Choosing the right energy plan can be daunting and confusing. In the list below we provide a glossary of terms that will simplify your process of finding the cheapest electricity plan!
Click on any of the terms belowEnergy Broker
Many electricity retailers have broker affiliate programs with attractive incentives, such as residual payments. A broker can help customers buy electricity or natural gas from retailers.
Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT)
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas is a non-profit organization that oversees the Texas electricity grid. The council’s mission is to ensure the reliability of the electrical grid in Texas.
Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT)
Energy companies in Texas are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas.
In addition, they oversee water and telecommunication utilities. The PUCT is responsible for enforcing and implementing legislation while resolving complaints by customers.
You can learn more about the Texas PUC on their official website.
Electric Service Identifier (ESID)
The Electric Service Identifier, commonly known as ESI ID, is the 17-digit number used by Texas energy companies to set up service at your home. All addresses in Texas have a unique ESI ID number, which you can find on a copy of your Texas electric bill.
Transmission and Delivery Utility (TDU)
Often referred to as the “Local Wires Company”. The Transmission and Delivery Utility is responsible for the upkeep of the power poles, transformers, and wires that deliver energy to our homes. When there is a power outage, they restore your power service.
There are 5 Transmission and Distribution Utility companies that service areas of the state that have been deregulated for energy:
- CenterPoint
- Oncor
- AEP North
- AEP South
- TNMP
Oncor
Oncor is Texas’s largest transmission and distribution utility, serving over 10 million people in places like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco.
Centerpoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy is a natural gas and electricity utility that serves a variety of deregulated energy markets in the United States. CenterPoint provides electricity to the Houston, Texas region.
Rolling Blackout
The purpose of rolling blackouts is to relieve the strain placed on the grid during times of peak usage.
Power Outage
There may be many reasons for an outage, such as storm damage, downed power lines and vehicle accidents or a high demand for electricity in your neighborhood.
Solar Buy Back
You can sell excess energy you generate from solar panels back to retail electric companies such as TXU, Reliant and Green Mountain Energy.
Prepaid Energy
Texas customers can get prepaid energy just as they would a gas card or cell phone prepaid card. Opening a new account is simple and usually requires loading an initial cash balance in advance.
Fossil Fuels
The Electric Service Identifier, commonly known as ESI ID, is the 17-digit number used by Texas energy companies to set up service at your home. All addresses in Texas have a unique ESI ID number, which you can find on a copy of your Texas electric bill.