliers when their initial plan ends. If your provider offers a renewal rate that seems cheaper than what other electric companies are advertising online, read the EFL carefully. The new plan may have hidden fees that could cost you more in the long run.
• Understand your plan’s satisfaction guarantee. If you change your mind, many energy providers will let you cancel or switch — without charging an ETF — within a few days of receiving your Terms of Service agreement.

Now that you understand how changing energy suppliers might affect your current plan, let’s talk about how to find a new provider through Choose Energy.

• Explore our marketplace. 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.
• Select a plan and sign up. You can filter and sort the results to find what you want in an electricity plan — whether that’s a low rate, green energy, or no deposit. Then, when you’re ready to switch light companies, click “Check Availability” on your preferred plan and go through the online sign-up process. Otherwise, you can call the number on your screen to get help from one of our energy experts.
• Relax. Your new electric company will take it from here, so you can sit back and enjoy.

What is Choose Energy?

Choose Energy is an independent marketplace to help readers learn about energy deregulation and find an electricity plan that meets their needs and budget. If you’re looking for a new electricity plan (or even if you’re just curious what’s available near you), our marketplace makes it easy to browse rates, compare plans, and switch energy suppliers — all at no cost to you. To do this, we partner with trusted providers like TXU Energy, Frontier Utilities, and Reliant Energy.

Where does Choose Energy operate?

We serve electricity and natural gas customers in several states, including Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Enter your ZIP code on this page to discover rates and plans near you.

Why should I use Choose Energy?

To put it simply, our marketplace takes a lot of the hassle out of looking for a new energy plan. Instead of visiting individual providers’ websites and hunting for their rates and features, Choose Energy pulls together plans from multiple providers — all in one place (and for free). All you have to do is submit your ZIP code, and you can start comparing your options to find the perfect plan for you.

Is there a fee to switch light companies in Texas?

If you have a fixed-rate plan, your provider may charge an ETF if you switch providers while your contract is still active. However, some will let you switch within the last 14 days of your agreement with no ETF. Reach out to your electric company if you’re unsure about their policy.

When should I switch electricity providers in Texas?

You might want to switch if you’re unhappy with your current service or want to lock in a lower rate. It’s also common for customers to change providers instead of renewing their current plan because renewal rates can be higher than new plan rates. Either way, make sure to read your current plan’s EFL before switching. If it’s a fixed-rate plan, there may be penalties for switching or canceling during your contract period.

How can I switch my electric company in Texas?

The most straightforward way to switch energy suppliers is by using a marketplace like Choose Energy. Our website makes it easy to find rates, compare plan features, and sign up with a new provider in minutes.