How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

Switching electricity providers in Texas can be a straightforward process if you know what steps to take. GridHacker makes this process even simpler by connecting directly to your utility to pull your energy usage data, giving you accurate bill estimates for the specific plans you’re considering.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you switch energy providers with confidence.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

The first step in switching energy providers is to determine if you live in a deregulated area. Deregulated markets allow consumers to choose their electricity providers. You can check your eligibility by visiting the Texas Public Utility Commission’s website or using GridHacker’s ZIP code tool.

If you live in a deregulated area you can switch electric providers at any time. However, you may be subject to early termination fees. Make sure you take this into account when determining if it’s a good time to switch.

Areas in Texas Where You Can Choose Your Electric Company:

About 80% of Texans live in areas where they can choose and switch electricity providers. If you live in one of these metro areas you are likely in a deregulated market and can choose your electricity provider.

• Dallas-Fort Worth (Some areas like Denton are part of the CoServ Co-op and do not have electric choice)
• Houston and surrounding areas
• Corpus Christi
• Lubbock
• Waco
• Brownsville-Harlingen Area (Lower Rio Grande Valley)
• San Angelo
• Abilene

Step 2: Review Your Current Contract

Before making any changes, review your current electricity contract. Look for:

• Contract End Date: Ensure you are aware of when your contract ends to avoid early termination fees.
• Early Termination Fees: Understand any fees associated with ending your contract early.
• Usage Details: Note your average monthly usage to compare with new plans.

In Texas residential customers can enroll up to 60 days before their contract's end date. We recommend you start shopping for electricity during this time so that you have a good gauge on rates. If you see rates continuously declining you might want to wait until your plan gets closer to its end date.

But, if rates are climbing you might be able to save money by switching electricity providers and locking in a rate sooner rather than later.

Step 3: Compare Electricity Providers and Plans

Now that you know your eligibility and have reviewed your current contract, it’s time to compare providers and plans. GridHacker offers a comprehensive comparison tool that highlights:

• Price per kWh: Compare the cost per kilowatt-hour across different plans.
• Contract Length: Evaluate the terms of each plan, from month-to-month to multi-year contracts.
• Special Features: Look for plans with renewable energy options, discounts, or customer perks.

One of the standout features of GridHacker is our personalized bill estimator. By connecting to your utility, we pull your actual energy usage data to provide you with accurate bill estimates for each plan. This means you can see your future bills based on real data, not just average usage estimates.

We recommend avoiding plans with tricky terms. These include:

• Free nights and weekends plans (Also called time of use plans)
• Bill credit plans (These are plans that offer bonuses for hitting usage amounts in a given month)

Step 5: Select Your New Provider

Once you’ve compared plans and reviewed your personalized bill estimates, select the provider and plan that best meets your needs. GridHacker allows you to enroll directly through our platform, making the process seamless and straightforward.

What to Expect After You Switch Electric Companies

Keep an eye on your email for confirmation from GridHacker, and from your new provider. We will work behind the scenes with your utility company to make the switch. You won't lose power when you switch electric companies.

Additional Tips for Switching Energy Providers

• Monitor Your Usage: Regularly check your energy usage to ensure your new plan is still the best fit.
• Stay Informed: Keep a lookout for any communications from your electric provider. Pro-tip: Add a calendar reminder two months before your plan expires.
• Understand Your Bill: Learn how to read your energy bill to verify you’re being charged correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if there’s a power outage during the switch?

Power outages are managed by the utility, not the provider. Your switch should not affect outage management.

How long does the switching process take?

Switching typically takes one to two billing cycles. Your new provider will keep you informed throughout the process.

Can I switch providers if I have a past-due balance?

Yes, but you may need to settle any past-due balances to avoid complications during the switch.