Dallas was formally incorporated as a city on February 2, 1856. The city came 11 years after the U.S. annexed the Republic of Texas, and a decade after Dallas County was established. In honor of the city’s 167^th birthday, we’re taking a look at its energy history and electricity providers in Dallas.

When did electricity come to Dallas?

The first light bulbs in Dallas lit up in 1882. To be more precise, 12 light bulbs over three locations shone brightly. A plant in a small wooden building, built with private funds just four years after Thomas Edison invented the incandescent lamp, supplied the energy. 

As need for electricity increased, a generation plant was built in 1890. By 1900, electricity in Dallas had become widespread. 

Nearly 100 years later, when the state deregulated electricity, electricity providers in Dallas have multiplied. And for good reason. The ninth-largest city in the U.S. by population, Dallas is one of the top electricity-consuming cities in the nation. It also attracts more than 22 million visitors each year. 

Now, it’s time to learn more about electricity companies in Dallas.

Can I take my pick from the electricity providers in Dallas?

You likely have your choice of electricity providers in Dallas. That’s because around 90% of Texas live in a deregulated energy market. This gives most people in the state the power to choose the best electric company in Dallas for their home, lifestyle and needs. 

For reference, you do not choose your Transmission and Delivery Service Provider (TDSP). Instead, it is assigned based on your home or apartment’s address. 

However, if you live in a deregulated area, you are free to choose your Retail Electricity Provider (REP). And there are many electricity providers in Dallas to choose from. 

What is a TDSP?

A TDSP is your utility company. It owns, controls and maintains the electricity poles, wires and meters. A TDSP delivers electricity over their network to homes and businesses. 

In Texas, five TDSPs serve most of the state. They are AEP North, AEP Central, CenterPoint Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery and Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP).

What is an REP? 

A REP buys electricity at wholesale pricing. Then, it sells it to customers. Because of this setup, REPs must offer competitive rates (and excellent service) to earn your business. 

What TDSP serves Dallas?

Oncor is the TDSP that serves Dallas. Additionally, Oncor delivers energy to some of the city’s nearby areas. This includes communities like:

• Addison
• Corsicana
• Chandler
• Dallas
• Denison
• Denton
• Diboll
• Fort Worth
• Midland
• Odessa
• Palestine
• Paris
• Plano
• Tyler
• Wichita Falls
• And more!

Which electricity providers in Dallas can residents choose from?

The regulating body for Texas’s utilities, including electricity, is the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). The PUCT lists more than 100 REPs in Texas. Many of these REPs serve residents in Dallas and nearby areas. 

Try searching for electricity companies in Dallas using your ZIP code. You’ll discover some popular REPs that offer service and plans in your area.

What is the best electric company in Dallas?

Dallas has many electric companies you can trust. However, identifying the “best” energy companies in Dallas is simply a matter of opinion and preference. 

For example, the “best” energy company in Dallas, in your opinion, may be the one offering the lowest rate. Or, maybe you think the “best” Dallas electricity provider is the one with the most renewable energy plans. As you can see, “best” is subjective.

But no matter what you’re looking for, there is a plan for you. The electricity companies in Dallas know they have to meet your budget and needs to earn your business. 

Take a look at some of the electricity providers Dallas residents can choose from. Each of these companies has been in business for years. Plus, they regularly earn positive customer reviews. They also  offer electricity plan options for a variety of lifestyles.

Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy has been providing energy to Dallas residents for more than 20 years. It’s one of the state’s most popular REPs. In fact, Reliant serves more than 1 million customers across Texas.

Plans and benefits

Plan highlights from Reliant include options such as:

• Time-of-Use plans offering free energy during specific times of the week, like nights or weekends
• Plans with enrollment perks or bonuses
• 100% solar energy plans

Some of the ways Reliant stands out from the pack include:

• Discounts on backup power and smart home products
• A strong commitment to community, supporting a wide range of non-profits and groups 
• A customer referral program
• 24/7 award-winning customer service and support
• Easy-to-use account management app and other innovative ways to manage your electricity usage

Customer reviews

Customers of Reliant Energy shared these experiences:

“The Truly Free Weekends plan has saved us a lot of money. I occasionally brag about how low my energy bill is.” – Joshua N.

