Setting Up Utilities
Houston TX
Why does Houston have so many electric companies?
The Houston free market utility experiment is supported by state laws that allow multiple providers to sell retail electricity from the central grid. The wire companies responsible for transmission and distribution of electricity don't change, but the retail client-facing providers in Houston multiplied under this plan allowing citizens the power to choose an electric provider. The goal of this infrastructure is to avoid electric monopolies, increase competition, lower pricing, and improve customer service by allowing providers to focus on consumers while wire companies focus on distribution.
The Houston free market utility experiment is supported by state laws that allow multiple providers to sell retail electricity from the central grid. The wire companies responsible for transmission and distribution of electricity don't change, but the retail client-facing providers in Houston multiplied under this plan allowing citizens the power to choose an electric provider. The goal of this infrastructure is to avoid electric monopolies, increase competition, lower pricing, and improve customer service by allowing providers to focus on consumers while wire companies focus on distribution.
Phone Numbers to Start Service
with Link to Provider Set-Up Page
with Link to Provider Set-Up Page
Electric
(866) 587-8674 : Just Energy (855) 750-0899 : TXU Energy (866) 222-7100 : Reliant Energy (855) 461-9824 : Direct Energy Natural Gas (800) 752-8036 : CenterPoint Water (713) 371-1400 : City of Houston Trash and Recycling No monthly invoice. No set up needed. SWMD Cable and Internet (855) 243-8892 : Spectrum (855) 971-2763 : Xfinity by Comcast |
Welcome to Houston, incorporated in 1837, and currently the 4th most populated city in the USA.
Utility Payment Addresses:
Private Company or Government Agency:
Electric and gas in Houston are investor-owned utilities run by commercial companies.
Water, trash, and recycling in Houston are city-operated utilities run by government agencies.
Electric and gas in Houston are investor-owned utilities run by commercial companies.
Water, trash, and recycling in Houston are city-operated utilities run by government agencies.
Electricity in Houston (like Dallas and Fort Worth) is a wholesale grid with competitive retail offerings from several companies that can be viewed by entering a zip code at powertochoose.org.
Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) buy electricity from the central grid and then compete to sell it to the general public with the best quality service at the most competitive rate.
Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) buy electricity from the central grid and then compete to sell it to the general public with the best quality service at the most competitive rate.