Introduction
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow of electric power to about 90 percent of the state’s electric load, including 8 million premises in competitive choice areas.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.
Together they oversee the entire process of electricity generation, distribution, and sale in Texas.
Power Generators
Power Generators own and operate facilities that create electricity. These facilities include coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants, as well as renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Power generation companies sell power to retail electricity providers.
Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU)
Transmission and Distribution Utility companies are responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity service to all homes and businesses within a service area. A TDU owns, maintains, and repairs all the lines, wires, poles, and meters in its service area. TDUs are responsibly to fixing power outages.
Retail Electric Providers (REPs)
Retail Electric Providers are the companies that compete to sell electricity to you. When you sign up for electric service you are signing up with an REP. Your monthly bill will come from an REP.
REPs work in conjunction with power generators and TDUs to create, sell, and deliver electricity to your home or business
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Brokers
Brokers are companies like SmarterChoice that help consumers navigate the expansive REP market. By consolidating all the REPs and their plans into one easy to understand dashboard, SmarterChoice makes finding the perfect electricity plan quicker and easier than ever before.
