Any product or company names, marks, or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. Compare Power is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace.Get unbiased, accurate information backed by our commitment to editorial integrity.
How to Start Electricity Service
Moving to a new home in Texas is exciting but comes with a lengthy to-do list. One of the most critical tasks is setting up your electricity service.
Choosing the right electric company and plan in a deregulated energy market with over 60 providers offering hundreds of plans can feel overwhelming.
But don’t worry – starting your electricity service doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to get your power up and running smoothly.
Buying a new house and remembered at the last minute I didn’t have an electric company. Enrolled and was able to get power the next day which was my closing date! Fantastic!
Enter your zip code to access a tailored list of energy plans from top electricity providers in your area.
Total Time:10 minutes
Enter Your Zip Code
Begin by entering your new home’s zip code on our website. This ensures we can provide accurate and relevant options specific to your location.
Compare Plans
Next, we present you with a list of electricity plans available in your area. Every home is unique, and our goal is to provide you with the most suitable options for yours.
Sign Up
Once you’ve found a plan that meets your needs, it’s time to sign up. Fill in your information and select a start date for your service, ideally before you move into your new home.
Shopping Considerations
Once you’re familiar with the steps, let’s dive into some shopping considerations to help you make an informed decision:
Same-day service: Do you need power today? Most providers’ cut-off for a same-day connection is 2 p.m. See which providers can connect electricity service today.
Satisfaction Guarantee: It’s natural to worry about making the wrong choice. That’s why we recommend starting with a plan that offers a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re unhappy with your choice, you can always make a change.
Usage Credits: Consider opting for a plan without usage credits initially. While these can lead to substantial savings, they require a consistent usage pattern to be effective. This could be a gamble without a clear understanding of your home’s usage history.
Fixed-Rate Energy Plans: Fixed-rate energy plans are popular in Texas as they provide budgeting stability and protect you from extreme weather conditions. However, if market prices fall, you may be stuck at a higher rate until your contract expires.
Term Lengths: Choose a contract term length that suits your needs. In Texas, you can cancel your electricity contract when you move out of a residence, so don’t worry if you move before your contract ends.
Early Termination Fees: Please note that early termination fees may apply to specific fixed-rate plans with long-term contracts. Always read the contract carefully!
Deposits: Some plans may require a deposit. Just remember that a no-deposit option is always available.
With these steps and considerations, you can quickly get new electricity service for your new home.
We’re always here to help. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your convenience.
Effortlessly traverse the Texas electricity market with our detailed guide. Learn how to select the best provider tailored to your specific needs by considering various factors.
Why are there different prices for different usage levels?
The electricity rate is the total cost divided by the energy you use. It’s how you’re charged for electricity in Texas, which can vary depending on your monthly usage. Unlike gas, where you pay the same per gallon regardless of how much you use, electricity costs can fluctuate. So, knowing your monthly energy use is key when choosing a new energy plan in Texas.
Why are there so many plans to choose from?
Since 2002, Texas has had a deregulated energy market with over 60 electricity companies and hundreds of energy plans. It can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, Compare Power simplifies this process, providing tools and filters to help you find the best energy plan that fits your needs.
Get Help Finding Your Best Plan
Call us at 855-441-3030 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any product or company names, marks, or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. Compare Power is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace.Get unbiased, accurate information backed by our commitment to editorial integrity.
Find the Cheapest Apartment Electricity
Moving into a new apartment is exciting, but how about figuring out your electricity plan? Not so much.
Luckily, as a renter in Texas, you’ve got the power to choose your electricity provider—no need to stick with just one company.
Thanks to Texas’ deregulated market, dozens of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) compete for your business.
But how do you know which one is right for your apartment? There are so many options, and it can be overwhelming.
Don’t worry—I’m here to simplify the process and help you find the best plan for your apartment, lifestyle, and budget.
Why Texas Renters Have the Advantage
In 2002, Texas lawmakers deregulated the energy market, introducing competition to drive down prices and give consumers better options.
As a renter, you can choose from several electricity providers, offering everything from low rates to eco-friendly energy plans.
Whether you’re new to Texas or moving to a different apartment, you’ve got many choices.
Moving into my first apartment this weekend after graduating college. ComparePower made it SO easy to compare rates, plans and usage with the plans I will be using. Will be recommending to friends! Thanks!
Caroline P (TX, United States
How to Choose the Best Plan for Your Apartment
When comparing plans, keep these factors in mind:
Price per kWh: Look for a plan with rates that match your monthly usage.
Contract Length: Will you be in your apartment for a year or less? Consider a shorter contract or even month-to-month plans.
Fixed or Variable Rate: Fixed-rate plans offer stability, while variable-rate plans can change with market demand.
Renewable Energy: Want to support green energy? Look for plans with a high percentage of renewable sources.
We make it easy to find a plan tailored to your needs.
Enter your zip code and estimated monthly usage into our comparison tool to get a transparent, personalized list of electricity plans.
Start Electricity for Your Apartment
Prepaid Electricity for Apartments
Are you looking for flexibility or same-day service?
Prepaid electricity plans might be the answer, especially if you’re renting an apartment.
These plans allow you to pay for electricity upfront—no deposit, no long-term contracts, and no hassles.
Why Prepaid Electricity Works for Renters:
No Deposit: Keep more cash in your pocket when you move in.
Same-Day Activation: Get your electricity up and running fast.
Budget Control: Pay only for what you use and easily add funds as needed.
One of the leading providers of prepaid electricity in Texas is Payless Power.
Their plans offer flexibility and same-day service, making it easy for renters to keep their apartments powered up without the burden of significant upfront costs.
Moving and Switching
As a renter, you’ll likely move or switch electricity providers. Here’s how to navigate both scenarios:
Moving In: Estimate your usage and choose a flexible plan to start.
