Who will serve my new home?
It depends on the address. Most Texans pick their own electric company. Some don't get a choice.
In areas served by Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, TNMP, Lubbock Power & Light and Nueces Electric Cooperative, you pick a retail electric company. Your utility still delivers the power and fixes outages.
Austin Energy, CPS Energy in San Antonio, most electric co-ops, and utilities outside the main grid like El Paso Electric serve their areas alone. Call them directly.
Not sure which applies? Use who's my electric utility? or ask your landlord or the seller which company serves the address.
How do I pick a plan for my new home?
Compare plans on the state's free site, Power to Choose, then read the fact label before you enroll. Three quick rules keep you out of trouble.
- 1Pick fixed for 12+ months
It locks your price through the summer. See fixed or variable?
- 2Run the 3-price test
If the 1,000 kWh price is far below the 500 and 2,000 kWh prices, the plan has a bill-credit trap. See how to read a facts label.
- 3Price it at your usage
A bigger or smaller home changes the math. Try our plan cost calculator.
Already have a plan you like? Many companies let you take your plan with you if you move within their service area. Ask before you cancel, because moving usually waives the cancel fee anyway.
What do I need to sign up for electricity?
Have these ready, and sign up a few days before you move in. Ask for your start date to be the day you get the keys.
Will I have to pay a deposit, and how do I avoid one?
Maybe. Companies can ask for a deposit if you don't meet their credit rules. Direct Energy's terms list six ways to qualify without one, and they follow the state's customer protection rules.
- It's capped near two months of estimated bills.
- It earns interest at a rate the state sets.
- It comes back after 12 on-time months in a row.
- A written letter of guarantee instead of cash.
- Low-income customers can split a deposit over $50 into two payments.
- Prepaid plans usually need no deposit.
See every way around a deposit in our guide to no-deposit and prepaid plans. Behind on a bill at your old place? See help paying your electric bill.
Moving to Austin or San Antonio?
Skip the shopping. The city utility is your only option, so call it directly to start service.
Learn their rates in our guides to Austin Energy and CPS Energy. Moving into a co-op area? Call the co-op on your landlord's or seller's bill.
Moving and electricity questions, answered
How do I set up electricity in a new home in Texas?
Find out who serves the address, compare plans if you live in an area with choice, then sign up with the address and a start date. In Austin, San Antonio and most co-op areas, call the local utility directly.
How far ahead should I set up electricity?
A few days before you move in is a good rule. Ask for your service to start the day you get the keys, and stop service at your old home for the day after you leave.
What is an ESI ID?
The Electric Service Identifier, the unique number for the meter at an address. It's on your electric bill, and your new electric company can look it up from the address.
How can I avoid an electricity deposit in Texas?
Direct Energy's terms list six ways: a good payment history, being 65 or older (you or your spouse), no more than one late bill last year, no disconnection last year, a family violence certification, or medically indigent status. Prepaid plans usually need no deposit.
How big can an electricity deposit be?
Direct Energy's terms cap a residential deposit at the sum of the next two months' estimated bills or one-fifth of the estimated yearly bill. Ask your company for its exact amount before you enroll.
When do I get my deposit back?
After 12 months in a row of on-time payments. Direct Energy credits it to your bill, with interest at the rate the state sets each year.
Can I keep my electricity plan when I move?
Often, if your company serves the new address. If not, most fixed plans waive the cancel fee when you move and give a forwarding address.
Who do I call to start electricity in Austin or San Antonio?
Austin Energy at 512-494-9400, or 888-340-6465 toll-free. CPS Energy in San Antonio at (210) 353-2222. You can't pick a different electric company in those cities.
Sources and updates
Sources (4)
- Direct Energy, Terms of Service, Residential Postpaid: 10-day disconnection notice, deferred payment plan terms, average billing and Neighbor to Neighbor.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas, Electricity FAQs: cancel fees, contract expirations and switching.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas, Critical care application (copy hosted by ERCOT): the list of delivery utilities in the competitive market, including Lubbock Power & Light and Nueces Electric Cooperative.
- Austin Energy (512-494-9400, toll-free 888-340-6465) and CPS Energy ((210) 353-2222) customer numbers: as verified for our Austin Energy and CPS Energy guides.
Changelog · last updated October 4, 2026 · 1 update
- October 4, 2026: Guide published: 4 move-in steps, choice vs. single-provider areas, deposit rules and the 6 ways to skip one, and city utility contacts.
How to cite this page: The Day Company, "Moving in Texas? How to set up electricity in 4 steps, and maybe skip the deposit", updated October 4, 2026, https://theday.company/tx/set-up-electricity.
Deposit rules shown come from Direct Energy’s terms, which follow state customer protection rules; each company sets its own credit process, so ask yours. The Day Company is not affiliated with any electric company or utility named here.