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How to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas
Comprehensive guide to switching electricity providers
8 minute read • Last update December 2025
Are you trying to save money on your energy bills, moving to a new home, or hoping to do your bit for the environment by switching electricity companies?
The good news is that in Texas, you can change your electric company at any time.
How to switch electric companies in Texas
Here’s your step-by-step guide:
- Review your current contract and plan details: Make note of your current Energy Charge, contract end date, and early termination fee (ETF). This information can help you determine the best time to switch so you may avoid paying a cancellation charge. TIP: Use our “Is it worth it to switch?” calculator.
- Compare rates and plans: Start shopping! Compare different plans from different electricity providers. Keep an eye out for and avoid gimmicks such as bill credits and free nights, and hidden fees like base charges and minimum usage fees.
- Calculate estimated bills: Find your historical kilowatt-hour usage and use an electricity bill calculator to determine what you can expect to pay from a new plan.
- Gather documents: Some providers may request documents such as a valid ID, mortgage, or lease agreement to verify your identity and keep your account secure.
- Submit your enrollment with your new provider: Apply with your new electricity provider to initiate the transition.
- Your new provider handles the rest: You do not need to contact your previous provider.
Explore BKV Energy’s affordable plans by entering your zip code below:
Step 1: Review your current contract and plan details
Before you begin your search for a new energy provider, it’s important to evaluate the details of your current plan and contract.
You can find this information on your Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
- Energy charge: What you pay per kWh to your electricity provider.
- Base charge: A monthly fee added to every bill. You’ll want to avoid this on your new plan.
- Minimum usage fee: A fee added to your bill when you don’t use “enough” electricity. Your new plan shouldn’t have these fees.
- TDU charges: What you pay to your regional utility (ex: CenterPoint or Oncor) for management and maintenance of energy infrastructure.
- Expiration date: When your contract ends.
- Early termination fee: What you’d need to pay for terminating your current plan outside the 14-day window allowed by the PUCT.
For example, you’ll have the option to choose between simple fixed rates and time-of-use plans.
You’ll use your energy charge as a baseline to compare to your new plan. Ideally, your energy charge would stay about the same or drop, although market conditions may not allow for this.
If you have hidden fees like base charges or minimum usage fees on your current plan, we recommend looking for one without those extra costs.
Step 2: Compare rates and plans
Start researching electricity providers and comparing plans. Along the way, watch out for misleading gimmicks and hidden fees, such as:
- Time-of-use, like free nights and free weekends
- Bill credits
- Base charges
- Minimum usage fees
- EV charging plans
Many providers try to lure customers in with promotions, like free nights or weekends, low introductory rates that increase after a certain period, or plans with high usage thresholds.
On the surface, these plans seem great, but they aren’t for everyone.
Pay close attention to the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to understand what the company means by “free” and whether or not you’ll benefit from the incentive.
| Simple fixed-rate plans | Time-of-use plans |
|---|---|
| Simple fixed rates are electricity pricing plans where the rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity remains the same regardless of the time of day. In other words, the price you pay for electricity is constant, and you are charged the same rate for each unit of electricity you use. These plans are the easiest to understand and don’t require customers to meet specific usage requirements in order to get a good rate. | Time-of-use plans offer different rates for electricity consumption based on the time of day. You often pay more per kWh during peak demand and less during off-peak demand. If you consume electricity during peak hours, you will pay more per kWh than during off-peak hours. The advertised average price appears lower, but it is difficult to shift a majority of your usage to off-peak hours and bills can end up much higher than you’d expect. |
If you have trouble making sense of it all, speak to a knowledgeable provider, like BKV Energy.
Our customer service team can evaluate your current bill, talk you through the ins and outs of various plans, and provide an honest assessment of our plans to help you find the best rates and plans according to your lifestyle.
