What to establish before acting
Identify the REP, transmission and distribution utility, rate class, current term, and every meter on the request. Compare TDU charges separately from defined supply pricing and inspect ancillary, loss, volume, and adjustment treatment. A provider’s marketing description is not proof that all bill components are fixed. Major load additions need a utility capacity review independent of supplier selection. Keep account authorization, contract approval, and enrollment tracking controlled within the business, especially for multiple premises.
Illustrative decision boundary
A hypothetical Dallas-area portfolio includes an Oncor account and a municipal-system account elsewhere. It should not request one unrestricted REP switch for both based on the Texas mailing address. Verify the second system’s actual arrangement and prepare separate budget assumptions.
Documents for a useful review
- ESI IDs, TDU, rate class, REP agreement, and current notices.
- Complete cost scope, meter coverage, usage, and load-change plans.
- Accepted effective dates and verified first bills by account.
Questions & answers
Can every Texas business choose a REP?
No. Competitive participation depends on territory and utility arrangement. Municipalities, cooperatives, and parts of the state outside that structure require account-specific verification.
Does ERCOT send the bill?
Ordinarily the REP handles retail billing under the arrangement, with TDU delivery charges reflected as applicable. ERCOT operates grid and market functions rather than acting as the ordinary retail seller.
Will changing REP change Oncor or CenterPoint delivery?
An ordinary supply switch does not replace the delivery network. Maintain the TDU’s official outage and service contacts separately from renewal and billing contacts.
What does a fixed Texas offer exclude?
It depends on the contract. Request an itemized list covering TDU charges, taxes, ancillary treatment, losses, fees, and permitted price or volume adjustments before comparing.
Can the same electricity process qualify my gas meter?
No. Gas uses the local distribution utility’s own tariff and eligibility requirements, with separate units, transport, balancing, and service conditions. Confirm it independently.
Sources & scope
Primary references reviewed October 15, 2026. These sources support the stated concepts; actual tariffs, program rules and signed agreements govern the account. Decision examples and operational worksheets are original educational analysis.
- Texas PUCT: Electricity questions
Competitive-territory retail arrangements and utility roles. - ERCOT: Energy-only wholesale market
Texas energy market design and distinction from a forward capacity market. - EIA: Natural gas customer choice programs
Gas marketing, distribution, and differences among choice programs. - DOE FEMP: Evaluating your utility rate options
Demand, ratchets, time-of-use rates, coincident peaks, and standby charges.