Not Your Provider, But Your Power: How Oncor Keeps Texas Lights On (September 2026)

If you live in Texas, chances are you’ve seen Oncor Electric Delivery listed somewhere on your electricity bill—even if you’ve never signed up with them or spoken to anyone from their company. That’s because Oncor isn’t an electricity provider. It’s a Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU)—a company responsible for delivering electricity to your home, maintaining the infrastructure, and responding when the lights go out.Unlike your Retail Electric Provider (REP)—the company you choose to buy your electricity plan from—you don’t get to choose your TDU. It’s assigned based on where you live. And for millions of Texans across North and Central Texas, Oncor is that utility.

So why does that matter to you?

Because while Oncor doesn’t sell electricity plans, they do play a critical role in your service—and your bill. They handle outages, maintain the power grid, and apply delivery charges that are passed through by your REP. And understanding the difference between your TDU and your REP is key if you’re trying to manage costs or troubleshoot an issue.

In this article, we’ll walk through:

• What Oncor actually does—and how it’s different from your electricity provider
• Where Oncor operates and who they serve
• How to contact Oncor and report a power outage
• What those TDU delivery charges on your bill mean
• And how to explore electricity plans available in Oncor’s service area

Let’s start with the basics—what exactly is Oncor, and why is it showing up on your bill?

Oncor Electric Delivery is the largest electric utility in Texas—and one of the largest in the nation. While you might not interact with them directly on a regular basis, Oncor plays a vital role in your day-to-day energy experience. They are responsible for maintaining the infrastructure that powers more than 10 million Texans across hundreds of cities, towns, and rural areas throughout North and Central Texas.

Think of Oncor as the behind-the-scenes operator of the power grid in your region. They don’t produce electricity, and they don’t sell it. Instead, they manage the delivery of power from generation sources—like wind farms, solar arrays, and natural gas plants—through high-voltage transmission lines and local distribution networks, all the way to your home or business.

Their responsibilities include:

• Maintaining and upgrading power lines, poles, transformers, and substations
• Installing and servicing smart meters
• Monitoring grid conditions to avoid service disruptions
• Responding quickly to outages caused by weather, accidents, or system issues

While Oncor rarely interacts with customers directly, their work affects nearly every aspect of your electricity service—especially when something goes wrong. If a storm knocks down power lines or a transformer fails, it’s Oncor crews who show up to assess the damage and restore service. If your lights flicker or your meter needs attention, it’s Oncor that handles the repair.

They’re not the ones setting your electricity rate or sending your bill—that’s your REP. But Oncor’s role is just as essential, especially in a deregulated electricity market where delivery and retail functions are intentionally separated.

At first glance, it might seem like Oncor is your electricity company—after all, their name shows up on your bill every month. But if you’ve ever tried to contact them about your rate, your contract, or switching plans, you quickly find out: Oncor isn’t the company you buy electricity from.

This is one of the most common sources of confusion in Texas’s deregulated energy market. While REPs are the companies you actively choose—based on their rates, plans, and perks—Oncor is the utility you’re assigned based on where you live. You don’t sign up with them, but they’re the ones delivering power to your home, maintaining the lines, and restoring service after outages.

The relationship between TDUs like Oncor and REPs is deliberately separated. You choose your REP; you inherit your TDU. But both play important, complementary roles in how your electricity is priced, delivered, and supported.

Here’s how they differ:

Bottom line: You can’t shop for a different utility company—Oncor is fixed based on where you live. But you can shop for a better electricity plan. And in Oncor’s service area, you’ll typically have dozens of providers competing for your business, each offering different rates, contract lengths, and features.

 
  
  
 
 Google rating 
 
 5.0  
 
 
  
 
 

If you live in Texas and have Oncor listed on your electricity bill, that’s no accident—you’re located in one of the hundreds of communities that fall within Oncor’s regulated service area. You didn’t choose them, and you can’t switch to a different utility provider. Oncor is assigned to you based on your address, and their job is to keep the grid infrastructure in your area running smoothly.

As the largest electric utility in the state, Oncor plays a behind-the-scenes but essential role for millions of Texans—spanning dense metro areas, fast-growing suburbs, and rural communities alike. Their coverage area stretches across much of the northern and central parts of Texas, including major cities and small towns that rely on their infrastructure for reliable power delivery.

Understanding whether you’re in Oncor’s service territory matters—because it affects:

• Who you contact when the power goes out
• Which delivery charges appear on your bill
• What retail electricity plans are available in your area

Let’s take a closer look at where Oncor operates—and how their presence shapes the electricity experience for Texas residents.

