What Power to Choose is and is not
The site is the state's shopping page for electricity plans in competitive areas. It lists plans that providers submit, with each plan's label. You sign up with the provider you choose, not on the commission's page.
Several private websites use similar names and addresses. The official site address ends in .org. If you reach a page ending in .com that looks similar, you may be on a private company site, so check the address before you enter personal details.
An important distinction
How to use it, step by step
- Enter your ZIP code. Where more than one delivery company serves a ZIP code, confirm your address with your bill or your meter.
- Narrow the list with the options on the site, such as contract length or plan type.
- Sort the list, then click through to each plan's Electricity Facts Label and its Terms of Service.
- Compare prices at the usage level closest to yours, not only the sort order.
- Pick the plan, then enroll with that provider. You will need your address and usually your ESI ID. See where to find your ESI ID.
How to read the results
Each plan shows an average price. The label gives that price at three usage levels, which is why the list can look different if you change the usage setting. Match the setting to your household before you trust the order of the list.
Look past the price at the term, the early termination fee, the base charge and the plan notes. If a plan mentions a bill credit or a usage range, check what happens at your usage. For help reading the label, see our guide to Texas electricity plans.
Source: 16 Tex. Admin. Code § 25.475, information disclosures to residential and small commercial customers. Rule text checked October 9, 2026. Rules can change, so confirm on the Public Utility Commission of Texas site before you rely on a detail.
Five mistakes people make
- Sorting by price at one usage level that is not their own.
- Choosing on the headline price without reading fees and credits.
- Forgetting the term and signing a long plan they may leave early.
- Not setting a reminder before a fixed term ends.
- Using a lookalike site and entering details in the wrong place.
Sources and rules
Frequently asked questions
What is Power to Choose?
It is the electricity plan comparison website run by the Public Utility Commission of Texas at powertochoose.org. It lists plans from providers in competitive areas of the state.
Does the Public Utility Commission recommend plans on Power to Choose?
No. The site lists plans and shows their Electricity Facts Labels. You compare and choose, and you sign up with the provider.
Is Power to Choose the same as the .com sites?
No. The official site ends in .org. Similar sites ending in .com are run by private companies.
Do I pay to use Power to Choose?
No. Searching and comparing plans on the site is free.