“We love the free electricity from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. We’ve saved over 30% on our electricity using the Truly Free Nights plan.” – William B.

“We’ve been customers for 11 years. When we got solar panels, you helped make it an easy transition. Your rates are low compared to others.” – Sarah S. 

Learn more about Reliant Energy here.

Cirro Energy

Cirro Energy is one of the electricity companies in Dallas focused on easy, hassle-free electricity service. Many across Texas enjoy Cirro Energy’s unique approach.

Plans and benefits

Cirro has energy options like:

• Easy-to-read, easy-to-understand monthly bills
• Plans that offer bill credits for keeping your energy usage below certain amounts

Customers who choose Cirro Energy also benefit from:

• Transparent pricing and terms
• Easy account management and bill pay, online or through their app
• Average billing for easier budgeting

Customer reviews

Cirro Energy customers provided these recommendations:

“Wonderful customer service. Cirro has always been responsive [and] José went above and beyond to make sure the new plan was properly confirmed.” – Janice C.

“[Cirro reassured me] that I was not exposed to crazy spikes in electric bills. Thank you for protecting your customers!” – Sue M.

Learn more about Cirro Energy here. 

Green Mountain Energy

The first energy company dedicated to providing clean energy in Texas was Green Mountain Energy. They’re also the nation’s longest-serving renewable energy retailer.Enrolling in a Green Mountain Energy plan makes it easy to have a positive impact on the planet. Also, choosing clean energy supports a cleaner electricity grid. Plus, you can decrease your carbon footprint. (That’s the amount of CO₂ you release into the atmosphere through your day-to-day activities and choices.)

Plans and benefits

Plan highlights from Green Mountain Energy include options with:

• 100% renewable energy with every plan
• Panel-free solar energy plans 
• Time-of-Use plans offering free energy at night

Choosing Green Mountain Energy offers many benefits, like:

• The ability to buy carbon offsets to negate CO₂ emissions from your daily activities (like driving) 
• Charitable giving to support energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable solutions
• A mobile app to compare your energy usage and track your impact
• Tips for using less energy and other ways to help protect the planet

Customer reviews

Green Mountain Energy has earned many positive customer comments, including:

“They made setup, paperless billing and AutoPay a breeze. I love the weekly usage summaries — they make budgeting a snap.” – Jet J.

“I’ve been really happy with Green Mountain Energy so far. I’m excited to know that my energy use is coming from renewable sources!” – Ryan H.

“The setup was seamless; the product is great. It feels good being green. And, I now try to be more energy-efficient, too.” – M.K.B.

Learn more about Green Mountain Energy here.

Direct Energy

Direct Energy has been a trusted REP for Texans for over 20 years. The company gives customers practical tools and resources to manage their home energy and systems efficiently. 

Plans and benefits

Direct Energy offers a number of plan options, including those with:

• Free power on weekends
• Free nights from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Additionally, Direct Energy customers have access to:

• Insights tool that uses your Smart Meter data to build a home profile and estimate electricity usage of key systems and appliances
• Excellent customer service
• Home Protection Plans to protect heating & cooling, plumbing, water & sewer, and other systems in the home

Customer reviews

Satisfied Direct Energy customers had these comments to share: 

“My bills are lower than with my previous energy provider! I can pay my bill over the phone with ease, and I like the email reminders.” – Gabriela O.

“We are taking advantage of the free nights program. We have decreased daytime energy use. That saves us money and puts less strain on the grid.” – John N.

“Good service. And the price is reasonable for our family. We enjoy our free weekend time so we can do a big bulk of laundry without running the bill up.” – Brittany D.

