If you’re planning a move in Texas, one thing you don’t want to forget is your electricity service. Transferring your electricity properly helps avoid power loss during the transition. Whether you're leaving an apartment or moving into a house, making sure both locations are covered keeps the lights on, literally.
Browse electricity plans.
Moving is already stressful. The last thing you need is a surprise blackout at your new place or your current home going dark before the movers finish. In Texas’s deregulated electricity market, you’re responsible for setting up or transferring service.
Planning ahead helps you:
Keep both locations powered during your move
Avoid fees for disconnections or rushed service
Make sure your new place is ready when you arrive
Maintain billing and service continuity
Start by reviewing your existing electricity plan. If your contract is still active, you may be able to transfer it without penalty.
Most Texas providers let you move your service to a new address as long as it's in the same utility service area. If you're moving to a new part of the state, you may need a new plan under a different utility.
Contact your electricity provider at least five to seven days before your move. Some providers offer online tools to schedule a move. You’ll need:
Your current service address
Your new service address
Desired stop and start dates
A forwarding address for final bills or refunds
This prevents delays and gives your provider time to process the switch.
If you’ll be between homes for a few days, make sure both places have power during that time. Most providers allow you to keep service at your current home while starting service at the new one under the same account.
This avoids:
Losing power before your move-out is complete
Entering a dark, non-air-conditioned home on move-in day
Cleaning or repairs being interrupted by outages
Ask your provider to set up overlapping service for a few days, then disconnect the old address once you’re fully out.
Make sure your email, phone number, and billing address are up to date so your provider can send confirmations, reminders, or final bills.
If you're switching to paperless billing or Auto Pay at your new address, update those settings too.
On move-out day, consider snapping a photo of your meter for your records. This can help resolve any billing questions later, especially if you're ending service in a rental property.
Some utilities will also do a final meter read to make sure your final bill is accurate.
Sometimes, electricity at your new home is still active when you move in. This is normal and may be due to a grace period or the previous occupant’s disconnect date.
To avoid paying for someone else’s usage, make sure your service is officially set up in your name starting on your move-in day. Do not assume that “power is on” means you’re already being billed correctly.
New to Texas or just getting your own service for the first time? Here's what to expect:
You’ll choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) and plan
You may need to provide ID and payment info
A credit check may be required
A deposit may be requested, depending on your provider
Some homes may require a connection fee from the local utility. This is a one-time fee added to your first bill and is not charged by your electricity provider.
Schedule early. Avoid same-day service requests if you can
Confirm activation. Most providers will send an email once service is live
Keep lights on. Use overlapping service to reduce stress
Know your rights. You are allowed to transfer electricity without penalty if you are moving, even under a fixed-rate contract
Power gaps are easy to avoid with a little planning. Whether you’re staying with the same provider or switching to a new one, start early and give yourself a buffer. Keeping both homes powered during your move gives you one less thing to worry about, and one more way to make your transition smoother.
Yes. Most providers let you start service at your new home while keeping your current address active. This helps avoid power loss during your move.
No. If you are moving and provide a forwarding address, most providers will waive any early termination fees.
Contact your provider at least five to seven days before your move. Some allow you to schedule moves up to 30 days in advance.
It may still be active from the previous resident. You’ll still need to transfer the service into your name starting on your move-in day.
You’ll need your new address, move-in date, and payment information. Some providers may require a credit check or deposit.
