Switching Providers: What Actually Happens

You select a plan from a specific REP and agree to the contract terms. Before anything is finalized you should have read and understood the EFL, confirmed your rate, contract term, and ETF, and provided authorization to proceed.

Your new REP submits a switch request to your TDU — an automated administrative process. Your current REP is notified of the pending switch.

In most cases the switch takes effect at your next scheduled meter reading — typically within one to two billing cycles. You finish out the current cycle with your old provider and begin with the new provider at the next meter read.

Your TDU records your meter reading on the switch date. This becomes the closing read for your old REP and the opening read for your new REP.

Within one billing cycle, you'll receive a final bill covering the period up to the switch date. If your old contract had an ETF that applied, it will appear on this bill.

Your first bill from your new REP covers the period from the switch date forward at your new contracted rate. Review it carefully to confirm the rate matches your contract terms.

The typical timeline from signing to the switch taking effect is one to two billing cycles — roughly 30 to 60 days. If your current contract expires on a specific date, sign your new contract at least 30 days before to ensure seamless coverage.

Most REPs will either apply your deposit as a credit to your final bill, or refund it within 30 to 60 days after the account closes. Check your original contract terms.

Within the same TDU territory: You can often transfer your existing contract to the new address. Contact your current REP to confirm.

To a different TDU territory: Your existing contract almost certainly doesn't transfer. Many contracts have a move-out ETF waiver — check yours.

Out of a deregulated area: If you're moving to El Paso or parts of the Panhandle, different rules apply and you may not have provider choice.

"Will my power go out during the switch?"

No. The physical electricity supply is continuous.

"Will I get a huge bill right after switching?"

You'll get a final bill from your old REP for the period up to the switch date. Normal prorated bill — not a penalty unless an ETF applies.

"What if the new REP messes up my billing?"

If the first bill doesn't match your contracted rate, contact them immediately and reference your EFL. If unresolved you can file a complaint with the PUCT.

"Can I switch back if I don't like the new provider?"

Yes — with the ETF caveat. If your new contract has an ETF and you switch again before it expires, you'll pay it.

"What happens to my autopay?"

Autopay with your old REP ends when the account closes. Set up autopay with your new REP separately after your first bill arrives.

When switching is straightforward — and when it's not

Straightforward: expired contract or variable rate plan, new contract starting as old one expires, or moving to a new address.

More complicated: mid-contract with a significant ETF, lots of administrative cleanup, or a commercial customer with complex contract terms.

An energy broker costs you nothing, saves you time, and — when you find a good one — gets you a better outcome than you'd likely reach on your own. The "free" isn't a trick. It's just how the market is structured. The only thing worth asking is whether the broker in front of you is actually good at the job.