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The Purpose of Your ESID Number 

By Tiffany Reynolds

An ESID number, or Electric Service Identifier, helps identify the location of your meter. Your ESID number remains unchanged even if you replace or upgrade your meter. Your ESID number is the street address for your meter and is used by Texas utilities and energy providers to enroll you in energy plans and meter your usage. 

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You will need an ESID in the state of Texas if you are shopping for electricity service or want to change providers. But with over 30 providers in Texas, choosing a new electricity provider can be overwhelming. Some of the commonplace mistakes homeowners make include choosing a complicated plan without understanding the energy market, not comparing energy suppliers, or taking a call not suitable to your current consumption. 

That’s where Power Wizard comes in. We can help you choose the most suitable energy provider and electricity plan to lower your bills. Our online smart tools can save you hundreds, and we will do all the groundwork for you. 

Before shopping for a new electricity service, it is important to know the answers to queries such as “What is my ESID number?” and “How to find my ESID number?” Here, we will take a look at what an ESID is, its functions, potential issues, and how it can help you find a retail energy provider and utility company. 

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What Is an ESID Number? 

An ESID number is a unique 17- or 22-digit number assigned to your electric meter(s). It is pronounced as “Easy I.D.” and is interchangeably referred to as ESIID, ESI ID, or ESI-ID. Essentially a social security number for the meter, the ESID is used by the local utility to identify your house, apartment, and the service territory. If you have more than one meter at your property, you’ll have an Electric Service Identifier number (ESID number) for each. 

ESID can be confused with your “meter number.” While your meter number can change if you replace the corresponding meter, the ESID number remains the same even if you upgrade or change it. If you have multiple meters, you will also have multiple ESIDs. Unless your electricity provider offers a combined billing, each ESID at your property will have its bill. 

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The ESID number isn’t listed on your meter, but it is easy to locate on your bill. Each delivery company has a different numbering system and can be identified by the starting digits on the bill. For example, the ESID for CenterPoint will begin with 1008, Oncor with 1044, and Nueces Electric Coop with 1013.  

If you are purchasing a property, you can ask for a copy of the latest bill from your real estate agent. In addition to the ESID, you would also gain an insight into the typical usage at the energy service location. 

You can also use several commercial ESID lookup and address search tools online and find your ESID number by entering your zip code and address in the search form. 

What Situations Require an Electric Service Identifier? 

An ESID number will give you a list of electric and utility companies catering to your electric service location. It is also used by providers and utility companies to register you in electricity plans and meter your energy usage. 

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1. Shopping for a New Electricity Service 

You will need an ESID if you are relocating or switching to a new provider. The number helps verify your identity and the residential or commercial address. The ESID number, however, should not be confused with your account number. 

Knowing your ESID number will also let you weigh all your options before shopping for a new electricity service. It will tell you which electric companies and plans are available at your location. You can also determine the pricing information since the energy rate depends on your location. 

Of course, shopping for electricity in Texas depends on several factors: from time of the year and other trends to your contract expiration date. Partnering with a top energy empowerment company like Power Wizard can help you find the best energy plan and provider in seconds. 

2. To Set Up Electric Utility 

After choosing a provider, you will need the ESID to set up an electric utility. The local utility company — also known as the Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) — owns and maintains utility poles and power lines. The TDSPs create and assign ESIDs across their respective service areas to know where to have the electricity delivered. 

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Remember, permanent electrical meters and temporary electrical meters each have a different ESID.  

Why Can’t I Find My ESID Number? 

Since each Electric Service Identifier is unique to a specific address, you should always verify that your ESID is valid and tied to the accurate location. Your search for an ESID can sometimes result in “Inactive Meter” or “No Address Found” errors. You can contact your local utility company to resolve the issue.  

Your Electricity Meter Is Inactive 

One reason you cannot find your ESID is that your meter is inactive and possibly has been retired. You can contact your utility company for additional information. The company can reactivate the meter or assign a new ESID. You might also need a city inspection before the meter is activated, depending on your address. 

Your Property Address Is a New Construction 

You might get the “No Address Found” error if you have moved into a new building or ongoing construction. Newly constructed homes get electric meters with newly assigned ESID numbers. The builders generally contact the utility company to get a permit for a temporary meter for ESI construction purposes before it is changed to a permanent meter. 

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However, if you can’t find your address when looking up the ESID, you should contact the local utility company. As the first occupant, you can request that a meter be set up at the location. The new meter number is added to the database of the company, and you can transfer the service from a construction or temporary meter to a permanent meter. You should be able to look up the ESID and verify your address within two business days. 

How To Find a Retail Energy Provider With Your ESID 

You can use your ESID to learn which Retail Energy Provider (REP) or energy supplier can service your address. While a utility company is specific to your location, you can choose the REPs from a list of options. Conversely, the energy companies can use your ESID to learn which utility company services your home or company address. 

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There are options aplenty in the Lone Star State. Over 85% of Texas is deregulated, which means that customers can choose an energy company from various options according to its rates and service. Instead of going from website to website, you can bank on our consolidate tool to suggest electric plans according to your profile. Our Power Wizard calculator requires some basic information to suggest the best plans for you. Find out how much you can save on your energy costs with our offerings. 

We aim to protect you from hidden charges and gimmicks to help reduce your electricity bills. Once you have chosen the correct plan for you, our “Gold” service can also track your contract and sign you up for a new one at expiration. You can also enjoy our white glove service and leave all the work to us. Our full service includes shopping for new electric providers, comparing rates, signing you up for contracts, and tracking your customer experience to ensure your satisfaction. 

Stop overpaying for electricity in Texas. Visit Power Wizard to get started today! 

 

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