Other factors to consider
You should also consider these factors before making a decision:
- Loyalty programs (that can reduce your bill in the long term)
- Customer service
- Company values
- The company’s commitment to the community
Step 3: Find your historical kWh usage to estimate future bill amounts
Find your historical kWh consumption from previous bill documents or Smart Meter Texas. Combine the usage and potential plan details from the Electricity Facts Label to calculate future bills with an electricity bill calculator.
This will help you determine what you might expect to pay on a new plan.
Step 4: Gather necessary documents (if applicable)
In most cases, no documents are required to switch energy providers. If you are moving, you may need to present proof of relocation to avoid a contract breakage fee.
It’s a good idea to have proof of identification ready in case you are asked to verify your identity.
Step 5: Make the switch
Once you’ve selected a new energy provider, the process to make the switch is very simple.
- Visit the new provider’s website
- Select a plan
- Enter your account information
- Select a start date
- Submit the signup form
Step 6: Your provider takes the wheel!
Your new provider will handle the rest of the process, including notifying your current provider and arranging for the switch to take place.
That’s it! After completing these steps, you will have successfully switched to a new energy provider in Texas.
Common questions about switching energy providers
Can you switch power companies in Texas?
Yes, thanks to the deregulated energy market, consumers in Texas have the power to choose their electricity provider.
How long does it take to switch electric providers in Texas?
Switching energy at an established address is a very quick process. The switch typically takes around 3-7 business days to complete, but it can take up to 2-4 weeks in some cases, such as when a new meter has to be installed.
Can you switch electricity suppliers at any time?
Yes, consumers in Texas can switch electricity suppliers at any time. However, you may incur fees or penalties.
How easy is it to switch electric providers in Texas?
Switching electric providers in Texas is relatively easy and can be done online or over the phone in a few simple steps. If you’re under a current contract with a provider, you will usually be responsible for any early termination fees when switching, unless you are moving.
How do you switch electric companies in Texas?
To switch electric companies in Texas, you need to compare plans and rates, select a new provider, and then contact them to start the switch. Be sure your contract has ended or you’ve accounted for early termination fees in your total costs. If you’re moving to a new address, you can see if your provider has service there or you can exit your contract without early termination fees.
Can I switch my utility company in Texas?
In Texas’s deregulated electricity market, customers can switch their REP (retail electricity provider) at any time. However, the utilities that own and maintain the grid own large patches of it, so your utility carrier will not change unless you move out of its territory.
What does it mean to switch suppliers?
Switching electricity providers can be a game-changer for customers who are unhappy with their current provider or want to save money on their energy bills.
In Texas, residents have the power to choose their electricity provider thanks to the state’s deregulated energy market. This means that consumers have the freedom to shop around and choose the provider that best meets their needs based on factors such as price, renewable energy options, and customer service.
First, it’s important to understand that in Texas, the electricity network is served by several different groups and partners. Your bill will contain charges from both your retail electricity provider (REP) and your local utility company, or TDU.
| Residential electricity provider (REP) | Transmission and distribution utility (TDU) | |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Purchasing wholesale electricity from power plants across the state, selling electricity to customers, and handling billing | Delivering power to homes and businesses, responsible for the maintenance and management of energy infrastructure (power lines, transformers, etc.) |
| Can you switch? | You can switch REPs whenever you want, but you may have to pay an early termination fee | You cannot switch TDUs unless you are moving to a different service region |
| How do they charge you? | Energy Charge in cents per kWh | Delivery Charge in cents per kWh and a flat monthly fee |
The pros and cons of switching energy providers
Is switching electricity companies worth it? Whether or not it’s worth switching providers will depend on the needs of your household.
| Pros of switching providers | Cons of switching providers |
|---|---|
| Get a cheaper rate and save money | May be required to pay an early termination fee |
| Escape a gimmicky plan with hidden fees | Electricity shopping can be a stressful task |
| Get more reliable customer service | Many electricity shopping websites are designed to confuse you |
| Switch to a plan with better benefits | Switching at the wrong time can cost you (like over the summer) |
| No interruption to your home’s power | It’s easy to fall into misleading plans |
Bear in mind that even a small savings on your energy charge will add up quickly over the year, so comparing providers is always a useful exercise.