“When other energy companies were raising rates during the freeze, Direct Energy stated that my bill would not be raised. I love their integrity and honesty.” – Ora B.

Learn more about Direct Energy here.

Discount Power

Want to find no-frills electricity companies in Dallas for your home? You can’t go wrong with Discount Power. Discount Power has prided itself on giving people great deals with no surprises since 2009. Fixed-rate plans have no hidden fees. Just low rates that fit your budget.

Plans and benefits

Discount Power offers its customers:

• Simple electricity plan options
• Budget-friendly options
• Convenient enrollment and self-service options
• Friendly customer service

Customer reviews

Customers with Discount Power have commented:

“I’m real pleased with Discount Power. We signed up for two years and I’m glad we did. Excellent rates and good service.” – Raghu R.

“Amazing, competitive prices and customer service.” – Joe W.

“Fair pricing, great service. Highly recommended.” – Howie B.

Learn more about Discount Power here. 

What is the cheapest electric company in Dallas?

Electricity companies in Dallas and all over Texas all have unique plan offers. Really, there is no single company with the cheapest electricity rates in Dallas. Or Texas for that matter.

Plus, a cheap plan isn’t always the best plan. Actually, you’ll have more success if you take a step back during your energy search. For example, evaluate all aspects of an energy plan and provider. Then, choose the one that makes the most sense for you, your family and your home.

To find an energy plan that fits your budget and your life, shop and compare plans and rates.

How do I compare electric rates Dallas offers to residents?

Everything Energy makes it easy to shop and compare electricity plans and rates. To view plans from trusted electricity providers in Dallas, Texas, simply enter your ZIP code here.

After another summer of high energy bills, Texans may be interested in learning more about current electricity rates. Doing so can keep you informed about current energy prices and help you find low-cost electricity. It can also help you budget better before the hot days return.

To learn more about current electricity rates, visit trusted resources with reliable information. Here are a few you can count on.

Where can I learn more about current electricity rates?

1. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT)

The PUCT is the regulating body for Texas utilities. According to its website, it “regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.”

It was established in 1975, but its role has evolved over time. In 1999, the electricity market became deregulated. Now that customers have the power to choose their retail electric provider, the PUCT has an important role. It oversees the competitive wholesale and retail markets. This ensures Texans receive the benefits of competition. 

The PUCT can help people learn about current electricity rates and other costs on its Charges on Your Energy Bill page. It defines more than 20 terms you may see on your bill. Using this site, you can learn about how your monthly payments are allocated.

2. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 

The EIA is a government agency that “collects, analyzes and disseminates independent and impartial energy information to promote sound policymaking, efficient markets and public understanding of energy and its interaction with the economy and the environment.”

Created in 1978, the organization has a wealth of information about electricity and the energy industry. Topics you can dive into include short- and long-term energy projections, statistics by geography and more.

But, for information about current electricity rates, check out the Rankings page. It shows the average retail electricity price by state. You can see current electricity prices per kwh for Texas and how it compares to the other 49 states (and the District of Columbia). 

3. Smart Meter Texas About Us – Smart Meter Texas

According to its website, Smart Meter Texas is “a collaborative effort among […] AEP Texas Central Company, AEP Texas North Company, CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC and Texas-New Mexico Power Company.” 

Endorsed by the PUCT, the Smart Meter Texas website stores daily, monthly and 15-minute interval data recorded by Smart Meters. It also allows customers secure access to their data.

If your home has a Smart Meter, you can register on the Smart Meter Texas website. After doing so, you can view up to two years of your electricity usage data. 

Once registered, you’ll see a very detailed breakdown of when you use the most and least energy. This will prove important when you start looking into current electricity rates, electricity providers and specific plans.

For instance, some energy plans offer discounts during certain times of the day. These discounts typically fall on off-peak usage hours. (Think late at night or on weekends.) 

