Electricity Rates in 77019

1. What does it mean that Texas has a "deregulated" electricity market?
In most of Texas, you can choose your electricity provider, just like choosing internet or phone. Texas separated: Retail Electric Providers (REPs) sell electricity, TDSPs/TDUs (CenterPoint, Oncor, AEP, TNMP) deliver power. You shop for plans but can't choose your TDU.

2. What areas of Texas are deregulated?
About 85% including Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin suburbs, Waco, Corpus Christi, Abilene, Galveston, and Midland/Odessa. NOT deregulated: Austin, San Antonio, Brenham, Bryan-College Station.

3. Who are TDSPs (TDUs) and what do they do?
5 main TDUs: Oncor (North Texas), CenterPoint (Houston), AEP Central (Corpus), AEP North (Abilene), TNMP (suburbs). They handle delivery, poles, wires, meters, outages, and connections. Your REP bills you; TDU fixes outages.

4. Who do I call if power goes out?
Always call your TDU, NOT your provider. Example: Houston = CenterPoint Energy.

5. What is an Electricity Facts Label (EFL)?
Every plan must show average rates at 500, 1000, 2000 kWh, base charges, delivery charges, contract length, early termination fees, and renewable content. Always read it—it's the real price.

6. What affects my electricity rate?
Contract length, usage level (biggest factor), plan type (fixed/variable), seasonal demand, and bill credits.

7. What is a fixed-rate plan?
Keeps energy price the same for contract length. TDU delivery fees can change twice/year, but your REP rate stays fixed.

8. What is a variable-rate plan?
No contract, price changes monthly, usually higher in summer, can spike without warning. Good for short-term renters; bad for budgets.

9. What are "bill credit" plans?
Give $50–$100 credit if you use certain kWh (like 1000 kWh). Miss the threshold = lose credit and bill is higher.

10. Why do EFLs show different rates at different usage levels?
Plans include base charges, usage credits, and minimum fees. Rate changes based on consumption. Real cost = average rate, not advertised.

11. Why are summer prices higher in Texas?
AC demand surges. Higher demand = higher wholesale prices. Peak: June–September.

12. When is best time to shop?
January–April = lowest, May–September = highest, October–December = stable-to-low. Plan ahead 45–60 days if summer renewal.

13. Can I switch anytime?
Yes, but: Within 14 days of end = no penalty. Early switch = possible ETF. REP rate change = penalty-free.

14. Do I cancel old service?
No. New provider automatically cancels.

15. How long to switch?
Same day or next business day. No one visits. No outages.

16. Why deposits on some plans?
Based on credit score, payment history, usage. Waived if 65+, no late payments, letter of credit, or prepaid plan.

17. What is prepaid electricity?
Like phone minutes: no credit check, no deposit, PAYG, daily texts, auto-disconnect at $0. Good for short-term or credit-challenged.

18. What is "TDU delivery charge"?
Standard poles/wires fee everyone pays. Includes monthly base + per-kWh charge. Same for all, never negotiable.

19. What fees appear on bills?
Early termination, late payment, minimum usage, delivery, meter re-read, disconnect/reconnect. All listed on EFL.

20. How do smart meters work?
Report usage every 15 min, allow remote connect/disconnect, enable prepaid, power real-time tools, make switching instant.

21. Why both TDU and energy charges?
Bill splits: Energy (from REP) + Delivery (from TDU). Like internet service + cable rental.

22. Are renewable plans available?
Yes. Most REPs offer 100% green from wind, solar, or Renewable Energy Credits.

23. What is ERCOT?
Manages 90% of Texas grid, balances supply/demand, handles wholesale pricing, oversees operations, coordinates stability. Doesn't sell to customers.

24. Why spike in extreme weather?
AC/heat demand explodes, generators lag, fuel prices rise, grid stresses. Wholesale can hit $5,000/MWh.

25. What is minimum usage fee?
Charged if you use less than threshold (1000 kWh). Bad for apartments, travelers, low-usage homes.

26. Can renters choose provider?
Yes. Full choice in deregulated ZIPs. Best plans: 6-month, 12-month, or month-to-month.

27. How do I know if ZIP is deregulated?
Check if served by Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP North/Central, or TNMP. If co-op/municipal = not deregulated.

28. Why so many providers in Texas?
Deregulation = competition = lower prices, more plans, incentives, transparent EFLs. Most choice of any state.

29. Average rate in Texas?
12–15¢/kWh most of year, 15–19¢/kWh peak summer.

30. Cheapest plan type?
Fixed-rate 12–24 months without bill credits and no minimum usage fees.