Your electricity should keep flowing during a normal provider switch.
The electricity company on your bill changes. The local utility that maintains your meter, poles, and wires does not. That local utility still handles the physical connection and power outages.
You choose a new electricity company
Compare the whole estimated bill, contract, Electricity Facts Label, and start date, not only the headline rate.
Your new company schedules the switch
The new company handles the switch behind the scenes and gives you a scheduled start date.
Your local utility stays the same
The same local utility keeps operating the meter and power lines at your address.
What changes, and what does not
| Changes | Stays the same |
|---|---|
| The electricity company that sells your plan | The local utility that maintains the power lines |
| The plan price and contract terms | The meter, poles, and wires |
| The company that sends your electricity bill | The utility that responds to a local outage |
Tex says: switching and moving in are not the same request.
A switch changes providers at an active address. A move-in starts service for a new occupant. Choose the correct request and confirm its scheduled date.
Four things that can delay a switch
- A switch hold: a hold tied to the service address must be resolved before a new provider can complete the switch.
- The wrong address or meter ID: confirm the service address and the Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID) shown on your Texas electricity bill before submitting.
- A past-due or disconnection situation: do not assume a new enrollment cancels an active disconnection process.
- A start date that does not match the situation: confirm whether the request is a switch, move-in, or future-dated start.
When should I schedule it?
Use the contract expiration date and the new provider's available start dates. The Public Utility Commission's customer-rights guidance says you may switch without an early termination fee when the switch is scheduled no earlier than 14 days before the contract expires. Verify the exact expiration date and fee language with your current provider.
Not sure whether switching early is worth it?
Use your current all-in rate, usage, time remaining, and Early Termination Fee to find the break-even rate.
Your five-minute switch checklist
- Find your exact contract expiration date and Early Termination Fee.
- Confirm the service address and the Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID) shown on your bill.
- Compare complete bills at your real usage and read the new Electricity Facts Label.
- Choose and save the scheduled start date.
- Keep both confirmation emails and review the final bill from the old provider.
Ready to compare current plans?
Our Texas electricity marketplace can use your address and, when available, historical usage to estimate plan costs.
Frequently asked questions
Will my power go out when I switch providers?
A normal switch between electricity companies should not interrupt your physical electric service. The same local utility still maintains the meter and power lines at your address. Confirm the scheduled date and resolve any hold, address, or account issue first.
How long does a switch take?
Timing depends on the start date you request and whether there are any account or address issues. Your new electricity company should give you an approximate scheduled date.
Can I avoid the fee near my expiration date?
Public Utility Commission of Texas customer guidance describes a penalty-free window when the switch is scheduled no earlier than 14 days before expiration. Verify your contract and date with the current provider.
- Public Utility Commission of Texas §25.474: Choosing a Retail Electricity Provider
- Public Utility Commission of Texas §25.483: Disconnection of Service
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Your Rights as a Customer
Last reviewed August 11, 2026. This is general consumer information, not a guarantee about a specific account or switch.