The REP: who you pick

REP = Retail Electric Provider. It's the company whose logo is at the top of your bill. TXU, Reliant, 4Change, Gexa, Green Mountain, Constellation — these are all REPs. There are 100+ of them licensed in Texas.

Your REP buys electricity on the wholesale market and sells it to you retail. They set your energy charge (the per-kWh price you compare on plan shopping sites). They handle billing, customer service, enrollment, and disconnection. They're who you call when you have a question about your bill.

You pick your REP. You can switch any time your contract allows. You can be on a different REP from your neighbor next door.

The TDU: who you can't pick

TDU = Transmission and Distribution Utility. Sometimes called TDSP (Transmission and Distribution Service Provider). Same thing.

The TDU owns the wires, poles, transformers, and meter at your house. They're the ones who deliver the electricity the REP sold you. In Texas there are five main ones:

  • Oncor — Dallas, Fort Worth, most of North and Central Texas. Largest in the state.
  • CenterPoint Energy — Houston metro
  • AEP Texas — South Texas, Corpus Christi, parts of the Rio Grande Valley
  • TNMP (Texas-New Mexico Power) — scattered areas
  • LP&L (Lubbock Power & Light) — Lubbock area

You don't pick your TDU. It's determined by where you live. Whatever provider you sign up with, the TDU in your area delivers the power.

The key split for your bill

Energy charge (REP) + TDU delivery charge (TDU) + base fees (can be either) = your monthly bill.

The TDU delivery charge is identical across every REP you could sign up with in your area. It's set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. So when one plan shows a lower rate than another, the difference is 100% in the energy charge and/or base fees — never the TDU portion.

Who to call when things break

Power out? Call your TDU. They own the wires. Your REP can't fix an outage.

Bill question? Call your REP. They issued the bill.

Meter problem? Call your TDU. They own the meter.

Wants to switch providers? Call the new REP (or sign up online). No need to contact your TDU or your current REP — the new REP handles the switch.

TDU numbers you might need

  • Oncor outage line: 1-888-313-4747
  • CenterPoint outage line: 1-800-332-7143
  • AEP Texas outage line: 1-866-223-8508
  • TNMP outage line: 1-888-866-7456