How to Set Up Electricity for an Apartment in Texas

Moving into a new apartment is both exhilarating and exhausting. In addition to packing boxes and changing your address, you must ensure that essential services like electricity are ready before you move in. The process is slightly different in Texas because most of the state (around 85 to 90%) has a deregulated electricity market, which means you can pick from dozens of retail electricity providers (REPs) instead of being assigned a single utility. Below is a step‑by‑step guide that reflects the current landscape and incorporates insights from leading energy providers and experts.

The 6 Quick Steps to Set Up Your Apartment's Electricity

• Check your lease first – Confirm whether electricity is included in rent and ask your property manager for guidance, but remember in Texas you have the legal right to choose your provider.
• Be ready with documents – Gather personal information (ID, SSN, contact details, move-in date) and prepare for a possible deposit, which can range from $150–$350 depending on credit. Prepaid and no-deposit plans are alternatives.
• Choose the right plan – Fixed-rate plans are often best for renters, but time-of-use or prepaid plans can suit certain lifestyles. Always compare contract terms, perks, and renewable energy options.
• Enroll and schedule early – You can request activation up to 60 days ahead or same-day service. Always set the start date at least one day before your move to ensure lights are on.
• Set up billing and monitoring – Use autopay, mobile apps, and online dashboards to track your usage and avoid late fees. Autopay often comes with credits.
• Watch for gimmicks – Promotional low rates, bill credits, or tiered pricing can hide higher costs if you don’t meet usage thresholds.

1 – Check Your Lease and Ask The Property Manager

Before doing anything else, determine who is responsible for paying utilities. Some apartments in Texas include utilities in the rent, while others require tenants to set up electricity themselves. Read your lease carefully and ask the leasing agent which utilities are covered. If electricity is not included, request a list of acceptable providers or any special requirements (e.g., proof of service before move‑in). Remember that even if the property manager suggests a particular company, you are not obligated to use it. In Texas, the law gives you the right to choose your provider.

2 – Confirm that You Have The Power to Choose

Texas is largely deregulated: more than 85% of residents can select a REP and an electricity plan. In deregulated areas, like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi and others, you can shop around for competitive rates and contract terms. Use tools such as the Electricity Service Identifier (ESID) lookup to determine whether your new address has retail choice and to find available offers. If your address is in a regulated area (for example, certain municipal utilities or co‑ops), you will be served by the local utility and cannot shop for providers.

3 – Gather the information You’ll Need

REPs require some personal information to set up a new account. You should be prepared with:

• First and last name
• Phone number and email
• Service address. Scheduling the start date a day before move-in helps avoid delays.
• Date of birth
• Move‑in date
• Identification. Most companies accept Social Security Number or a government ID (diver license, state ID, passport, visa, resident card, military ID, or birth certificate)
• Credit history/deposit. Providers run a soft credit check. If your credit score is low, you may be asked to pay a deposit, usually around $150 to $350. Each REP sets its own qualification criteria, so unless you know you have good credit, be prepared to pay a deposit. Some providers waive deposits for seniors, customers with a good payment history, or those enrolled in certain assistance programs. Prepaid and no‑deposit plans are also available. For example, Payless Power can start service with no credit check.

4 – Estimate Your Apartment’s Electricity Usage

Knowing how much power you will use helps you pick the right plan. Energy consumption depends on apartment size, building efficiency and number of occupants.

A one‑bedroom apartment in Texas typically uses between 500 to 830 kWh per month, so you can expect to pay around $74 to

• $124.500 to 830 kWh x 14.94¢ = $74 to $124

A two‑bedroom unit usually uses between 750 to 1,000 kWh per month, so you can expect to pay around $112 to $149.

• 750 to 1,000 kWh x 14.94¢ = $112 to $149

The cost ranges above do not include taxes, delivery fees, or base charges and may vary by provider, rate, and region. If you lack historical usage, ask your property manager for typical usage or bills at your apartment complex.

