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 167th 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.