1. What Changed (and What Didn’t)
What changed: You now choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) for the energy portion of your bill. Competition means lower prices and more options.
What didn't change: LP&L still owns the power lines, maintains the infrastructure, and responds to outages. Your power reliability is the same regardless of which REP you choose.
What this means for your bill: - Energy charge: Varies by REP and plan (this is what you're shopping for) - LP&L delivery charge: Same for everyone, roughly $40–55/month on average usage - Taxes and fees: ~2.5% pass-through charges
Your total bill = energy + LP&L delivery + taxes. When comparing plans, compare the total — not just the energy rate.
2. Your ESI ID: The Number That Matters
Your ESI ID (Electric Service Identifier) is a 17-digit number assigned to your meter. You need it to: - Sign up with a new REP - Switch providers - Verify your LP&L service territory
Where to find it: - On your LP&L bill (labeled "ESI ID" or "ESID") - On your current REP's bill - By calling LP&L customer service - On SmartMeterTexas.com
Keep it handy. You'll enter this number when you sign up for a new plan. Getting it wrong can delay your switch.
3. Read the EFL (It’s the Only Document That Matters)
The Electricity Facts Label is a standardized one-page document required by the PUC of Texas. Every plan has one. It tells you:
Pricing: - Energy charge per kWh (or tiered/TOU structure) - Base charges and minimum usage fees - Bill credit thresholds and amounts
Contract terms: - Length (12, 24, or 36 months typically) - Early termination fee ($50–200) - Auto-renewal terms
What the EFL shows that ads don't: - The rate at YOUR usage level, not just 500/1000/2000 kWh - Hidden base charges ($5–10/month on some plans) - Minimum usage fees (costs more if you use less than a threshold)
Rule of thumb: If you read nothing else, read the EFL. Ignore the marketing.
4. Plan Types for First-Time Shoppers
Fixed rate (start here): You pay the same cents per kWh every month for the contract length. Predictable, no surprises. This is the right choice for 80% of Lubbock households.
Bill credit: Higher base rate, but you get a dollar credit if you exceed a usage threshold. Only works if you consistently exceed the threshold every month. Risky for your first plan.
Time-of-use (Free Nights/Weekends): Free electricity during certain hours, but much higher rates during other hours. Most people use 65–70% of electricity during the expensive hours. Avoid for your first plan.
Indexed/Variable: Rate changes monthly based on market prices. Can be cheap in spring, devastating in summer. Avoid entirely.
Prepaid: No credit check, no contract, pay as you go. Higher effective rates. Consider only if you have credit issues.
For your first Lubbock plan: Pick a 12-month fixed rate. You'll have a full year of LP&L billing data to make a more informed choice next time.
5. Lubbock Weather and Your Plan Choice
Your plan choice should account for Lubbock's climate:
Summer (June–September): Highs of 90–105°F. AC runs most of the day. Expect 1,500–2,000 kWh usage for a typical 1,800 sq ft home. Fixed rates protect you from summer price spikes that hit variable-rate customers.
Winter (December–February): Many Lubbock homes heat with gas, keeping electric bills lower (800–1,000 kWh). If you heat with electricity, plan for higher winter bills.
Spring dust season (March–June): Dust reduces HVAC efficiency. Budget for slightly higher bills and change filters monthly.
The rule: Plan for your highest month, not your average. A plan that looks great at 1,000 kWh might be expensive at 1,800 kWh summer usage.
6. When to Switch and How It Works
Best time to shop: 60–90 days before your contract expires. Rates tend to be better in fall and winter when demand is lower.
How switching works: 1. Choose a new plan and sign up online (15 minutes) 2. Your new REP handles the switch with LP&L 3. Switch happens in 1–3 business days 4. Your power stays on the entire time — no interruption 5. Your old REP sends a final bill
No service interruption. LP&L delivers the electricity regardless of which REP you're with. Switching is administrative, not physical.
Watch out for: Auto-renewal clauses. Many plans auto-renew to a variable rate when the contract expires. Set a calendar reminder.
Fastest way to find out
Upload your bill and we'll tell you exactly what's wrong and how to fix it.
Upload Your Bill →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to switch from LP&L?
LP&L no longer sells retail electricity directly in most areas. You need to choose a REP. LP&L continues to deliver the electricity through their power lines, but a separate company provides the energy. It's similar to how you choose a cell phone plan but the towers are shared infrastructure.
Will my power go out if I switch providers?
No. LP&L maintains the physical infrastructure. Switching your REP is an administrative change handled electronically through your smart meter. You won't notice any difference in service — just a different company on your energy charges.
What if I have bad credit?
Most REPs run a soft credit check. Some require a deposit ($100–300) instead of denying service. Prepaid plans require no credit check at all, though they typically have higher effective rates. Don't let credit concerns stop you from shopping — several REPs specialize in no-deposit plans.
Should I choose a 12-month or 24-month plan?
For your first plan, go with 12 months. The Lubbock market is new and evolving — rates may drop as more REPs compete for customers. A 12-month plan gives you the chance to re-evaluate with a full year of LP&L usage data.
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This article is for informational purposes only. Electricity rates and plans change frequently. Always verify current rates before switching.