Moving in Texas and need to set up electricity in your new home? You can transfer electricity service or you can shop for a new electricity provider. In this article we outline when to shop vs. transfer your service, how to transfer your electricity service or how to cancel your electricity if you decide that’s the best option.
Key Takeaways
- If you’re moving within the same utility area in Texas, you can transfer your current electricity plan to your new home.
- When moving to a new utility delivery area, you’ll need to shop for a new plan.
- Moving also gives you the opportunity to cancel your current electricity plan with no early termination penalty. Always compare electricity rates before transferring your existing plan.
What is a Transfer of Electricity Service?
When you transfer electricity service, you’re asking your electricity provider to move your existing contract from your old home to your new home. You can only do this if you are staying within the same utility delivery area. If your home is in a different delivery area, you can not transfer the contract, and will need to shop for a new electricity plan.
Here are two examples to show when a transfer is possible and when it’s not.
🚚 Moving from Dallas to Arlington? Both have Oncor as the electric utility. You can transfer your electricity plan to your new home.
🛣️ Moving from Houston to Dallas? CenterPoint is the electric utility for Houston. Oncor is the electric utility for Dallas. You can not transfer your electricity plan when moving to a new utility area. Instead, shop for a new electricity provider and contact your provider to cancel your electricity service with no termination penalty.
Not sure what utility serves your new home? Use our ESID Lookup to find out the utility company for your new home. Just enter your new address to see the utility and current offers.
>Read More: Learn more about moving before your electricity plan expires in our article on that topic!
Should You Take Your Plan With You?
Now that you’ve determined that you CAN take your electricity service to your new home, the question is, should you? Assuming you are moving within the same utility area, here’s when a transfer of electricity service makes sense and when it doesn’t.
Transfer Your Electricity Service
Transfer your electricity service to your new home if:
- Your current rate is lower than what’s available now.
Don’t Transfer Your Electricity Service
Don’t transfer your electricity plan to your new home if:
- Your current rate is more expensive than market prices. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop!
- You have a bill credit, tiered rate or free nights/weekends electricity plan. Your usage pattern at your new home and old home will be different.
Average Electricity Rates by Utility (Delivery Area)
- Average electricity rate in AEP Texas Central: 16.15¢ per kWh
- Average electricity rate in AEP Texas North: 17.76¢ per kWh
- Average electricity rate in CenterPoint Energy: 16.29¢ per kWh
- Average electricity rate in Lubbock Power & Light: 16.20¢ per kWh
- Average electricity rate in Oncor: 15.86¢ per kWh
- Average electricity rate in TNMP: 18.23¢ per kWh
How to Transfer or Cancel Your Electricity Service
Once you’ve decided whether to transfer or cancel your current service, here are the steps to follow:
Transfer Your Electricity Service
- Contact your electricity provider and request a transfer of service
- Schedule the move-out date for your old home and a move-in date for your new home.
Need service at both homes while you’re relocating? You can typically overlap your service in your new and old home by up to 60 days.
TIP: Schedule your move-in date for the day before your planned move. And schedule your move-out date for the day after your planned move. That way you won’t be in the dark in either location.
Cancel Your Electricity Service
- Contact your electricity provider to cancel your service.
- Provide proof of your move, such as a forwarding address for your final bill, to waive any early termination fee.
- Shop for a new electricity plan for your new home.
Your electricity provider must waive any early termination fee when you provide proof of a move. That’s the law, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
FAQs – Transfer Electricity Service
Yes, most electricity providers in Texas will let you have two homes under the same electricity contract and rate for up to 60 days when you are moving to a new home in the same service area.
No, your electricity service was established based on your credit history and credit score. You can not transfer financial responsibility to a different person. You may be able to add a name to the current electricity contract as an authorized representative, however they won’t be financially responsible for the account.
Yes, you can typically switch commercial electricity service to a new business owner, if (1) the contract allows assignability and (2) if the new owner passes a credit review. Check your contact and talk to your electricity provider about this option.
With smart meters in Texas, you can transfer your electricity service the same day to start service in your new home. But we recommend that you set up service at least 3 days in advance to avoid any complications. Your provider won’t be able to set up your new service to start on a Sunday or holidays.
Photo Credit: ©Aflo Images via Canva.com