Key Facts About Oncor’s Service Area:

• Serves over 10 million Texans
• Covers over 140,000 miles of power lines
• Operates in more than 400 cities and towns
• Largest utility provider in Texas by customer reach

While not an exhaustive list, Oncor serves many of the state’s most populous and fastest-growing areas, including:

• Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex (including Arlington, Plano, Irving, Frisco, and Denton)
• North Texas (Sherman, Gainesville, Weatherford)
• Central Texas (Waco, Temple, Killeen)
• West Texas (Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Abilene)
• East Texas (Tyler, Longview, Athens)
• Surrounding suburbs and rural communities throughout these regions

Why This Matters: Because REPs in Texas offer different rates and plans based on which TDU serves your location, knowing that you’re in Oncor’s territory helps you narrow your options when shopping for electricity. Delivery charges, which are regulated and passed through to the customer, also vary slightly from one utility zone to another. So understanding that Oncor is your TDU isn’t just trivia—it directly affects how your electricity plan is priced.

Oncor doesn’t sell electricity—but the company you do choose (your Retail Electric Provider) will determine how much you pay per kilowatt-hour. The good news? Oncor’s large service area is one of the most competitive in Texas, meaning you have access to dozens of plans at varying contract lengths and price points.

To find current rates from energy companies providing service in Oncor’s delivery area, simply enter your ZIP code at the top of the page to return a comprehensive list of plans and rates from dozens of Texas’ most trusted lights companies.

Oncor’s delivery charges are fully regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and updated biannually. As of September 1, 2025, residential customers in Oncor’s service area pay a fixed monthly charge of $4.23, plus a variable energy-based delivery rate of approximately 5.6032 ¢ per kWh.

For context, Oncor’s total combined delivery fee of around 5.2974 ¢ per kWh (as of the last update) remains among the lowest when compared to other Texas TDUs—for instance, CenterPoint’s rate stands at approximately 5.35 ¢ per kWh.

Understanding these fees helps you compare electricity plans with transparency—knowing exactly what portion of your bill is locked in and what you can control.

Oncor’s delivery charges are comprised of several specific components, which are consistently applied to all customers in their service area:

• Customer Charge (fixed): $1.43 per month
• Metering Charge: $2.80 per month
• Distribution System Charge: ~2.5344 ¢ per kWh
• Transmission Cost Recovery Factor (TCRF): ~2.18 ¢ per kWh
• Energy Efficiency and Other Riders: ~0.0826 ¢ per kWh
  These charges sum up to the typical $4.23 monthly fee and 5.2974 ¢ per kWh.

This tariff structure is transparent—each line item represents part of Oncor’s responsibility to maintain the grid and ensure reliable electricity delivery across their territory.

While Oncor’s delivery fees are fixed and unavoidable, you can still strategically lower your overall electricity costs through smart choices and energy habits:

• Choose a lower energy rate from your REP: Since the delivery component is non-negotiable, the easiest way to save is by comparing energy rates—search for competitive fixed-rate or introductory offers from REPs operating in Oncor’s territory.
• Shift usage to off-peak times: Time-of-use (TOU) plans reward customers for using electricity during lower-demand hours—typically evenings and weekends. This can offset the consistent Oncor delivery fees you pay.
• Reduce consumption through efficiency: Lowering how much electricity you use each month directly reduces the variable delivery charge. Even small changes—like smarter thermostat programming or switching to LED lighting—add up.
• Leverage green or bundled perks: Some REPs offer renewable energy plans or bill credits. These don’t reduce delivery charges but help offset your overall cost and deliver extra consumer value.
• Watch for promotional offers and credits: Occasionally, REPs bundle credits or bill discounts—these don’t affect Oncor fees, but they significantly lower your total monthly outlay.

Bottom line: Oncor’s delivery charges are fixed—but your total bill is in your hands. Choosing the right plan and managing energy use can yield meaningful savings.

 
  
  
 
 Google rating 
 
 5.0  
 
 
  
 
 

While you can’t choose your utility provider, you can choose your electricity provider. And if you live in Oncor’s service area, you’ll have access to dozens of REPs competing to offer you the best rate, most flexible contract terms, or unique perks.

Thanks to Texas’s deregulated electricity market, residents in Oncor’s service area can choose from a wide range of electricity providers and plans. But while you have the freedom to select your REP, your total electricity rate isn’t determined by the REP alone.

That’s because every electricity plan in Texas includes two pricing components:

• The energy rate, set by your chosen REP

• The delivery charges, set and regulated by your utility (Oncor)

These delivery fees—often listed as “TDU charges” or “Oncor delivery charges” on your bill—are non-negotiable and passed through from the utility to the customer. They help cover the cost of maintaining the power lines, equipment, and personnel that keep electricity flowing to your home. So even if two customers choose the same REP and plan, their total rate could differ slightly based on which TDU serves their location.

