How Electricity Enrollment Works in Texas

The Enrollment Process, Step by Step

Enrolling in an electricity plan in Texas is straightforward, whether you are switching providers or setting up service at a new address. Here is what happens from start to finish.

Step 1: Know What Your Home Needs

Before you shop, figure out how many kWh your home typically needs each month. If you already have electricity, check your last 12 months of bills or log into Smart Meter Texas for detailed data. If you are moving into a new home, estimate based on the home’s size and age.

This number determines which plans are actually the best deal for you. A plan that looks great at 2,000 kWh might be expensive at 800 kWh.

Step 2: Compare Plans

Enter your ZIP code on ChooseMyPower to see available plans in your area. Your ZIP code determines which TDU serves your address, which in turn determines which plans are available.

When comparing, focus on:

• The per-kWh rate at your typical monthly kWh level
• Contract length
• Early termination fee
• Whether the rate is fixed, variable, or indexed
• Any base charges or bill credits

The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each plan shows all of this in a standardized format.

Step 3: Enroll

Once you pick a plan, the enrollment process takes about 5-10 minutes. You will need:

• Your service address — the physical address where you need electricity
• Identification — date of birth, Social Security number, or a state-issued ID for the credit check
• Payment information — a credit card, debit card, or bank account for autopay setup
• Your preferred start date — for switches, this can be as soon as the next business day

Some plans do not require a credit check. Prepaid plans and certain no-deposit plans skip the credit step, though they may require upfront payment.

Step 4: Behind the Scenes

After you submit your enrollment, here is what happens:

1. Your new REP submits a switch request to ERCOT, the organization that manages the Texas grid.
2. ERCOT processes the request and coordinates with your TDU.
3. Your TDU updates their records to associate your meter with your new REP.
4. Your old REP is notified that you are leaving (if you are switching).
5. The switch completes on your requested start date, usually within 1-3 business days.

During this entire process, your electricity stays on. There is no physical change at your home — no one comes to your house, and your meter keeps working exactly as before.

Step 5: Confirmation

After enrollment, you should receive:

• A welcome email or letter from your new REP with your account details
• A copy of the Electricity Facts Label and Terms of Service
• Your Your Rights as a Customer (YRAC) document
• Instructions for setting up online account access

Review these documents to make sure the plan terms match what you signed up for. If anything looks different, contact your new REP immediately.

Step 6: Your First Bill

Your first bill from your new REP usually arrives 30-45 days after your service start date. It covers the first billing cycle and includes:

• Energy charges based on your actual kWh for the period
• TDU delivery charges
• Any base charges or credits
• Applicable taxes

If you switched mid-cycle, you may also receive a final bill from your old REP covering the days before the switch.

Special Situations

Moving to a New Address

If you are moving into a home that does not have active electricity, you are requesting a “move-in” rather than a switch. The process is similar, but:

• Your TDU may charge a one-time connection fee (typically $25-$40)
• You may need to provide your ESI ID, which you can get from your TDU or from the previous tenant’s records
• Service activation may take 1-2 business days

Moving Within the Same TDU Area

If you are moving from one address to another within the same TDU area, you can often transfer your plan to the new address. Contact your REP to see if this is an option. Otherwise, you will need to cancel at your old address and set up new service at the new one.

No Credit Check Options

If you prefer not to undergo a credit check, look for prepaid electricity plans. These plans let you pay in advance and deduct from your balance as you use electricity. There is no deposit, no contract, and no credit check. The per-kWh rate may be slightly higher, but you get full flexibility.

The Bottom Line

Enrolling in electricity in Texas takes minutes, not days. The switch happens behind the scenes with no interruption to your power. The most important thing you can do is spend a few minutes comparing plans at the kWh level that matches your home before you enroll.