1. What does Texas electric deregulation mean to me?

2. What is a Retail Electric Provider or REP?

3. What is a Transmission and Distribution Service Provider?

4. What is ERCOT?

5. Will I get the same level of service reliability if I switch to another provider?

6. How do I know that I’ve been switched to my new provider?

7. How can I lower my electric usage and my bill amount?

8. What happens when my contract expires?

9. Is there a cancellation fee if I change my mind after I switch to another provider?

10. Who do I call in case of a power outage?

1. What does Texas electric deregulation mean to me? Electricity market deregulation began in Texas statewide on January 1, 2002. Electricity deregulation means you are now able to choose a retail electric provider. Your electricity still flows across the same poles and wires in your community so you should experience no change in the reliability of your service. Because of Texas electric deregulation requirements, your transmission and distribution service provider continues to read your meter and will continue to maintain the poles and wires and respond to power outages.

2. What is a Retail Electric Provider or REP? With electricity market deregulation, you have a choice of who is your retail electric provider. Retail electric providers provide you with an energy price, electric bill and customer service.

3. What is a Transmission and Distribution Service Provider? The Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) maintains the poles and wires in your community. Because of electricity market deregulation, you have a choice in retail electric providers. So, when you switch retail electric providers for the same residence or business location, you should experience no change in the reliability of your service. Your TDSP will continue to read your meter and will continue to maintain the poles and wires. And you will continue to call your TDSP in the event of an outage. If you change locations within the state, your TDSP may change.

4. What is ERCOT? The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) ensures reliable and cost-effective operation of the electric grid and enables fair and efficient market-driven solutions to meet customers’ electric service needs.

5. Will I get the same level of service reliability if I switch to another provider? Yes, your level of service reliability will remain the same as it has always been. Because of electricity market deregulation, the same transmission and distribution service provider continues to maintain the poles and wires and also will continue to read your meter and respond to power outages. If you change locations within the state, your TDSP may change.

6. How do I know that I’ve been switched to my new provider? You’ll receive notification from ERCOT confirming your switch and a welcome kit from your new provider with details on your pricing, terms and conditions.

7. How can I lower my electric usage and my bill amount? There are many things you can do to lower your electric bill. Acts Power Source provides its customers with conservation and energy-saving tips. To learn more, take a look at Acts Power Source’s Energy Management Guide.

8. What happens when my contract expires? At the end of your agreement, you will have the opportunity to choose another price plan that meets your needs.

9. Is there a cancellation fee if I change my mind after I switch to another provider? When you switch to another provider, you have the right to rescind your terms of service without penalty or fee of any kind within three federal business days after receiving the terms of service document. Acts Power Source offers a variety of price plans. The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each price plan outlines the pricing and term. If there is a cancellation fee, the EFL will list that as well.

10. Who do I call in case of a power outage? For information about power outages, please contact your Transmission and Distribution Service Provider. AEP Texas Central (866) 223-8508 AEP Texas North (866) 223-8508 CenterPoint Energy (800) 332-7143 Sharyland Utilities (956) 668-9551 TNMP (Texas-New Mexico Power Company) (888) 866-7456 Oncor (formerly TXU Electric Delivery Company) (888) 313-4747