No Deposit Lights in Texas
Every light company has different credit rules. The one that wants $400 from you might not blink at your neighbor. We compare light companies and show you who says yes — no down payment needed.
Most Texans find an affordable $0 deposit option — houses and apartments alike. If nobody bites, a prepaid light company is always available same-day.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
We compare no-deposit plans from these light companies
Texas Light Rates Today
The lowest pay-as-you-go rate in Texas is 18 cents per kilowatt hour as of January 29, 2026. 10 no-deposit plans and 720 contract plans are available across all deregulated areas.
| Utility Area | Pay-As-You-Go | Contract | Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oncor Electric Delivery Dallas-Fort Worth | 18¢ | 8.8¢ | 130 |
| CenterPoint Energy Houston | 18.4¢ | 9¢ | 130 |
| AEP Texas South & West TX | 18.4¢ | 6.5¢ | 264 |
| Texas-New Mexico Power Select areas | 20.1¢ | 11.2¢ | 131 |
Find Lights in Your City
Texas has a mix of deregulated areas (you choose your light company) and municipal utilities (no choice). Here's what you need to know about the major metros.
Houston
Choice AvailableFully deregulated. CenterPoint territory. Most options available.
Dallas
Choice AvailableFully deregulated. Oncor territory. 10+ light companies to choose from.
Fort Worth
Choice AvailableFully deregulated. Oncor territory. Same light companies as Dallas.
Austin
MunicipalMunicipal utility (Austin Energy). Limited choice in surrounding areas.
San Antonio
MunicipalMunicipal utility (CPS Energy). Some choice in outer Bexar County.
Arlington
Choice AvailableFully deregulated. Between Dallas and Fort Worth. Great options.
Texas Light Choice: What You Need to Know
Texas deregulated electricity in 2002. That means in most of the state, you pick your light company. But not everywhere — Austin and San Antonio kept their municipal utilities.
Deregulated Areas
- • Houston (CenterPoint)
- • Dallas (Oncor)
- • Fort Worth (Oncor)
- • Most of DFW metroplex
- • Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Waco, and more
You choose your light company. We help you find one with $0 deposit.
Municipal Utilities
- • Austin (Austin Energy)
- • San Antonio (CPS Energy)
- • Some co-ops and smaller cities
No choice here. Contact your utility directly for service and deposit info.
Not sure which you are? Enter your ZIP code above. We'll tell you if you have choice and show you the options if you do.
Texas No-Deposit Light Companies
These affordable light companies serve deregulated areas of Texas. All offer paths to $0 deposit — either through credit approval or monthly prepaid plans.
Payless Power
Now Power
Pogo Energy
Pulse Power
Ambit Energy
Discount Power
Texas Lights: Common Questions
Can I get lights in Texas with no deposit?
Yes. In deregulated areas, different light companies have different credit rules. The one that wants $400 from you might approve your neighbor with nothing down. We check multiple companies to find one that works with your credit. If nobody bites, prepaid plans are always available with $0 deposit.
Which Texas cities have electricity choice?
Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and most of the DFW metroplex are fully deregulated — you pick your light company. Austin and San Antonio are served by municipal utilities (Austin Energy and CPS Energy) with no choice. Enter your ZIP code to check your area.
How fast can I get lights on in Texas?
Same-day service is available in most deregulated areas. Order before 2-3 PM CT weekdays and your lights typically come on within a few hours. Smart meters make this possible — they flip the switch remotely. After the cutoff, you're looking at next business day.
What's a switch hold?
If someone left an unpaid light bill at your address, there's a "switch hold" blocking new service. This applies even if it wasn't you. You'll need to pay the old balance or prove you're not the person who owes. Learn how to clear a switch hold →
No-Deposit Lights by Texas City
874 Texas cities covered. Here are the largest with electricity choice.
Municipal Utility Areas (No Choice)
These cities are served by municipal utilities. You cannot choose your light company, but we still provide local info.
Don't see your city? Enter your ZIP above — we cover all 874 Texas cities.
Get Your Lights On in Texas
Enter your ZIP. We compare light companies — 10+ options — and show you who says yes.
Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