So take a look at your Smart Meter Texas data and see if the majority of your usage falls within these specific timeframes. If so, you will be able to search for low-cost electricity more effectively. 

After all, the more details you know, the easier it is to make the most beneficial choice.

4. Your current electricity provider

For some initial research into current electricity rates, you don’t have to look very far. See current offers from your electricity provider. Then, compare them to what you pay right now. In most cases, you can get started by visiting the provider’s website and typing in your ZIP code.

However, this is just one piece of the puzzle. You should also visit an energy broker  like Everything Energy. This will give you a larger and clearer picture of current electricity rates.

5. Everything Energy

For current electricity rates from Texas electricity providers you can trust, look no further! Everything Energy compiles top offers from well-known energy suppliers in the state. Then, we give you the tools to sort and filter based on your usage, needs and preferences. You can even sign up on a plan that very day.

Everything Energy can also use your Smart Meter Texas data (after you give permission) to provide more accurate monthly bill estimates based on your electricity usage history.

How can I compare current electricity rates today?

Now that you know where you can look to find the information you need about current energy prices, It’s easy to find low-cost electricity. Everything Energy offers the personalization needed to choose the best electricity plan for your home. Start shopping today!

You may have searched for the “best energy supplier” for your home. Or the “cheapest electricity supplier.” But have you ever thought about the origins of electricity itself? One such story begins with an original electricity provider, Benjamin Franklin.

Today, January 17, marks the birthday of this jack-of-all-trades Founding Father. It’s true that no one person can claim to have discovered electricity. However, his contributions in the field cement his spot in the history of electricity. 

Why is Ben Franklin considered a pioneering electricity provider?

Benjamin Franklin was born over 300 years ago in 1706 colonial Boston. After expanding his printing business in the colonies, he had earned enough money to retire at age 42. Around that time, he started conducting experiments with electricity that would eventually lead to what we now refer to as electric suppliers.

Franklin’s interest in electricity

Being a curious person and inventor (of bifocals, swim fins and the odometer, to name a few), Franklin started exploring electricity. Up until then, electricity had mostly been used in magic tricks to shock and delight people. However, an electricity provider for home energy did not appear on anyone’s radar.

In 1750, he produced an important invention. Noting that lightning usually struck the highest point of a home, and that it could cause fires, Franklin invented the lightning rod. Fixed to a structure’s highest point, the rod would redirect the lightning’s current into the ground. 

Then, Franklin conducted his famous kite experiment in 1752. This helped him show the connection between electricity and lightning.

In short, these and many other discoveries by Franklin helped advance knowledge and application of electricity. Thanks to this, we can now rely on an electricity provider to power our homes and businesses.

Fun facts about Ben Franklin, a pioneer for today’s electricity provider

Before there were energy providers for homes and businesses, there was Ben Franklin. A Founding Father, writer, inventor … he led a truly interesting life.

Fun facts about Ben Franklin

• Franklin dropped out of school at age 10 to help in his father’s candle and soap shop
• Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack, containing weather predictions, poetry, recipes, advice, proverbs and more, made him very wealthy.
• Franklin started the first volunteer fire department in America
• In 1785, Franklin became the wealthiest person in the newly formed U.S.
• Franklin played chess competitively and earned a place in the Chess Hall of Fame in 1999

Compare your modern electricity provider options with Everything Energy

Now here we are in present-day Texas, enjoying the fruits of Ben Franklin’s (and many others’) labor. For residential electricity that keeps your home comfortable and your life moving, Everything Energy has you covered. Shop for an electricity provider and plan using our free tools today. Just enter your ZIP code to get started!

It sounds strange to turn to power suppliers for help in using less energy and to cut personal electricity costs. But helping people use less electricity is a form of proactive service. And it’s a common practice among electricity providers.

Here’s a quick look at why this is and how power suppliers can help you use and spend less.

Why do power suppliers want to help me cut energy costs?

There are a few reasons why power suppliers would like you to use less energy. 

