A few years ago, Texas became deregulated to help promote healthy competition between some electric companies in the hopes of bringing down the cost of electricity. Within this deregulation, instead of 3 main companies in the area, there are now probably close to 100. Even with the main ones in the area, you could only use the company that covered the area you lived.
There is a great website that consumers need to know about where you can go and compare all the different rates that are charged and view what the terms and conditions are. This website is http://powertochoose.com/.
This site has helped many countless new buyers pick the best rate for them. You can even choose between traditional electricity or a "green" company that works off windmills. Granted, all the electricity comes from the exact same place, so it doesn't matter who you choose, it's just about price and customer service.
On the other hand, the title does say "for the most part." There are a few areas where the cities are not "allowing" deregulation. And the most frustrating part is that it's not for an entire city or area. The city of Garland has Garland Power and Light. You don't know if you have to use them until or unless you call the city and see if that particular address is part of their system or not. I always warn Garland buyers about this.
A few parts of Murphy TX are part of a co-op as well. I didn't know that until I explained the power to choose website and the buyers picked what they wanted and found out they weren't allowed to choose.
I think Texas should either be entirely deregulated or go back to the system we had. It's ridiculous that you never know from address to address what the requirements are for that house. I wish people would consult me before making "not-so-smart" decisions.
