If you are moving out of a home before its fixed-rate electricity contract ends, the early-termination fee printed on the Electricity Facts Label can look alarming. The good news is that Texas has a specific customer-protection rule for genuine relocations.
A genuine move can protect you from the cancellation fee.
Your retail electricity contract is limited to the service location named in the contract. If you move away, you are not required to carry that contract to another address.
Give the provider your forwarding address.
Provide reasonable proof of the move if requested.
When those conditions are met, the provider must not assess an early-termination fee because of the relocation.
Find the best electricity plan for your new address.
Enter the new Texas ZIP code to compare plans available for the home you are moving to.
Your ZIP opens comparison. Your street address is only requested if you continue in the marketplace.
What happens to electricity fees when you move mid-contract?
The moving protection is specific to the early-termination fee. It does not erase the final bill from the old address, and it does not promise that starting service at the new address will be free. Ask both providers to confirm the service dates and any account-specific charges in writing.
| Charge or contract item | What the move usually means |
|---|---|
| Early-termination fee on the old contract | The provider must not assess it because of a qualifying relocation when the rule's forwarding-address and evidence conditions are met. |
| Electricity used at the old address | You still owe valid charges through the service end date. |
| Old contract at the new address | You are not required to transfer it. The contract is limited to the location named in it. |
| Deposit or service-start costs at the new address | These depend on the new provider, account, requested date, and meter status. Confirm them before enrolling. |
What to do before you move
- Contact your retail electricity provider. Use the company name on the electricity portion of your bill, not Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, TNMP, or another delivery utility.
- Say that you are ending service because you are relocating. Give the actual move-out date and ask the provider to process the cancellation under its relocation policy.
- Provide a forwarding address. Texas rules specifically identify this as part of the protection.
- Ask what evidence is required. The rule permits a provider to request reasonable evidence that you moved and no longer occupy the contracted address. Providers may have different documentation procedures.
- Keep written confirmation. Save the chat, email, confirmation number, and any documents submitted until the final bill shows no early-termination fee.
- Pay the final legitimate charges. The relocation protection concerns the termination fee; you still owe for electricity used and other valid charges through the service end date.
What this rule does, and does not, mean
The relocation protection can apply.
- It applies to a genuine move from the contracted service address.
- You do not have to transfer the old contract to the new home.
- The provider may ask for reasonable evidence of the move.
- Contact the provider before moving when possible.
This is a normal provider switch.
The rule is not a general penalty-free way to change plans while remaining in the same home. Review the contract and compare any possible savings with the early-termination fee.
Moving and switching are different.
If you are changing providers but staying at the same address, use our Texas provider-switch guide.
Staying at the same address?
Use the calculator to see whether potential savings could outweigh your early-termination fee before making a change.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay an electricity early-termination fee if I move in Texas?
Under the PUCT customer-protection rule, the provider must not assess an early-termination fee because of your relocation when you supply a forwarding address and, if requested, reasonable evidence that you no longer occupy the contracted service location.
Can my electricity provider ask for proof that I moved?
Yes. The Texas rule allows the provider to require evidence that you are moving to another location. Ask which documents it accepts and keep a copy of what you submit.
Do I have to take my old electricity contract to my new Texas address?
No. The contract is limited to its specified service location, and the rule says a customer who moves is not obligated to continue it at another location.
What electricity charges can I still owe after moving?
The relocation protection concerns the early-termination fee. You can still owe for electricity used, delivery charges, taxes, and other valid account charges through the old service end date. Costs for starting service at the new address depend on the new provider and account.
Does my old electricity contract transfer to my new address?
No. The Texas rule says the contract is limited to the location named in it. The new address can require a separate enrollment and start date.
Primary source: Public Utility Commission of Texas, 16 Texas Administrative Code §25.475(c)(2)(C), Customer Protection Rules for Retail Electric Service. Read the official rule (PDF). This article provides general consumer information, not legal advice. Confirm the required cancellation steps with your provider.