Switching Providers: No need to manually gather your usage data. Use Live Link™ to pull your actual electricity usage automatically. This helps you find a plan based on your total annual cost, not just the price per kWh, ensuring you save more in the long run.
Every time you move, start the cycle again by estimating your new place’s energy usage and comparing plans.
Simple Steps to Enroll
Once you’ve found the right plan, signing up is easy:
Enter Your Apartment Address: Make sure it’s accurate to avoid delays.
Pick Your Move-in Date: Choose the day you’ll need service to start.
Submit Your Information: Have billing details ready.
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your new account information.
Your electricity will be ready when you move in, so you won’t have to worry about interruptions.
Choose With Confidence
As a Texas renter, you have the power to choose your electricity provider and find a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Don’t be afraid to shop around and reevaluate your options regularly.
Whether you’re moving or switching providers, ComparePower makes it simple and transparent.
Got questions or need personalized advice? We’re here to help.
Call us today at 855-441-3030, and we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.
When moving out in Texas, you can cancel an electricity contract without penalty.
In most cases, yes. You can transfer your plan if your provider services your new address.
Should you transfer? No, your new home is likely a different size and requires different usage. Instead of transferring service, use the opportunity to shop for a lower rate plan.
In most cases, you can get power turned on the same day as long as you enroll for service before 2 p.m.
Get Help Finding Your Best Plan
Call us at 855-441-3030 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Any product or company names, marks, or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. ComparePower is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace. Get unbiased, accurate information backed by our commitment to editorial integrity.
Deregulation is a game changer. Do you really want to gamble with the price you’ll pay for your electricity?
Are you rolling the dice to get a cheap electric rate in the newly deregulated Sharyland Service area?
Some Sharyland electricity service areas (specifically Brady, Celeste, Colorado City, and Stanton service areas) have been deregulated, leaving you with many questions…
“Do I have to go with a retail provider?”
“How can I find the cheapest electricity rates in my area?”
Deregulation does involve a learning curve. You will need to be more proactive and involved in your billing management because it’s not just one company anymore.
The saying goes, “When there’s only one dealer, it’s house rules.” That meant you got the bill, you paid it, and that’s all there was to it. A regulated industry meant Sharyland Utilities did the controlling. You had no say in anything, much less over how much you paid.
Deregulating certain Sharyland electricity service areas means a huge amount of upheaval at the beginning. At the same time, everybody gets sorted out, but ultimately, Sharyland electricity providers that provide a superior service at an excellent rate will rise while those who don’t won’t.
It also means that you have more power as a customer to choose:
a company based on how much green energy they use
a company that does not import power from outside the state or the company
a fixed-rate plan that sets the rate for a period of time regardless of how the industry is performing.
a short-term or month-to-month plan so you’re not locked in
In the end, Sharyland electricity will be available to all residents of the deregulated Sharyland electricity service area at a rate they can afford.
Here’s where you gamble with Sharyland electricity rates
Las Vegas, Nevada, is famous for its electricity: the energy, the excitement, the entertainment, and, naturally, the gambling. When you go to Vegas, you bring along a budget for gambling, ideally money you can afford to lose, and you rarely go as a special trip.
At home in Texas, “electricity” is something else entirely: it’s your favorite TV show, a home-cooked meal, and a cool home on a hot day. Are you okay gambling with your household budget every month? Now that you live in a Sharyland electricity service area that has been deregulated, you just might be doing that!
Up to now, you’ve been dealing with one company for all your power-generating and distribution needs. Under deregulation, Sharyland Utilities, while still around, is more in the back seat:
Problem with the electricity coming to your home? Call Sharyland Utilities.
Problem with the bill? Call your Retail Electric Provider (also called an “REP”).
Problem with the electricity inside your home? Well, that’s when you call an electrician.
Under the rules of deregulation, staying with Sharyland Utilities isn’t an option. If you fail to choose an REP, then one will be chosen for you. This is like you in a Las Vegas casino handing your cards over to the dealer for play. Maybe you’ll benefit… probably you won’t.
The available pool of default electric providers consists of seven candidates, ranging from Champion, who topped J D Power and Associates’ 2013 Customer Satisfaction poll for Texas energy providers (that’s the fourth year running!) down to TXU, currently down near the bottom and notorious for their high prices.
When you are assigned to a default REP, you’re put on a month-to-month plan, meaning that your rate will go up and down and you won’t actually know how much you’re being charged per kilowatt-hour until you open the bill. You won’t know if there is a charge for not having autopay on your account, for using telephone customer service, for paying by credit or debit card, all kinds of fun things could show up on the bill – “Ladies and gentlemen, faites vos jours!”
So, how do you find the cheapest electricity rates in the Sharyland electricity service area?
But how would you even go about finding the cheapest electricity rates in Brady, Celeste, Colorado City, Stanton, Mission, McAllen, etc?
You could get the list of default REPs.
You could take time out of your day to call each and every one
You could put up with high-pressure sales tactics, customer services agents still fresh on the job, and misleading information
You could hope that you’ve covered all the information you need to know
You could hope you’re making the right choice.
On the other hand, you could enter your zip code, make a couple of quick clicks, and immediately see the REPs that are available in your area and that will suit your needs.
You’ll have access to the Terms of Service and the Facts Label. Read them carefully and you’ll have all the information you need to know. Better yet, you’ll see clearly where you need to question them more closely (hint: look for phrases like “other fees or charges may apply”). The cheapest electricity rates in the Sharyland electricity service area will be a lot quicker to find if you know how to avoid wasting time calling those who simply will not suit.
Don’t let someone else make your play for you. Enter your zip code to get the pricing and plan details you need for a winning strategy.
Get Help Finding Your Best Plan
Call us at 855-441-3030 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., or Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
