In deregulated states like Texas, where many residents can choose among multiple retail electricity providers, knowing which utility company serves your area and which provider delivers your power is the first step toward a well-informed decision.
This guide explains how to check who provides electricity service to your address, how to compare utility services, and how to prepare for outages or switching providers so you get started with confidence and clarity.
How To Find Out Which Electric Service Provider Covers Your Address
Before you can compare plans or providers, you need to know which electric utilities cover your address. Here are the most reliable ways to find your electric service provider using your ZIP code or full address:
- Use your state’s public utility commission lookup tool: Enter your address or ZIP code and see which utility company handles power delivery.
- Check with local government or city websites: They often maintain service area resources identifying which public utilities serve specific neighborhoods.
- Ask your landlord or previous homeowner: They likely know which electric company or gas company previously provided service.
- Use a broker site’s ZIP code search tool: For example, enter your ZIP code at the search bar on PrepaidElectricity.co to see utility services and available electricity providers.
Understanding Utility Companies vs. Retail Electricity Providers
To choose the right electricity plan, it’s important to understand the roles of two key players: utility companies and retail electricity providers (REPs). Each serves a different function in delivering and managing your electric service.
What’s a Utility Company?
Utility companies deliver power to your home, maintain streetlights, power lines, and transformers, and respond to power outages. Their service area depends on geography, meaning you usually don’t have a choice — your address determines your public utility.
What’s a Retail Electricity Provider (REP)?
In deregulated markets, electricity providers buy power on wholesale markets and sell it to you under varying plans (fixed rate, variable rate, or prepaid). They don’t manage infrastructure or fix outages, but they do offer different pricing, billing options, and sometimes energy efficiency or renewable energy plans.
Understanding the distinction helps you pick a REP while still knowing who to call when the power goes out.
Where in the U.S. Can You Choose Your Electric Company?
Many areas remain regulated (you get one power company and limited plan choices), but several states, including much of Texas, allow retail competition. In deregulated zones, the utility company and REP are separate entities. If you live in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, or San Antonio, you can choose your electricity provider.
This freedom gives residents more control over electricity bills, kWh pricing, energy savings, and contract terms, which is especially useful when managing gas service, natural gas, or electric vehicles under the same account.
Common Utility Companies in Texas
Depending on your ZIP code, your infrastructure provider might be one of the following public utilities:
- Oncor: Serves the Dallas–Fort Worth area and parts of North Texas.
- CenterPoint: Covers Houston and the surrounding region.
- AEP Texas: Services parts of West Texas and South Texas.
- TNMP: Manages electric utility service in smaller Texas communities.
Regardless of your REP, your utility company is responsible for shut-off notices, outage reports, and restoring service.
How To Choose the Right Retail Electricity Provider
When selecting a retail electricity provider, consider:
- Rate plan type: Choose between fixed-rate plans (stable kWh pricing) and variable-rate plans (pricing can change with the energy market).
- Contract length and terms: Some plans include early termination fees, which is important if you’re likely to transfer service.
- Energy efficiency or renewable energy options: Many providers offer green energy plans that reduce emissions and promote energy savings.
- Service area compatibility: Make sure your provider serves your specific service territory.
- Customer support: Look for providers known for clear electricity bill breakdowns and strong customer reviews.
Why Prepaid Electricity Plans Deserve Consideration
Prepaid electricity plans offer flexibility for renters, those with irregular income, or anyone seeking more control over their electric bill. These plans often include:
- No deposit or credit check
- Daily usage alerts and balance tracking
- Same-day activation
- Compatibility with renewable energy plans
Prepaid plans are ideal in deregulated areas like Texas, where energy efficiency, real-time control, and budgeting are top priorities.
What To Do If Power Goes Out or You Have Service Issues
Even if you switch electricity providers, your utility company is responsible for fixing outages and maintaining infrastructure.
- Contact your utility directly in a power outage.
- Use their outage map or SMS alerts.
- Keep their info accessible in your new home or apartment.
Take Charge of Your Power Setup
Finding out which electric company services your address and selecting a retail electricity provider doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can check your service area, confirm your utility company, and choose a plan that supports your budget, energy usage, and long-term goals — whether that’s energy savings, renewable energy, or just fewer surprises on your electricity bill.
FAQ: Finding Your Electric Company by Address
Have questions about your utility services or plan options? These common questions can help clarify the basics.
How do I know which utility company services my address?
Use a ZIP code lookup tool on your state’s public utilities website or visit a broker site like PrepaidElectricity.co. Enter your full address to see who manages power delivery.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Texas?
Yes. Texas operates under deregulation, allowing most residents to pick their own electricity provider, though the utility company remains fixed.
What’s the difference between a utility and a provider?
A utility company maintains infrastructure and handles outages, while a retail provider manages your plan, pricing, and electric service terms.