Home / Guides / Choosing greener electricity in Texas

Choosing greener electricity in Texas

Most of Texas uses a competitive retail electricity market. In those areas you can choose a retail electric provider and a plan, including plans that emphasize renewable supply. The grid itself is operated separately. Knowing which institution does what will keep you from shopping in the wrong place.

Who does what

ERCOT operates the bulk power grid for most of the state and publishes system information on its about page. It is not where you sign up for a home electricity plan. The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates the market. A directory of market participants is on the PUC's electric directories page.

If you live in a competitive area, Power to Choose is the official plan-comparison site. Read the Electricity Facts Label for each plan, including the renewable-content disclosure, fine print on bill credits, and what happens when a promotional rate ends. A "100% renewable" product usually means the retailer retires renewable energy certificates to match your use; it does not by itself put panels on your roof. Pair shopping with household efficiency (see energy-saving gear) and, if you generate on site, the interconnection rules of your utility.

Municipal utilities and cooperatives

Some cities and co-ops do not use retail choice. Austin Energy is one example: customers can review GreenChoice and other green power options, plus residential rebates and solar solutions. If you are not sure whether you have retail choice, check a recent bill or Power to Choose's coverage notes, then confirm with your current provider.

State energy programs and assistance

The State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) and its program list cover state-level energy work. DSIRE's Texas list remains the fastest way to scan incentives statewide. Income-eligible households can review CEAP through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Transportation energy rules are collected on AFDC's Texas laws page.

EPA's Green Power pages explain how green power purchasing and certificates work in general, which is useful context when you compare Texas retail products. Solar consumers also have Solar United Neighbors in Texas and industry statistics from SEIA's state-by-state pages.

This domain is available. Buy It Now is $1,500. Questions and offers can be sent with the form below — no email address is shown on the page.