Electricity when you move: start, transfer, or switch.

Moving is busy enough. Here is the short, honest version of getting the lights on at your new Texas home.

Answer first: Use the new service address, not just the ZIP code. If that address has retail choice, pick a plan and ask for a move-in start date three to seven days ahead. If it does not, call the local utility. Leaving a fixed-rate plan because you moved? Give your old provider a forwarding address and Texas rules say there is no early termination fee for the move.

Five steps to set up electricity for a move

Check that the new address can shop. Most of the ERCOT grid can, but not all of it. If you know the street address, our ESI ID lookup finds the meter’s ID and delivery utility. Who can shop in Texas explains the exceptions. Moving to a city we cover? Find your new city’s delivery utility and example ZIP codes.
Pick a plan that fits how much you use. Look at the price on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) at 500, 1,000 and 2,000 kWh. Apartments often use less than 1,000 kWh a month, and larger houses can use far more in summer. If the price jumps between those three numbers, the plan probably has a bill credit or minimum-usage rule.
Have these ready: the full service address (with unit number), your move-in date, and the ID information the provider asks for to check credit.
Ask about a deposit before you enroll. PUCT rules let a provider ask for one if you cannot show satisfactory credit. A good payment record with your previous electric provider, or being 65 or older and current on your electric bills, can help you avoid it.
Stop service at the old place. Set the stop date for the day after you move out, so you are not paying for the next resident’s air conditioning.

Start, transfer, or switch: which one is yours?

Start (move-in): new service in your name at an address you have not been billed for. This is the usual case for a first apartment, a new house or a move from out of state.

Transfer: some providers can move your current plan to your new Texas address. That can be easy, but the plan or its price may not be available at the new address. Read the terms before you agree.

Switch during a move: a move is a good moment to compare, not a requirement to change. If your current plan still fits and is available at the new address, keeping it can be the simplest choice.

Move-in day: what to expect

Most homes in Texas retail-choice areas have smart meters that the delivery utility can turn on remotely. Many providers can ask for a same-day or next-day start, but a same-day (priority) request can add a delivery-utility fee and depends on when you order. If the lights are not on by the evening of your start date, call your provider first. For outages and downed lines, call the delivery utility (its number is on your bill and EFL).

First bill at the new place higher than you expected? See what makes a first bill run high.

Leaving your old plan

A Texas electricity contract covers one address. When you move out, you are not required to take the contract with you, and the provider cannot charge an early termination fee for the move if you give a forwarding address and, when asked, reasonable proof that you moved.

Wondering whether to keep your plan or pick a new one at the new address? Work out whether a change is worth it.

If your new home cannot shop

City-owned utilities such as Austin Energy and CPS Energy in San Antonio, most electric cooperatives, El Paso Electric, Entergy Texas, SWEPCO and Southwestern Public Service do not offer retail choice to homes. In those areas you set up service directly with the utility, and there is no plan to compare.

Start your move with Power Hopper · Latest Texas rate medians · Should I switch?

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Updated Oct 18, 2026 by Power Hopper (BJW Ventures LLC d/b/a Power Hopper), a Texas electricity broker registered with the PUCT, BR260201.

Sources: 16 TAC §25.475 (contracts, early termination, expiration notices) · 16 TAC §25.478 (credit and deposits) · PUCT: Electricity FAQ · PUCT: Choosing an electric plan.

Common questions

How far ahead should I set up electricity before I move in Texas?

Order three to seven days before your move-in date if you can. Most homes in Texas retail-choice areas have smart meters, so many providers can also start service the same or next business day, but same-day requests can cost extra and depend on when you order.

Do I have to pay a deposit for electricity in Texas?

Maybe. A provider can ask for a deposit if you cannot show satisfactory credit. Under PUCT rules it can be up to one-fifth of a year of estimated bills, or the next two months of estimated bills. Good payment history with a previous electric provider, or being 65 or older and current on your electric bills, can help you avoid one. Ask before you enroll.

Will I pay an early termination fee if I move out before my contract ends?

Not because of the move. Texas rules say a provider cannot charge an early termination fee when you move out and give a forwarding address (and, if asked, reasonable proof that you moved).

Is starting service the same as switching providers?

No. Starting service (a move-in) sets up electricity in your name at a new address. Switching changes the company that bills you at an address where you already have service. During a move you might do one, both or neither.

Can everyone in Texas pick their electricity provider when they move?

No. Most of the ERCOT grid has retail choice, but city-owned utilities such as Austin Energy and CPS Energy in San Antonio, most electric cooperatives, and areas such as El Paso and parts of East Texas and the Panhandle do not. There you set up service with the local utility.