If you’re gearing up for a move to Texas, there’s something you should know: you might have to shop for your own electricity. Unlike most states, parts of Texas have a deregulated energy market. That means you’re not automatically matched with a utility—you’ll need to select one yourself. It sounds empowering, but the process can get overwhelming quickly.
Here’s what I’ve learned from working with new homeowners across Texas—and what you need to know before move-in day.
1. First, Know Where You’re Moving
Not every Texas city is deregulated. If you’re headed to Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, or Arlington—you’ll need to choose your electricity provider. Cities like Austin and San Antonio, though, still use city-owned utilities. So, step one: look up your zip code.
If you’re in a deregulated zone and don’t pick a plan, you could get stuck with default service at a much higher rate.
2. Don’t Trust Just Any Search Result
When people Google “cheap electricity Texas,” they often land on broker sites that are paid to promote certain plans. These can come with teaser rates, hidden fees, or usage rules that make things more expensive in the long run.
Use tools that break down the real cost—not just what looks good in an ad. Delivery fees, contract length, and cancellation penalties all add up.
3. Use a Marketplace That’s Actually Helpful
This is where Gatby comes in. It’s a free online marketplace that helps Texans compare electricity plans side by side in less than a minute. I’ve seen firsthand how much time (and money) it saves people.
It also offers a feature called Autopilot, which automatically re-shops your plan when your contract ends, helping you avoid surprise rate hikes.
4. Look for These Red Flags
Some electricity plans sound great until you dig into the fine print. Be cautious of:
– Early termination fees (ETFs)
– Plans that offer discounted rates during certain hours but offset it with higher daytime pricing
– Variable-rate contracts that change monthly
– Minimum usage penalties for low-energy homes
5. Get Ahead of It
Once you know which plan works best for your new home, arrange service before moving day. While many providers can activate power quickly, it’s risky to wait. Try to have electricity turned on at least a day ahead of your arrival.
6. Add It to Your Moving Checklist
Electricity setup is just as important as forwarding mail or setting up internet. If you’re moving to a deregulated Texas city, make electricity one of your top moving tasks. This simple step could lead to significant savings on your annual electricity costs.
Final Word
Electricity in Texas doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By learning the basics and using a trusted tool like Gatby, you can move in with peace of mind.
Need more tips? Check out All Around Moving’s blog for helpful relocation advice.
We hope you found this post on Moving to Texas? Avoid Electricity Headaches in Deregulated Cities, useful. Be sure to check out our post, Living and Working in Texas: Top 7 Cities to Move to for more great information.
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