5 – Compare Electric Providers and Choose a Plan that Matches Your Habits

Comparison sites like powerwizard.com allow you to filter companies and plans by ZIP code, contract length, rate type, renewable content and more. Here’s what to look for:

• Type of plan. There are several types of plans offered in Texas. For renters, Power Wizard usually recommends a simple fixed‑rate plan over tiered or usage/bill credit plans. Fixed plans lock in a price per kilowatt‑hour for the length of the contract, protecting you from price spikes. Of course, depending on your lifestyle a time of use or free nights plan may be worth it.
• Contract length. Your electricity contract does not have to match your lease. Under Texas law, you can cancel without an early‑termination fee when you move. Pick the plan with the best price, even if it’s longer than your lease term.
• Renewable energy options. You can power your apartment with 100% green energy without installing solar panels, using electricity sourced from renewable resources. These green plans come with the same contract lengths and billing options as other plans, enabling renters to support clean energy while benefiting from predictable rates.
• Reputation and customer service. A provider’s reputation and customer service are just as important as the rates they offer. Look for companies with strong customer reviews, reliable support channels, and responsive service teams.
• Perks. REPs often distinguish themselves by offering additional perks like rewards points, smart thermostats, pet insurance, charity support, among others.
• Prepaid/No credit plans. Prepaid plans usually have no deposit or long‑term contract but may charge higher per‑kWh rates. They are useful if you have poor credit or need immediate service.
• Electricity Facts Labels (EFL). Always review the EFL since it breaks down essential information such as the price per kilowatt-hour at different usage levels, contract length, fees, and whether the plan includes renewable energy.

6 – Enroll and Schedule Your Start Date

After selecting an electricity plan, enroll online or by phone. You will be asked to provide the details listed in step 3. When signing up, choose “move‑in” or “start service at a new home” and set your start date. You can schedule service up to 60 days in advance, or request same‑day activation if needed. Because you can’t specify the exact time of day, schedule the start date at least one day before your move.

Most utilities in Texas charge a small standard move‑in fee of a few dollars (e.g., Oncor charges $2.26 for standard activation), which will appear on your first bill. The REP itself generally doesn’t charge a setup fee.

Once you complete enrollment, your provider will email you a confirmation with your account number and start date. Print or save this document—many landlords require proof of electricity service before giving you keys. If you’re transferring service from a previous address, contact your existing provider to schedule the move to avoid overlapping bills.

7 – Set Up Your Electric Billing and Manage Your Account

To avoid missing payments and late fees, set up automatic payments or reminders. Autopay often qualifies you for bill credits. Take advantage of mobile apps or online dashboards to monitor usage and track how your habits affect your bill. You can usually switch to paperless billing for convenience.

Confirm service and inspect your apartment

On your activation date, check that your lights turn on. If you don’t have power, contact the REP immediately. When moving with roommates, decide how to divide utility responsibilities—one person might handle electricity while the other handles the internet.

9 – Revisit your plan over time

Your energy needs may change over the course of your lease. Adding a roommate, working from home, or installing energy‑efficient appliances can alter your usage. Compare rates periodically; you can switch providers at any time if you find a better deal (subject to terms and conditions of your EFL) or if your contract term ends. Under Texas rules, moving is an “automatic out” for early‑termination fees.

10 - Additional Tips When Moving to a New Apartment

• Energy‑efficient apartments. Choose units with multi‑paned windows, good insulation and ENERGY STAR® appliances to keep bills low.
• Watch out for promotional gimmicks. Low advertised rates may be deceiving. Look out for plans with usage/bill credits or outrageous tier pricing. You may pay a lot more if you don’t reach certain electricity usage thresholds to get the best rate.
• Set up other utilities. Water, gas, trash, internet and security services require separate accounts. Power Wizard’s concierge service can help  you set up a some of these.

Setting Up Electricity for an Apartment

Getting electricity for an apartment in Texas involves more than just choosing a provider. You need to confirm whether utilities are included, verify your right to pick a REP, gather the necessary information, estimate your usage, compare plans, enroll, and set up billing. Texas’s deregulated market gives you flexibility, but it also requires research to avoid hidden fees and promotional gimmicks. By following the steps above and taking advantage of comparison tools and consumer protections, you can ensure the lights turn on when you move in and stay on at a reasonable cost.