What To Do After Signing Up for Your New Energy Plan
You just signed up for a new energy plan — congratulations! Now what?
Welcome to Texas Electric Rates! You made an excellent choice for your energy plan.
Now that you’ve enrolled in a plan, you may be wondering, what’s next? Luckily, your new provider will handle transferring your service, so there won’t be any interruption to your power. It will also cancel your old energy plan, so there’s no need to do it yourself.
Your next steps checklist
While your provider handles the service transition, there are a few tasks you can do to make the most of your new plan.
- Set up an account on your new provider’s website
- Download your provider’s mobile app (if available)
- Save your plan’s start date and end date in your calendar
- Set up autopay so you never miss a bill
That’s it! Check your confirmation email for your provider’s details if you have any more questions about your new plan.
When will my lights turn on?
Your electricity start time depends on the type of service you selected during signup. If you selected a specific move-in or switch date, your electricity should turn on within 24 hours of that date. But if you opted for a standard switch to a new provider, your lights will typically turn on within 7 days of enrollment.
Note: If you’re not moving, but you’re switching plans for your home, don’t worry about any power interruptions. Your utility company should ensure a smooth transfer.
Texas deregulated electricity basics: provider vs. utility
In Texas, your provider and utility are two separate companies with different responsibilities. Energy providers manage your electric account and billing. Utility companies deliver electricity and respond to electrical emergencies. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:
Energy provider |
Utility company |
|---|---|
| You can choose | You cannot choose |
| Sells energy plans | Delivers electricity |
| Sends your monthly energy bill | Maintains the nearby poles and wires |
| Manages your electric account | Restores power after an outage |
| Answers questions related to your bill or account | Fixes downed power lines |
Who do I call?
Since Texas is deregulated, you’ll have to call different companies based on your question. It may seem confusing at first, but use this cheat sheet to help determine where to direct your question:
- Call your provider for questions about your energy plan, bills, or electric account.
- Call your utility company if you experience a power outage or find a downed power line.
- Call Texas Electric Rates to shop for a new energy plan, switch providers, or learn about rates in your area.
Not sure who your utility company is? Your utility company should be listed on your most recent energy bill. If you’re new to Texas and don’t have a recent bill to reference, your utility company’s name is usually printed on your meter.
Here are the phone numbers of each Texas utility company in case you need to report an outage:
- AEP Texas Central: 866-223-8508
- AEP Texas North: 866-223-8508
- CenterPoint Energy: 713-207-2222
- Oncor Electric Delivery: 888-313-4747
- Texas-New Mexico Power: 888-866-7456
Tune into our emails
Keep an eye out for more emails from Texas Electric Rates. We’ll help you stay up to date on the latest low rates and share energy insights from our experts. Here’s what to expect from our emails:
- Rate alerts: Find out when electricity rates drop near you.
- Educational resources: Read expert-written guides that help you navigate everything from understanding your electricity choices to switching electricity providers.
- Helpful tools: Stay up to date on our latest offerings to make energy shopping easier.
New Texas electricity service FAQs
Will I have to pay an early termination fee?
You’ll only have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel your energy contract early. Your new plan can start up to 14 days before your current contract expires. Other exemptions include moving out of your current provider’s service area or switching plans within a provider’s satisfaction guarantee window.
Can I switch providers if I’m unhappy with my service?
Yes, you can switch providers if you’re unhappy with your plan. But keep in mind that if you’re under contract, you may have to pay an ETF to switch early. However, most providers offer a satisfaction guarantee that lets you switch for free within the first few weeks after enrollment. The timeframe varies by provider, so check its policy to find out if you can switch for free.
How does Texas Electric Rates work?
Texas Electric Rates is an independent energy marketplace that lets shoppers browse plans, pick their favorite, and sign up all in one place. We partner with over 15 Texas energy providers to connect you with high-quality plans from reliable companies. We also specialize in educational resources to help you understand the energy market and inform your decisions.
Educational energy tips
Texas Electric Rates is your go-to Texas electricity resource. Our team crafts thoroughly researched guides to help energy consumers understand their options and benefit from Texas’ deregulated market. Some of our top guides include:
Find additional guides in our energy resources hub.
