Do you need a switch or a move-in?
These requests sound similar, but they begin from different account conditions.
Switch at an active meter
Your business already has electricity at this address and wants a different retail provider or contract.
- Keep the existing service stable
- Review the current contract first
- Coordinate the new effective date
Start service at a location
Your business is taking over a space, reopening an inactive account, or arranging power for a new site.
- Confirm meter and service status
- Choose the occupancy start date
- Allow more time for new construction
Do not cancel first and hope the dates line up. Follow the enrolling provider's instructions and confirm the effective date before ending any existing commercial account.
Bring the details that keep enrollment moving.
Requirements vary by provider and account. This is the practical starting set for a small-business comparison.
Switch a Texas business in five deliberate steps.
Pause at the contract check. It is the step most likely to prevent an expensive surprise.
- 01Confirm
Verify that the address has retail choice
Use the complete address, not the city or ZIP alone. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may serve some locations outside the competitive market.
- 02Protect
Read the current commercial agreement
Locate the contract end date, notice requirement, auto-renewal language, early termination provision, and any obligations tied to multiple meters or locations.
- 03Compare
Model the new plan with real usage
Look beyond a displayed rate. Include energy, delivery, base charges, demand when applicable, credits, taxes, and the business's operating pattern.
- 04Authorize
Enroll with the correct legal and account details
Confirm who may authorize the switch, complete any credit or deposit review, and keep the plan documents and confirmation number.
- 05Verify
Confirm the effective date and first bill
Make sure the old and new dates align, then review the first invoice against the offer and contract you saved.
The seller can change. The delivery utility does not.
The new retail provider manages the plan and billing relationship. The assigned TDU continues to operate the local delivery system and handles outages.
Understand Texas delivery utilitiesA lower advertised rate is not automatically a better business plan.
Your hours, equipment, seasonal load, peak demand, and contract flexibility can matter as much as the headline number.
Usage fit
Estimate annual kWh and the shape of business operations, not only one average month.
Demand
Check whether the meter, utility tariff, or contract includes a peak-demand component.
Contract
Compare the term, exit cost, renewal process, and what each pricing component can change.
All-in math
Include delivery, recurring charges, credits, taxes, and other applicable fees.
Our marketplace does the plan-by-plan math.
When actual usage is available and authorized, the marketplace can compare plans against the location's history. For a new space without history, begin with an address- and property-based forecast, then review the assumptions before enrolling.
Find a business plan for the actual address.
Enter the ZIP code to open the commercial marketplace, then confirm availability, timing, and enrollment requirements for the service location.
Business electricity switching FAQ
Six quick answers for the details that can change the timing, cost, or responsibility.
Will a Texas business lose power when switching electricity providers?
A routine provider switch at an active meter normally changes the company selling the electricity plan, not the local transmission and distribution utility that operates the meter and wires. Avoid independently cancelling the existing account until the new provider confirms the switch instructions and effective date.
What information does a business need to switch electricity providers?
Common requirements include the exact service address and suite, ESI ID when available, recent bills or usage history, desired start date, legal business name, authorized signer information, and credit or deposit information requested by the provider.
Is switching a provider the same as starting service at a new location?
No. A switch changes the retail provider at an active service location. A move-in starts service for a new occupant or account. A new meter, construction, or inactive location may require additional delivery-utility work and more time.
Can a business switch before its current electricity contract ends?
It may be possible, but the current commercial contract may impose an early termination charge or other obligations. Review the agreement and confirm the effective date before authorizing a switch.
How long does a Texas business electricity switch take?
Timing depends on the provider, requested date, meter status, service type, credit review, and whether the request is a routine switch, move-in, or new construction. Confirm the date directly during enrollment and allow extra time for anything beyond an active-meter switch.
Who handles an outage after the business changes providers?
The local transmission and distribution utility continues to maintain the meter, poles, and wires and handles outages. The retail provider manages the electricity plan, enrollment, and billing relationship described in the contract.