When Texas electricity was deregulated on Jan. 1, 2002, with the passage of State Senate Bill SB7, Texans were encouraged to shop for competitive electricity prices. Deregulation has created competition, renewable energy choices, better services and additional customer-service benefits.
Before deregulation, one utility managed the transmission, distribution and sales of electricity to your home or business. Today, your local wires company still maintains the transmission and distribution of your electricity, while another company (Retail Electric Provider) handles the sales and billing of your electricity. The Public Utility Commission assures the safety and reliability of the delivery of electricity is the same, regardless of the company you buy your electricity from.
Q: What has stayed the same in electric service?
A: Your current Transmission and Distribution Utility, or "local wires company," continues to deliver electricity to your home. Your local wires company still responds to service interruptions and continues to maintain the poles and wires. You will continue to receive the same reliable service you're used to with your local wires company, regardless of which Retail Electric Provider you use.
Q: What has changed in electric service?
A: You can now choose to buy your electricity from a different electric provider than the original provider for your area, such as TXU. These companies are called Retail Electric Providers. Additionally, your bill now looks different than bills you have received in the past. However, each Retail Electric Provider provides the same standard information.
Q: Do all Texans have the power to choose their electric provider?
A: No. City-owned utilities and member-owned electric cooperatives have the option of giving their customers a choice of providers or keeping things the way they are. To see if competition is available in your area, enter your five-digit ZIP code in the box at the top of this page, or call toll-free 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839).
Q: What are the benefits of electric choice?
A: Having more control over your buying decision should make it easier to determine what matters most to you, whether it's prices, renewable energy, customer service, or simply a name you know. Electric competition also should help the environment because Retail Electric Providers must offer some energy from renewable energy sources. Renewable energy - such as wind, solar, hydroelectric and biomass (gas released from landfills) - produces less air pollution than sources that rely on burning coal or natural gas.
Q: With competition, will the reliability of my electric service change?
A: No. No matter which Retail Electric Provider you choose, your electricity will continue to be delivered safely and reliably by the local wires company, a company still regulated by the PUC.
Q: What are my rights as an electric customer?
A: You have the right to choose an electric provider, which includes the right to be served by the Affiliate Retail Electric Provider (the electric provider that was part of the original electric company that generated and sold electricity in your area, that now only sells electricity). No matter which electric provider you choose, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) will continue to protect your rights. If you think your rights have been violated, call PUC's toll-free customer hotline at 1-888-PUC-TIPS (1-888-782-8477).
