March 4th, 2026
Moving to Texas? Everything You Need to Know
So you're thinking about making the move to Texas, or maybe you've already signed the lease, and you're knee-deep in bubble wrap. Either way, welcome to the club! Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, and it's not hard to see why.
Before you start dreaming about breakfast tacos and wide open skies, there's some practical stuff to sort out. Electricity is right at the top of that list. Texas has its own unique electricity market, and knowing how it works before you arrive can save you time, money, and a lot of confusion. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
Texas Electricity: Here's What You Need to Know First
Texas Has a Deregulated Electricity Market
Most of Texas runs on a deregulated electricity market, which means you get to choose your electricity provider. You're not stuck with whoever the local utility assigned to you. The deregulated Texas electricity market is one of the most competitive in the country and possibly the world. It is always top of mind in energy water-cooler talk.
What does that mean for you? It means you can shop around for the best rate, the best plan, and a provider whose values actually align with yours. (Hi, that's us)
It's worth noting that some Texas cities, like Austin and San Antonio, are still regulated, so your options may vary depending on where you move. Want to go deeper on how the grid actually works? We wrote a whole blog about the Texas energy grid; it's a pretty good read.
Setting Up Electricity When Moving to Texas
Good news: setting up electricity in Texas takes just a few minutes. You can sign up ahead of your move-in date and choose a start date that works for you no waiting around, no technician visits, no hassle. We'd recommend getting it sorted a few days before you arrive so the lights are on when you walk through the door.
What Kind of Plan Should You Get?
There are more options than you might expect. We've covered the different types of energy plans and a full beginner's guide to shopping for electricity in Texas on our blog worth a read before you start shopping.
- Fixed-rate plans — Your rate stays the same for the length of your contract. Great for budgeting, no surprises.
- Variable-rate plans — Your rate fluctuates with the market. Can be cheaper sometimes, but less predictable.
- Time-of-use plans — Rates vary by time of day. If you can shift heavy usage to off-peak hours, you can save big. The most common types are free nights and free weekends.
Setting Up Your Electricity:
1. Check if your new address is in a deregulated area. Most of Texas is, but it's worth confirming with your ZIP code.
2. Shop and compare plans on Power to Choose, one of several comparison tools available.
3. Review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL). This shows you the real cost of any plan, not just the teaser rate, and gives you all the nitty gritty details about what you're signing up for.
4. Set your service start date to match your move-in date.
5. You're done. Seriously, it takes minutes.
Why Texas? The Good, The bad, and The Honest Truth
Texas is massive like, 254 counties massive and there's genuinely something for everyone. From the Austin live music and tech scene to Houstons is incredible diversity and affordability there is a Texas for everyone. Here are the honest pros and cons of living in Texas.
The Good:
- No state income tax! Yep, you read that right
- Affordable housing in most of the state
- Booming, diverse job market across tech, energy, healthcare, and beyond
- Some of the best food in the country
- Unbeatable outdoor recreation from Gulf Coast beaches to Hill Country trails
- "Texas Friendly" is a real thing! Southern hospitality is not just a saying here.
- Energy choice. You get to choose your electricity provider in most parts of Texas.
The Bad-ish:
- It gets HOT. Major cities regularly hit 100°F+ between June and August. Your AC will work overtime.
- Property taxes are steep. Texas has among the highest in the nation.
- Traffic is no joke. Per the Texas A&M Transportation Institute's 2025 Urban Mobility Report, Houston commuters lose 77 hours a year in traffic, Dallas loses 69, and Austin loses 64.
- Severe weather. Hurricanes are a real threat in the coastal regions of Texas, not to mention the occasional winter storm.
- A car is pretty much essential. Outside of certain urban neighborhoods, public transit is limited in most cities.
Your Full Moving to Texas Checklist
Moving is a lot. Here's everything you need to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Before You Move:
- Research neighborhoods and the cost of living in your chosen city
- Set up your electricity service, shop our plans here, it only takes a minute!
- Transfer or set up new internet and water service
- Update your address with USPS, your bank, and any subscriptions
- Research your new area's school districts if you have kiddos
On Moving Day:
- Confirm electricity is active at your new address
- Do a walkthrough and document any existing damage
- Locate your breaker box, water shutoff, and HVAC system
After You Move:
- Get your Texas driver's license within 90 days of establishing residency
- Register your vehicle with the Texas DMV
- Register to vote at your new address
Why Choose Octopus Energy When You Get Here?
When you're ready to set up electricity, we'd love to be your provider. Octopus Energy offers straightforward pricing, honest and transparent billing, and 100% green energy options with award-winning customer service.
We're also big on smart energy here in Texas. Whether you want a simple fixed-rate plan or something smarter that works with your thermostat or EV, we've got options built for any Texas lifestyle. Good luck with your move and welcome to the Lone Star State.
Check out our plans to get a quick quote today.
FAQ: Moving to Texas and Setting Up Electricity
Yes, in deregulated areas of Texas, electricity is not automatically assigned to you. You'll need to choose a retail electric provider (REP) and sign up for a plan. The good news is it only takes a few minutes online.
You can set up service weeks ahead of your move-in date and pick your exact start date. It is really up to you. We recommend doing it at least a day or so before you move in.
Yes! Many Texas providers offer same-day activation.
Your retail electric provider (like Octopus Energy!) handles your plan, your rate, and your bill. Your local utility (like Oncor or CenterPoint) owns the physical wires and responds to outages. You can’t choose your local utility, that is based solely on your location.
Texas electricity bills average around $150–$180 per month. That is why it is important to shop for a competitive rate, it can save you a bunch in the long run.
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