AEP Texas Central: A Texas Utility Company
American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electric utility companies in the United States. It serves millions of residential and commercial customers across eleven states in central and eastern U.S. As a utility company, AEP Texas delivers power to your home, but you have to purchase your electricity from a retail electric provider (REP).
AEP Texas North and AEP Texas Central were two subsidiaries that were combined into AEP Texas in 2004. Each of these regional utility divisions serve different regions in the state. AEP Texas Central serves cities such as Corpus Cristi, Laredo, San Benito, and more. Due to their different service areas, customers will notice differing TDSP charges between the two regional divisions.
Electricity Plans in AEP Texas Central Service Area
*Featured cards reflect rates at 1000 kWh for the AEP Texas Central delivery area.
Electricity Rates in AEP Texas Central Service Area
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What Retail Energy Providers Offer Plans in AEP Texas Central Energy’s Service Area?
Visit the REP pages below to see which companies offer plans in the AEP Texas Central service area.
How Are Retail Energy Companies Different from Utility Companies?
Retail Energy Companies
- Buys energy from energy producers
- Sells energy to consumers
- Takes care of billing and customer service for energy plans
- Is who you contact to enroll for electric services
Utility Companies like AEP Texas Central
- Owns the energy infrastructure
- Is responsible for delivery of electricity
- Takes care of meter readings
- Is who you contact if there’s a power outage
How Do I Get Affordable Energy in the AEP Texas Central Service Area?
You can find affordable energy within AEP Texas Central’s service area in three easy steps:
Review your recent electric bills to gauge your average household energy usage and understand your consumption patterns.
Compare energy plan rates on EnergySavings.com. Look for plans that fit your usage, such as those offering usage-based bill credits, free energy periods, or rewards and member benefits.
Read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each plan to understand key details, including terms, fees, and minimum usage requirements.
These steps help you choose a plan better suited to your household’s energy use. When you focus only on rates, it’s easy to overlook plans that are more cost-effective once your energy consumption is factored in or that reward you in ways you find valuable.
Compare Texas Utility Delivery Fees
| TDU | Base Customer Charge | Per kWh Rate |
|---|---|---|
| AEP Texas Central | $3.24 | 5.8272 cents per kWh |
| AEP Texas North | $3.24 | 5.6677 cents per kWh |
| CenterPoint Energy | $4.90 | 4.9993 cents per kWh |
| Lubbock Power and Light | $0.00 | 6.3120 cents per kWh |
| Oncor | $4.23 | 5.6183 cents per kWh |
| Texas New Mexico Power | $7.85 | 6.4665 cents per kWh |
*TDU rates as of 4/30/2026
What Are TDU Delivery Charges?
TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) delivery charges are fees a utility company adds to your electric bill. These fees are set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and cover the cost of maintaining the energy grid.
You can’t shop around for TDU delivery charges, and everyone in your area pays the same amount regardless of their energy provider. There is no way to reduce or change these fees.
TDUs vs. TDSPs
TDUs and TDSPs (Transmission and Distribution Service Providers) both refer to utility companies. “TDU” is more common in Texas, while “TDSP” is usually reserved for official documents or industry communications.
AEP Texas Central Outages
If you experience a power outage, here’s how to report it:
- Report Outage Phone Number: 866-223-8508
- Report Outage Link
Moving to or from the AEP Texas Central Utility Area?
If you’re moving to Texas from another state or are moving from a regulated energy area like Austin or San Antonio, you’ll need to shop for energy plans. Energy Savings makes it easy to compare plans and providers available in your neighborhood. Just enter your zip code into our site to start comparing. After signing up for your chosen plan, the provider will send a move-in order to AEP Texas. Service starts on your chosen date.
If you’re moving between deregulated areas, check if your energy provider is available at your new address. If it isn’t, you’ll also need to choose a new provider and plan. But if it does operate in your new area and you have a contract, transferring your service may be best to avoid early termination fees.
Enter your ZIP Code and compare electricity rates.
AEP Texas Central FAQs
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How is AEP Texas Central different from energy providers in Texas?
AEP Texas Central takes care of the transmission and distribution of your electricity. It reads the meters at your home or business and maintains the energy infrastructure, including towers, wires, poles, lines, and more.
On the other hand, Texas energy providers are electric companies. They purchase electricity wholesale from energy producers and sell it to their customers. You enroll in electric services with a retail electric provider and turn to them for any plan-related matters, such as billing and customer service.
Can I lower my AEP Texas Central delivery charges?
No. AEP Texas Central’s delivery charges are set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). They’re the same for all residents in your area, no matter the energy provider.
The only way to lower your energy bill is to adopt smart energy habits, improve your home’s energy efficiency, and move to an energy plan that’s more cost-effective for your family’s energy usage patterns.
Do I contact AEP Texas Central or my energy provider about outages?
Yes. For power outages, always contact AEP Texas Central at 866-223-8508 or use the online outage form.
AEP Texas Central is my utility company. Will that ever change?
Your utility company most likely won’t change unless AEP Texas stops serving your area and another utility steps in.
If I am in the AEP Texas Central service area in Texas, do I have to choose an energy provider?
Yes. In deregulated areas, your utility provider is assigned to your area, but you choose your energy provider and plan. You can shop around to see which REP and plan is the best fit for you.
Do energy providers in the AEP Texas Central service area offer fixed-rate plans?
Yes. Energy providers in the AEP Texas Central service area offer a mix of plans, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and time-of-use plans. Options vary by provider and location.