Of course, there are other benefits to switching providers aside from cost savings.
One of the most significant reasons why consumers consider switching to electricity companies is to obtain better service. While utility companies (also known as transmission and distribution utilities, or TDUs) are responsible for delivering electricity, retail energy providers manage the customer experience.
A new energy company could provide better customer service and more reliable billing. Do your research and read reviews before making a switch. Does the provider you are considering have a good reputation for responsiveness and helpfulness? Are they willing to assist you when you’re experiencing a financial crisis?
Some providers, like BKV Energy, prioritize customer service and offer assistance through email, phone, chat, SMS, and even social media to support their customers; others are far more hands-off, and some even charge for access to customer support!
When to switch electricity providers
The most common reasons to switch electricity providers are:
- Your bills are too expensive
- There are better rates with different providers
- You’ve accidentally enrolled in a misleading plan
- You’re moving
- You found a provider with better benefits and customer service
- Your current contract is ending
If you’re ready to switch for any of the above reasons, make sure that you understand the basics of electricity plan shopping, such as:
- How to avoid gimmicky plans
- How to avoid plans with hidden fees
- How to take advantage of promotions or sign-up bonuses
- How to read and evaluate an Electricity Facts Label
When NOT to change providers
It can often be a good idea to move to a different energy company, but not always.
- When you have a high early termination fee (ETF)
- It’s a season with peak demand (summer or winter)
If you’re currently locked into a contract with your energy provider, it might make more sense to wait until the contract ends to avoid breakage fees. You can also save money by switching during the off-season (spring and fall) when demand is down and rates are lower.
Securing a contract in the off-season for either 12 or 18 months ensures that when your contract ends and it’s time to pick another plan, you’re not starting over in the expensive peak seasons of summer and winter.
What to know before switching energy providers
Ready to make the switch? Consider these tips for a smooth transition:
- Check for Fees: Unless you’re on a month-to-month plan, most providers charge an early termination fee if you switch before the end of your contract. Read the terms of your current energy plan carefully to understand any potential fees.
- Be Aware of Deposits: When switching to a new provider, they will run a soft credit check to determine whether a deposit is required to begin service. There are ways to request a deposit waiver if your credit history requires you to pay that fee to switch.
- Can You Switch Back to Your Old Provider?: After switching, you may realize your new plan isn’t the best fit for you. You may be able to switch back to your previous provider, but this can come at a cost. At BKV Energy, we provide a no-hassle, 30-day trial period where you can cancel your service with no early termination charge.
- Unpaid Balances: If you have an outstanding balance with your current energy provider, it’s important to address this before switching to a new provider. In Texas, your current provider can place a “switch hold” on an account to prevent customers from jumping from one company to another without settling the bill.
- New Home, Past Due Bill: If you’re moving into a new home and the previous tenant had an outstanding balance, you may be subject to a switch hold. You’ll need to fill out some paperwork known as a New Occupant Statement and provide a copy of your lease, an affidavit from your Landlord, and a few recently paid electric bills from your previous address to prove that you are a new tenant.
What happens after you switch electric providers?
After you switch electric providers…
- You’ll receive a confirmation notice from your new provider acknowledging your enrollment, along with information regarding the terms and conditions of your new plan.
- Your old provider will send you your final bill, including any outstanding balances or credits owed.
- Your new provider will start providing electricity to your home on the date specified in your enrollment confirmation.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your new provider’s customer service department for assistance.
Conclusion
Switching electric companies in Texas is easier than you may think. Sure, it requires a little research and shopping around to find the best possible provider, but the money you can save on your bill every month (and the peace of mind you’ll have knowing you have a supplier that is always ready to assist you) will make the entire process worth your while.
If you are interested in changing electricity providers, get in touch with BKV Energy. There are no hidden fees, no vague terms, no rate surprises, and no gimmicks. Just honest, reliable energy at affordable rates.
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