Get started · New service
Start electricity service in Texas
New move? Never had service before? Texas lets you choose your provider — not your utility. Pick a plan, place an order, get lights on as fast as same-day in most metros.
How starting service works
Texas deregulated most of its retail market in 2002. The wires (the TDU) and the company that bills you (the REP) are separate. You shop the REP. Same wires either way.
Enter your ZIP
Your ZIP tells us which TDU serves your address — Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, or TNMP. That determines which plans are available.
Compare plans
Sort by your real bill at your usage — not the marketing rate. We surface the gotchas: bill-credit thresholds, minimum-usage fees, base charges.
Pick a plan
Match the term length and rate type to your situation. Fixed for stability, variable for flexibility, no-deposit if credit is a concern.
Place the order
Enroll online in 2 minutes. Same-day activation in most Texas metros if you order before the REP's cutoff.
What you'll need
Have these ready before you start. The whole thing takes 5-10 minutes once you know what you want.
-
Service address ZIP
Determines your TDU and which plans are available.
-
Move-in date
Or the date you want service active. Same-day available for most ZIPs if you order early.
-
Government ID + SSN/ITIN
For identity verification. ITIN or passport works if you don't have an SSN.
-
Payment method
Card or bank account. Some REPs offer prepaid options without a payment method on file.
Start service in your city
Click your city for local pricing, top plans, and the TDU's typical move-in timeline.
FAQ
- How fast can I get electricity turned on?
- Most retail providers offer same-day or next-business-day activation if you order before their cutoff (typically 4-5 PM Central). Standard switching takes 1-3 business days. Move-in (new account, never had service at the address) is usually 1 business day.
- Do I need a deposit to start service?
- Many no-deposit and prepaid plans skip the credit check entirely. Standard postpaid plans run a soft credit check; if you have thin or low credit, expect a deposit of $100-400 (refunded after 12 months of on-time payments). We flag no-deposit options on every plan card.
- What do I need to start service?
- Service address ZIP code, move-in date, your name and SSN (or ITIN/passport), and a payment method. That's it. The retail provider handles everything with the TDU on your behalf.
- Can I have service in someone else's name?
- Yes — the account holder doesn't have to live at the address. Common for parents setting up service for college students or roommates splitting bills. The account holder is legally responsible for payment.
- What if I'm moving from out of state?
- Texas is deregulated in most metro areas, which means you choose your retail provider — not the utility. You don't auto-inherit a utility account. Use your new ZIP to see which TDU serves it (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP) and pick a plan from REPs serving that grid.
