Moving is stressful. Between packing boxes, hiring movers, and changing addresses, it’s easy for utility setup to fall through the cracks. In the deregulated Texas market, however, setting up your electricity is a crucial step that requires a bit of planning.
If you don't coordinate your connection dates correctly, you could end up paying double bills for both addresses, facing expensive rush fees for same-day connection, or arriving at your new home only to find the lights won't turn on.
Here is a step-by-step guide to transferring or setting up new electricity service in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Start Early: Schedule your new electricity service at least 3 to 7 days before your move-in date.
- Transferring vs. Shopping: You can transfer your current plan to a new address, or shop for a new plan (which lets you break your current contract without paying an ETF).
- Coordinate Dates: Set your old address's disconnect date for the day after you move out, and your new address's connect date for the day before you move in.
- Same-Day Connections: If you are in a rush, most providers offer same-day connection if you enroll before 2:00 PM, though a priority fee may apply.
Transferring vs. Shopping: Which is Better?
When you move, you have a choice: you can keep your current electricity company and transfer your plan, or you can cancel and shop for a new plan with a different provider. Because moving is a legal exemption to the Early Termination Fee (ETF) rules in Texas, you can cancel your existing plan without paying a $150 or $200 penalty.
Below is an interactive comparison of the two paths:
Timeline for a Seamless Transition
To avoid gaps in service or paying double, follow this timeline:
1. 7 to 10 Days Before the Move
Shop for a plan or contact your current provider. Locate the ESIID (Electric Service Identifier) for your new home. You can find this on your new lease, by asking the seller, or by searching your address on GetElectricity.
2. Schedule the Connection (New Address)
Set the start date for one day before you physically move in. This ensures that when you arrive with your first box, the AC is already running and the lights work.
3. Schedule the Disconnection (Old Address)
Set the disconnect date for one day after you move out. This gives you a cushion in case your moving truck is delayed or you need to return for final cleaning.
Same-Day Connections
If you forgot to set up your electricity and need power immediately:
- Enrolling early is key: Most TDUs process same-day connections if the enrollment is submitted to the provider before 2:00 PM CST on a business day.
- Rush Fees: The utility may charge a priority connection fee (usually $35 to $50) which is added to your first bill.
- Weekends: TDUs do not typically process standard connections on weekends. If you enroll on a Saturday, your power may not turn on until Monday unless you pay an emergency weekend connection fee.
GetElectricity makes move-in setups simple. During checkout, you can specify whether you are moving in or switching providers, and we coordinate the enrollment and connection dates with your chosen provider automatically.