One reason is based on the current electricity grid. At any given time, there is a set amount of electricity available. During “peak demand,” a lot of people want to use energy at the same time. Think: a very hot Texas summer day. The available electricity can get maxed out with everyone cranking up the AC. 

At this point, more energy is needed to prevent brownouts or blackouts. One way to make more is to update old generators or build new ones. But it’s actually more cost-effective for electricity providers to encourage homes and businesses to use less energy. 

Another reason power suppliers want to help you save energy is based on customer satisfaction. Customers usually don’t need to contact their electric company. But when they do, it may be to express unhappiness about a high bill. By helping customers keep their bills lower, power suppliers proactively address those concerns. This can give people fewer reasons to switch electricity suppliers.

Lastly, electricity providers know that we’re all working with limited resources from the earth. When customers reduce energy waste, everybody wins. 

These win-win situations show why it’s in all of our best interest to use less energy. So how do power suppliers help us do this?

What ways do power suppliers help customers conserve energy?

There are many ways that power suppliers empower people to save energy. Here are just a few:

Energy-saving tips

Most electricity providers offer energy-saving tips and tricks on their websites. A few examples include Green Mountain Energy and Direct Energy’s helpful Learning Center.

Incentives for conserving energy

Some power suppliers offer incentives for using less. Reliant Energy’s Degrees of Difference program, for example, rewards customers for using less when demand is high.

Eco-friendly devices

It’s becoming more common to see power suppliers offering energy-saving products (like smart thermostats) bundled with their electricity plans. 

Power supplier apps & other technology

Power suppliers often offer a useful app or other tech, like online account management. These can help you to monitor your energy usage.

App features can include things like viewing past usage, tracking your green impact, controlling your smart thermostat on the go and more.

How can I attempt to  reduce my electricity costs today?

1. Check your home for energy wasters.

Phantom load, also called “vampire power,” occurs when a plugged-in item is not in use but consumes power in standby mode. Phantom load can amount to 5-10% of your electricity bill. However, fixing this issue can help you save on your monthly bill.

2. Make easy lifestyle changes to use less energy.

Some energy-saving actions, like making home updates, can seem daunting. But don’t get discouraged! Instead, start with the easy stuff. Turn off lights, entertainment and computers when you leave the room. Set your thermostat a degree or two lower in winter. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees. These all take mere seconds to do but can make a difference.

3. Make sure you’re with one of the best power suppliers for your lifestyle.

The “cheapest” electricity supplier or a retail electricity provider with what appears to be lowest rate per kilowatt hour listed online, is not always the best electricity supplier for your home. And they may not necessarily net you the lowest energy bill. You have to dig a little deeper. For example, look at factors such as your typical monthly usage, your highest usage hours and plan incentives and perks that may lower your total monthly electricity costs.

Find the top power suppliers, plans and pricing for your life

Now that you’ve seen how power suppliers can help you cut energy costs, it’s time to find the right one for you. To weigh your options and make apples-to-apples comparisons between electricity plans, visit Everything Energy. Our innovative search tools make it easy to find the best electricity provider based on your specific needs and preferences.

January is Get Organized Month! After a full and often hectic December, now is the time to bring order to your life. From being on time to cooking healthier meals to starting a hobby, organization helps you succeed. And finding low electricity rates is no different.

Read on to find out how to get organized when it comes to getting low-cost electricity without the stress.

The 5 W’s of finding low electricity rates

Don’t just set out looking for low electricity rates without a plan. Get organized by answering the 5 W’s first: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

WHO do I want to give my business to?

Not all low-cost energy plans are created the same. There are many Texas electricity providers out there. Make sure you choose a provider that you can trust. 

You may already have a few names in mind based on past experience or word of mouth. That’s a great start! It’s also wise to be open to other energy companies — as long as you do your research first.

