You found the place, you have a move-in date, and now you need the lights on the day you get the keys. In most of Texas, you do not call "the power company" the way you might in other states. Because Texas is a deregulated electricity market, you choose your own retail electric provider and the plan that comes with it. The good news: setting up service at a new address is quick once you know the steps. Here is exactly what to do.
First, confirm your address is in a deregulated area
Most of Texas, including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Victoria, and much of the Gulf Coast and West Texas, is deregulated. In those areas you pick your own provider. A handful of places served by a municipal utility (for example, Austin Energy or CPS Energy in San Antonio) or an electric cooperative are not deregulated, and you simply set up service with that local utility instead. If you are not sure which applies to your new address, entering your ZIP in a comparison tool, or a quick call to Energy Direct, sorts it out in a minute.
Know who delivers your power (the TDU)
No matter which retail provider you choose, the poles, wires, and meter at your address are owned and maintained by a Transmission and Distribution Utility, or TDU. The big ones are Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth and much of North and West Texas), CenterPoint (the Houston area), AEP Texas (Corpus Christi, Victoria, and parts of South and Central Texas), and TNMP. Your TDU is set by your address, not by your provider, and the same regulated delivery charges apply no matter which retailer you sign with. That is why comparing plans is worth doing: the delivery piece is the same, so the difference comes down to the provider's energy rate and plan terms.
Time it right: when to set up service
Aim to have your plan in place a few days before move-in. Here is how the timing usually works:
- Standard switch or move-in — enrolling 1 to 3 business days ahead is typically enough for service to start on your requested date.
- Same-day or next-day — many providers offer expedited connection if you are in a pinch, though it can carry an extra TDU connection fee. Check the plan's terms.
- Brand-new construction — if the home has never had a meter energized, allow extra lead time, since the TDU may need to set or activate the meter.
Set your start date for the day you take possession so you are never paying for an empty home or sitting in the dark on moving day.
Quick tip
If you are leaving another Texas address, schedule the disconnect at your old home for the day after you move out, and the connect at your new home for your move-in day. That avoids both an overlap you pay for and a gap with no power.
What to have ready before you enroll
Enrollment is fast when you have these on hand:
- Your exact service address, including unit or apartment number. The address (not just the ZIP) determines your TDU and available plans.
- Your requested start date.
- A government-issued ID and your Social Security number or other ID the provider uses to confirm identity and run a standard credit check.
- A rough idea of your monthly usage if you have it. Texas plans are priced at usage tiers (commonly 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh), so knowing whether you run high or low helps you pick the plan that is actually cheapest for your home.
Depending on your credit, a provider may ask for a deposit to start service. Deposits are common and are usually refundable, and some plans or prepaid options let you skip it.
Choosing the right plan for your new home
Two homes at different addresses can have very different "best" plans. A few things to weigh:
Fixed vs. variable rate
A fixed-rate plan locks your energy rate for the contract term, which makes budgeting predictable. A variable-rate plan can move month to month. Most homeowners settling into a new place prefer the certainty of a fixed rate.
Contract length
Terms commonly run from month-to-month up to 12, 24, or 36 months. Longer terms can offer stability; shorter terms offer flexibility if you are not sure how long you will stay.
Match the plan to your usage
Some plans look cheap at 1,000 kWh but cost more if you use far less or far more. If your new home is larger, has a pool, or runs heavy summer air conditioning, the right plan can look different than it would for a small apartment.
Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL)
Every Texas plan comes with an Electricity Facts Label that spells out the energy charge, the TDU delivery charges, any monthly fees, the contract term, and the early-termination fee. The EFL is the honest, apples-to-apples document. Always check the live EFL for your address before you sign, because rates and terms change and vary by ZIP.
How Energy Direct makes the move easy
This is where a local consultant earns their keep. Energy Direct is an independent Ambit Energy consultant who can compare the plans available at your exact new address, walk you through the EFL so there are no surprises, and line up the right start date for your move-in. Because the enrollment runs through Ambit, the switch is handled for you, there is no separate call to the utility, and you are not left guessing. Comparing by ZIP is free, and you can call or text (361) 582-9724 if you would rather talk it through with a person.
Moving checklist
- Confirm your new address is in a deregulated area (most of Texas is).
- Compare plans by your exact service address and check the live EFL.
- Pick a plan that matches your expected usage and how long you plan to stay.
- Enroll a few business days before move-in and set your start date.
- If you are leaving another Texas home, schedule the disconnect there too.
FAQ
How far in advance should I set up electricity before moving in?
Enrolling 1 to 3 business days before your move-in date is usually enough for service to start on time. Many providers also offer same-day or next-day connection if you need it, sometimes with an added TDU fee.
Do I have to cancel my old electricity service when I move?
Yes. Setting up service at a new address does not automatically end service at your old one. Schedule a disconnect at the old home, ideally for the day after you move out, so you are not billed for a place you have left.
Will I need a deposit to start service?
It depends on the provider and your credit. Deposits are common, are typically refundable, and some plans or prepaid options let you avoid one. Energy Direct can point you to options that fit your situation.
Can I keep my current provider when I move within Texas?
Often yes, if your provider serves your new address, but a move is a great moment to re-compare. Your new address may have a different TDU and different plans, so the deal that was best at your old home may not be the best one now.
Bottom line
Setting up electricity at a new Texas address comes down to confirming you are in a deregulated area, comparing plans by your exact address, checking the EFL, and enrolling a few days ahead with the right start date. Do that and the lights are on when you walk in. Enter your ZIP below to see the plans available at your new address, or call or text (361) 582-9724 and Energy Direct will handle the rest.