How electricity choice works in Dallas
In most of the Dallas area, Oncor Electric Delivery owns and maintains the poles, wires, and meters. Oncor is your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) and is responsible for delivering power and restoring outages. Retail electricity providers like Ambit offer the plans, pricing structures, and billing.
Neighborhoods like Oak Lawn, East Dallas, Preston Hollow, North Dallas, and parts of Irving and Plano can see different plan availability and pricing based on ZIP code and usage. That’s why shopping always starts with your specific service address rather than assuming one “Dallas rate” fits everyone.
Summer cooling loads and electric heating in shoulder seasons can drive usage higher. When you compare plans, focus on how each plan performs at the usage levels that match your home or apartment, not just the advertised headline rate.
- Enter your ZIP code on the plans page to see options in the Oncor service area.
- Open the EFL for any plan you’re considering.
- Compare average prices at 500 / 1000 / 2000 kWh to estimate how the plan fits your usage.
- Check for minimum usage fees, base charges, and bill credit thresholds.
- Confirm contract length and any early termination fee before enrolling.
What to check in the EFL
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) outlines how a Dallas plan is priced and which charges are included. Use it to compare options before you enroll, especially when you’re considering free nights/weekends or bill credit plans.
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Average price at 500 / 1000 / 2000 kWh
See how the plan behaves for apartments, townhomes, and larger single-family homes. -
Base charges or minimum usage fees
Some plans add a fee when your monthly usage is below a certain level. -
Bill credits and thresholds
Check at what usage levels credits apply and what happens if you’re above or below that range. -
Contract length & early termination fee
Know the term of the agreement and the cost to end it early if you move or change plans. -
Renewable content
Review the renewable percentage listed if you prefer greener electricity options.
For a deeper walkthrough, see: Understanding the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
Outages & FAQs — Oncor
Oncor Electric Delivery manages delivery and outage restoration in the Dallas area. Your retail provider manages your plan and billing, but Oncor is responsible for getting the lights back on when there is an outage.
Who handles power outages in Dallas?
Oncor Electric Delivery manages outage restoration and line maintenance in the Dallas area,
regardless of which retail electricity provider you choose.
Are free nights or weekends plans available in Dallas?
Yes. Some providers offer time-of-use plans such as free nights or weekends in Oncor territory.
Always review the EFL and your own usage pattern to see if this type of pricing fits your household.
Will switching providers interrupt my electricity service?
Typically no. Your power stays on during a switch because Oncor continues to deliver electricity
while your new provider begins billing under the new plan.
Dallas Resources
These resources can help you understand your options and plan details before you enroll in a Dallas electricity plan.
Nearby Areas
Many surrounding cities are also in the Oncor service area, including:
Irving • Plano • Garland • Richardson
If you’re just outside Dallas city limits, enter your ZIP on the plans page to see whether options are available at your address.