Oncor Energy
Contents
- 1 Oncor Energy
- 2 Oncor Power Outage
- 3 Oncor Renewable Energy
- 4 Solar For Homes and Businesses
- 5 Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs
- 6 Home Energy Efficiency
- 7 Retail Products Program
- 8 Low-Income Weatherization
- 9 HHS Poverty Guidelines
- 10 Texas Energy Deregulation
- 11 Choosing an Electric Supplier
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Are Solar Panels Compatible With my Energy Supplier?
- 14 Can I be Charged Twice by Separate Electric Providers?
- 15 Do I Cancel my Current Energy Provider Before I Switch?
- 16 Will There be a Disruption of Power During the Switch?
- 17 Texas Utilities
- 18 Clean Energy
- 19 Electricity Rates
Oncor is one of the main utility companies in Texas responsible for maintaining and managing power lines that deliver electricity to customers in its service area. The transmission and distribution lines extend over 139,000 miles and serve more than 400 communities in 98 counties. Oncor service area covers much of the Dallas–Fort Worth area, north Texas, along with areas of west Texas including the cities of Midland and Odessa. The utility company works alongside the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to assure a reliable and smarter power grid that can meet the demand of its customers.
Oncor Power Outage
Thanks to advancements and billions Oncor invests in infrastructure and technology, power outages can be detected and even diverted before they can take place. However, if you happen to experience a power outage in your service area, then you will need to contact the utility company. The customer service number along with the number to report an outage is below.
- Oncor Customer Service: 1-888-313-6862
- Oncor Power Outage: 1-888-313-4747
Oncor Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a growing trend across the country. Never before has there been a vast majority of resources diverted to help expand the footprint of going energy. Oncor is helping its customers take advantage of on-site generation through cleaner energy sources such as solar and wind with Distributed Generation (DG). DG sites can be interconnected with the power grid. If you’re living in the Oncor service area, then you may be able to take advantage of DG.
Solar For Homes and Businesses
Customers living in the Oncor service area can install on-site solar panels on their homes or businesses. Customers who generate power on-site may at times produce a surplus of power that can then be sold back to the electric supplier. Not all electric suppliers are required to purchase back power from the customer. If you decide to install solar panels, be sure to shop for an energy plan that offers the customer buyback credits. These credits can be used on the electric bill to help offset costs.
Oncor Energy Efficiency Programs
We’ve all been there at one time or another. We open the electric bill and find the charges have nearly doubled! It’s easy to increase your energy consumption by 50% or more during those hot Texas summers. Take advantage of Oncor’s Energy Efficiency Programs and take steps to lower your usage. Lowering the number of kilowatt-hours consumed during a billing cycle can dramatically reduce the electric bill and put money back in your pockets. Your wallet will thank you.
Home Energy Efficiency
This program provides incentives for service providers to offer home energy savings services to customers within the Oncor service area. These services may include home insulation along with cooling and heating upgrades.
Retail Products Program
This program provides Oncor residents with in-store discounts when purchasing qualifying Energy Star-rated products and consumer appliances. Smart thermostats and LED lights are just a few examples of products that can help slash your energy consumption.
Low-Income Weatherization
This program is designed to help low-income residential customers take advantage of home energy efficiency savings at little or no cost to the customer. Qualified applicants must have an annual household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
HHS Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size | Annual Income | Monthly Income | Weekly Income |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | $25,760 | $2,147 | $537 |
2 | $34,840 | $2,903 | $726 |
3 | $43,920 | $3,660 | $915 |
4 | $53,000 | $4,417 | $1,104 |
5 | $62,080 | $5,173 | $1,293 |
6 | $71,160 | $5,930 | $1,483 |
7 | $80,240 | $6,687 | $1,672 |
8 | $89,320 | $7,443 | $1,861 |
Texas Energy Deregulation
Texas has laid out the blueprint for other states to follow when it comes to achieving low-cost energy rates through competitive electricity markets. Thanks to legislation known as Texas Senate Bill 7 (SB7), the energy market became transformed at the beginning of 2002. The energy market opened the doors to outside electric suppliers that were now allowed to compete to earn the customer’s business. The increased competition was a key factor that helps drive down energy prices and made Texas an example for the rest of the country to follow.
Choosing an Electric Supplier
The Oncor service area is just one of the many deregulated electricity markets in Texas. Customers can take advantage and shop for a competitive electric supplier to lower the supply rate on the electric bill. Energy choice has given customers more options when it comes to choosing an energy plan. The energy plan that is right for you may not be the same as that is right for your neighbor. Knowing the type of rate product you prefer is the first step in selecting an energy supplier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Solar Panels Compatible With my Energy Supplier?
If you have a DG System installed on your property, then you will have to choose an energy plan that supports buyback credits. Energy suppliers are not obligated to purchase any electricity that is generated and uploaded to the power grid from your property.
Can I be Charged Twice by Separate Electric Providers?
When you change electric suppliers, it will not be possible to be billed twice by two separate electric suppliers or the same billing period. If you received an electric bill from your old energy supplier after switching, then it is most likely the last bill from the billing period before the switch.
Do I Cancel my Current Energy Provider Before I Switch?
If you are thinking of changing energy providers, then you will not have to notify your current energy provider. Oncor will be responsible for notifying your current provider and overseeing the switch.
Will There be a Disruption of Power During the Switch?
When you change electric suppliers, you will not have to worry about your lights going out. The switching process will be seamless. Oncor will continue to deliver the electricity to your home or business during the switch.