Texas Electricity Move-In Checklist

Don't get shocked by your first electric bill in your new home.

Your Texas Move-In Checklist

Moving to a new home in Texas brings many decisions, and your electricity service is one that can significantly impact your budget. This comprehensive checklist will help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common pitfalls that cost Texas movers hundreds of dollars annually.

Understanding Your Options When Moving

When you move within Texas, you have two choices for electricity service:

  1. Transfer your existing plan to your new address
  2. Select a new electricity plan better suited to your new home

Many Texans automatically transfer their current service without realizing their energy needs may have changed. Different-sized homes, new appliances, and lifestyle changes all affect electricity usage and costs. Taking a few minutes to compare options could save you $100 to $250 annually.

Texas law allows you to cancel your current electricity contract without penalty when moving, giving you the freedom to choose the best option for your new situation.

Two Weeks Before Moving

Review your current electricity situation
Look at your recent bills to understand your current rate and average usage. This baseline helps you make informed decisions about your new service.

Research electricity needs for your new home

  • Apartment to house moves typically double electricity usage
  • Adding a pool increases usage by 600-800 kWh monthly
  • Home offices and electric vehicles impact consumption

Schedule your service changes
Contact your current provider to schedule disconnection one day after your move-out date. This buffer protects against unexpected delays.

Check for deposit refunds
If you paid a deposit with your current provider, confirm the refund process and timeline.

One Week Before Moving

Compare electricity options for your new address
The best plan for your current home may not suit your new one.

Factors to consider:

  • Size difference between homes
  • Changes in your daily schedule
  • New appliances or features
  • Current market rates versus your existing rate

Order service for your new home

  • Schedule connection for your move-in date
  • Same-day service often available if ordered before 2 PM
  • Save confirmation documents (required by many apartment complexes)

Understand the Texas electricity market structure

  • Retail Electric Providers (REPs) handle your billing and customer service
  • Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs) maintain power lines and handle outages
  • You choose your REP; your TDU is determined by location

Moving Day Essentials

Verify the electricity connection
Check that power is active upon arrival. If not, contact your provider immediately – same-day connections are often still possible.

Locate important equipment

  • Circuit breaker panel (typically in garage, utility room, or exterior wall)
  • Electric meter (usually outside near the AC unit)
  • Note your TDU name on the meter for future outage reporting

Set efficient temperature settings
Texas-appropriate thermostat settings can significantly impact your bill:

  • Summer cooling: 78°F when home, 82-85°F when away
  • Winter heating: 68°F when home, 62-65°F when away

First Week in Your New Home

Set up your online account

  • Enable automatic payments to avoid late fees
  • Configure usage alerts to monitor consumption
  • Download your provider’s mobile app for convenient access

Register for outage notifications
Contact your TDU (not your electricity provider) for outage updates:

  • Oncor (Dallas/Fort Worth): Text REG to 66267
  • CenterPoint (Houston): Text REG to 66268
  • AEP Texas (Corpus Christi/Valley): Text REG to 66277

Monitor initial usage patterns
Check your daily consumption after 3-4 days to establish a baseline:

  • Apartments typically use 20-35 kWh daily
  • Houses commonly use 40-70 kWh daily
  • Usage exceeding 80 kWh daily warrants investigation