Also, you might want to consider more factors than just looking at companies with low electricity rates. For example, if sustainability is important to you, you can look for a provider that offers affordable clean energy plans. Or, if the bulk of your electricity use comes at night or on the weekend, a company that offers Time-of-Use plans could be a great match for you.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Do some initial research to narrow down the companies you trust the most and that have plans that best fit your needs. 

WHAT do I need to have on-hand if I want to switch electricity providers?

When you’re ready to enroll in a plan, you’ll want to have certain info handy to finish the process. You may be asked for some or all of the following:

• Service address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Social Security Number OR driver’s license number (This is required to verify your identity. The low-cost electric company you enroll with will usually run a credit check to determine if a deposit is needed from you.)
• Credit card number (if you want to set up automatic payments)
• Preferred start date for your electricity
• The name of your current electricity provider
• Your ESI ID (Electric Service Identifier; pronounced “Easy ID”) (A 17- or 22-digit unique identifier assigned to each deregulated electricity meter connected to a home or business in Texas. You should be able to find this on one of your home energy bills.)

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Gather all of this info ahead of time, in one place. It will make for an easier and faster enrollment process when the time comes.

WHEN should I start looking for low electricity rates and providers?

If you’re moving to a new area, you’ll clearly need to start looking for low energy rates and providers immediately. 

But if you just want to shop around and switch plans at your current residence, you’ll need to keep some rules in mind. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT): 

“Retail electric providers are required to notify residential customers at least 30 days before a contract expires. The residential customer can switch without incurring an early termination charge if the switch is no earlier than 14 days before the contract expiration date provided in the notice. If the customer takes no action in response to the notice, the retail electric provider will serve the customer on a month-to-month product.”

So, if you are currently in an electricity contract and do not want to incur an early cancellation fee, it is best to switch plans 14 days or less before your contract expires. In the meantime, though, you can still be keeping an eye on the plans that are being offered.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Check your current plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to determine what, if any, your early cancellation fee is.
2. Check your current electric bill or account to see when your contract expires. Mark that date on your calendar.
3. Add other helpful items to your calendar, such as “Start shopping for electricity” 30 days before your contract expires, and “Switch energy plans” 7 to 14 days before your contract expires. 

WHERE do I start shopping for low electricity rates and plans?

You could visit each provider’s individual website to search for plans. But another more convenient option is to search an energy broker like Everything Energy. Doing so is free, and lets you make apples-to-apples comparisons of pricing and plans using your specific usage data and preferences. 

Everything Energy also provides monthly bill estimates using the information you input. This gives you an even clearer idea of which low electricity rates are actually the best options for your individual lifestyle, home and habits.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. As your contract expiration date draws nearer, visit EverythingEnergy.com. The search tools are super easy to use and should help you narrow down your choices quickly! 

WHY should I take the time to shop for low-cost electricity?

You might be wondering why you wouldn’t just let your current electricity plan auto-renew or choose a new plan from your current provider when your contract expiration date approaches. It’s definitely an easy option. But often, the best results (i.e., low electricity rates) don’t come from choosing the easiest route.

As referenced earlier from the PUCT, If the customer takes no action in response to the [contract expiration] notice, the retail electric provider will serve the customer on a month-to-month product.”

If you’re not familiar with month-to-month electricity products, check out the information on term lengths here. In a nutshell, a month-to-month plan will come with a variable rate that could spike as the market rate increases. These month-to-month plans offer customers flexibility — but at a price.

So, you could let your plan auto-renew. But that could end up costing you much more than you’re used to. 

If you choose a plan from your current provider, you may also be paying more than you were on your previous plan. It never hurts to shop around first to find low-cost electricity for your home.

Action items to keep you organized: 

1. Resolve to check all your options before you sign a new electricity contract this year.

Start shopping now for low electricity rates and plans

If you’re moving soon, your current Texas electricity contract will expire soon, or you’re just curious about what’s out there, check out Everything Energy. Our innovative and FREE tools can help you quickly find and compare low electricity rates from providers you can trust.