AUSTIN—More than half a million Texas electric customers have switched to a new Retail Electric Provider since retail electric competition began in January 2002, according to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC).  Residential customers have between six and 12 electric providers from which to choose, depending on where they live.

In addition, nonresidential electric customers continue to be the most active in selecting a new Retail Electric Provider— already nearly half of all large nonresidential customers have chosen a new provider. 

“Texans are showing a strong interest in their power to choose,” said PUC Chairman Rebecca Klein. 

“The hot summer months, when many Texans use more electricity to run air conditioners, are an excellent time for residents to shop for the best electricity offers.”

Shopping for a new electric provider can result in lower bills during the summer heat.  To start shopping, log on to www.powertochoose.org, enter your 5-digit Texas ZIP code and click the “Submit” button.  Texans can find out if their area has Electric Choice, and from there, can compare a list of available providers based on annual savings, contracts, monthly costs and more.

Customers can also call toll-free 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839) for a list of electric providers in their area, helpful shopping tips and additional customer information.

About Texas Electric Choice

For more information on Texas Electric Choice, or for a free copy of “Your Power Guide to Electric Choice” in either English or Spanish, call toll-free 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839) or visit the website at www.powertochoose.org or www.poderdeescoger.org. Additional publications are available in English and Spanish, and alternative materials will be provided on the website for customers with visual impairments. Customers who are hard of hearing can call 7-1-1 to reach Texas Electric Choice.