For example, let’s say you choose a fixed-rate plan from a REP that advertises 14.2¢ per kWh in Oncor’s service area. If you look closely at the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), you’ll notice that this rate includes both:

• The REP’s energy charge (e.g., 8.5¢ per kWh)
• Oncor’s delivery charges, which are standardized and regulated (e.g., 5.7¢ per kWh combined for base and usage)

That full 14.2¢ per kWh is what you’ll actually pay for electricity—not just the REP’s portion. These delivery fees are the same no matter which provider you choose, because they’re set by Oncor and apply to every customer in their territory.

In Oncor’s case, those charges are typically moderate and consistent, contributing to some of the most competitive electricity pricing in the state.

Power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they’re confusing. And if you’re like most Texans, your first instinct during an outage might be to call the electricity company listed on your bill. But in Oncor’s service area, that’s not the company responsible for getting your lights back on.

When the power goes out, Oncor—not your electricity provider—is the one in charge of fixing it.

As your local utility, Oncor owns and operates the infrastructure that delivers electricity to your home. That means they’re responsible for identifying the cause of the outage, dispatching repair crews, and restoring power as safely and quickly as possible. Your REP, on the other hand, manages your electricity plan and billing—but plays no role in outage response.

Knowing the difference—and how to contact Oncor directly—can save you time and frustration during an outage.

When the power goes out, speed matters—and so does knowing who to contact. Because Oncor is responsible for maintaining the electrical infrastructure in your area, they’re the only ones equipped to investigate and resolve an outage. Reporting the issue directly to Oncor ensures you’re in the queue for restoration and gives you access to the most accurate updates on what’s happening and when power will be restored.

Here’s how to get in touch with Oncor:

• Outage Map: One of the fastest and most effective ways to report a power outage is through the Oncor Outage Map. This interactive tool lets you report your outage directly, view current outage zones across your area, and track estimated restoration times as crews work to resolve the issue.

• Outage Line: 888-313-4747
  You can also report an outage by calling Oncor’s 24/7 outage line. This number connects you directly to their automated system, where you can report an outage, check if your address is already affected, and receive real-time updates on estimated restoration times.

Mobile App: For even faster access, consider downloading the MyOncor mobile app, available for both iOS and Android. The app offers convenient tools for outage reporting, push notifications for service updates, and real-time restoration tracking—all from your phone.

When the power goes out, it’s easy to panic—or waste precious time taking the wrong steps. Here’s what not to do if you’re experiencing an outage in Oncor’s service area:

• Don’t call your electricity provider: Your REP can’t fix the outage—they don’t maintain the power lines or dispatch repair crews. Calling them will only slow things down and add an extra step between you and the team that can actually help. If your lights are out, skip the middleman and report the outage directly to Oncor.

• Don’t assume someone else has already reported it: Oncor uses data from reported outages to identify problem areas and prioritize repairs. If your home is experiencing a disruption—even if your whole neighborhood is dark—submit a report. Every report helps them better understand the scale and scope of the issue.

• Don’t wait for it to fix itself: Texas weather can cause anything from momentary flickers to widespread blackouts. If your power is out for more than a few minutes and you haven’t received a status update, it’s best to check the outage map, report the issue, and opt in for alerts.

• Don’t attempt DIY fixes: If you see a downed power line or damaged equipment, stay far away and report it immediately. Oncor has trained crews to handle dangerous conditions—never try to clear debris or inspect utility gear yourself.

Whether it’s a downed power line, a blown transformer, or damage from a Texas thunderstorm, Oncor is the team that restores service when things go wrong. And while you can’t switch to a different utility, you can take more control over your electricity plan and pricing.

 
  
  
 
 Google rating 
 
 5.0  
 
 
  
 
 

You don’t get to choose Oncor—but you can choose just about everything else.

As your utility, Oncor plays a behind-the-scenes yet essential role in your electricity service. They maintain the infrastructure, monitor the grid, and restore power when outages occur. They don’t sell electricity, they don’t set your rate, and they don’t send you a bill. But their name shows up every month—because their delivery charges are baked into what you pay, no matter which electricity provider you’ve chosen.

Understanding that distinction puts you in a better position as a consumer.

When it comes to lowering your electricity costs or finding a plan that fits your lifestyle, your REP is where the real choice lies. In Oncor’s service area, dozens of REPs compete to offer rates, terms, and features tailored to different types of energy users—from fixed-rate plans for budgeters to time-of-use options for savvy schedulers.

So while you can’t opt out of Oncor, you can shop smarter when it comes to your energy plan.

Next Step: Enter your ZIP code to compare electricity rates available in Oncor’s service area—and take control of what you pay each month.