If you’ve been shopping for an energy provider in Texas, you’ve probably come across TXU Energy. As one of the Lone Star State’s largest electric companies, it’s a popular choice among Texans with a wide variety of electricity plans, including renewable energy options.
Here, we’ll provide a general overview of TXU Energy and its plans so you can decide whether it’s a good fit for your power needs.
What is TXU Energy?
TXU Energy, based in Irving, Texas, is one of more than 130 retail electricity providers (REPs) in the Lone Star State. The company has a long history of serving Texans. In the late 1800s, several power companies cropped up to serve different parts of the Texas energy market. These included the Dallas Electric Lighting Company, the Fort Worth Electric Light and Power Company, and the Dallas Power & Light Company.
A century later, in the 1980s, several of these companies merged into what would become TXU Energy. Vistra Corp subsequently bought TXU Energy, and today, it operates as a Vistra Corp subsidiary.
TXU Energy began operating as a retail electric provider (REP) in 2002. It offers electricity services throughout the state and operates in all five of the major utility service areas in Texas, including Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas, Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP), and Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L).
How Energy Deregulation Works in Texas
TXU serves the deregulated energy markets of Texas. Before 2002, Texans had no choice in where they bought their energy. The only option was to go through the utility company serving the area where a customer lived.
After legislation was passed to deregulate Texas energy markets, retail electricity providers could offer competing plans. Today, about 85% of the Texas population lives in one of these deregulated areas. Residents in deregulated energy markets are free to choose among the providers offering plans that suit their needs and preferences.
Though not every major city is deregulated (Austin is notably still a regulated energy market), Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth are all on the deregulated list, and together they represent a sizable customer base.
Whether you choose TXU or a competitor, your energy will be transported on the same grid. This means your electricity bill will reflect charges from a Transmission and Delivery Utility (TDU) company like ONCOR.
But beyond this, the power companies working in deregulated regions are free to structure their plans however they see fit. This is why it’s important that you weigh the available options to make the best choice for your circumstances.
Pro tip: Learn how to use the Power to Choose tool to make comparing plans and providers easier.
Basic Electricity Terms to Know Before Choosing a Provider
You can find everything you need to know about a plan clearly laid out in a standardized document called the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). Every plan has one, but industry jargon can sometimes make them difficult to understand. Below we explain common terms you’ll find on the EFL, so you can more easily compare plans.
- Kilowatt hours (kWh): A kilowatt hour (kWh) is the main way that power consumption is measured.
- Fixed rate: This means the energy rate stays the same throughout the contract term.
- Variable rate: This means the energy rates can fluctuate based on market conditions.
- Early cancellation fee: Sometimes called an early termination fee, this charge is levied when you end a contract early.
- Minimum usage: This charge is an additional fee added to your bill when you use less than the contract’s minimum power usage requirement. It’s not uncommon for energy providers to include these in contracts, so pay attention to the contract you sign and monitor your power usage closely to avoid any surprises.
Related: Learn more about fixed-rate vs. variable rate electricity.
Types of Electricity Plans Offered by TXU
TXU offers a range of electricity plans built around different priorities. Common options include:
- Fixed-rate plans: You maintain the same price per kilowatt-hour for your entire contract term. These plans often require a deposit and a credit check. Leaving one of these plans early can trigger a cancellation fee.
- Variable-rate plans: Your energy price shifts month to month based on market conditions. They usually run on a month-to-month basis with no cancellation fee if you decide to switch.
- Time-of-use (TOU) plans: You get free or discounted electricity during set windows, such as overnight hours or certain seasons. Outside those windows, you pay a higher set rate for what you use.
- Green energy plans: Your home’s usage is matched with Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs are tied to renewable sources like wind and solar, helping offset your home’s carbon footprint.
TXU Customer Service
Here’s the information you need to get in touch with TXU for questions and to pay your bill, as well as who to contact if there’s a power outage.
How to Pay Your TXU Energy Bill
People who sign up for a TXU Energy contract pay the company directly via several methods.
- Online: Sign in to your customer portal online or through its mobile app
- AutoPay: From your online account, you can choose to have your payment automatically withdrawn each month.
- Phone: Call 800-818-6132
- Mail: Send your bill stub and payment to TXU Energy, PO Box 650700, Dallas, Texas, 75265-0700
- In Person: Visit a payment location
How to Contact TXU
If you have questions about your bill or energy plans, reach out to TXU’s customer support:
- Customer service phone number: 866-278-4898
- Availability: 24/7
- Customer support email: Online form
What is The TXU Outage Map?
TXU doesn’t have outage maps because retail electric providers aren’t responsible for outages. Instead, you can view and track outages in your area by visiting your local Transmission and Distribution Utility’s website.
Report an Outage to TXU
You must report an outage to your local utility company, not TXU Energy. The Transmission and Distribution Utilities maintain the power grid in Texas and are responsible for restoring power.
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Should You Go With TXU Energy?
TXU Energy is among the oldest electricity providers in the Lone Star State and remains strong today. Depending on your situation, it could be a viable option for your energy needs.
Texas has many retail electricity providers, and TXU Energy is just one option for most Texans living in deregulated areas. If you’re thinking about switching energy suppliers, be sure to do your homework in advance.
Look at your electricity bills to learn about your power usage, research different providers, and carefully review their plans, looking for details like minimum usage or cancellation fees. Then you can rest easy knowing you’ve made the best choice.
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