English
Get started on your enrollment today
How does it work?
The electricity system in Texas is made up of three important parts: generation, retail supply and distribution.
And these areas are all overseen by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which looks after roughly 90% of the state's electricity.
Electricity Generation
Generation companies (Independent Service Operators [ISOs]) are the organizations who generate the electricity that feeds into the Texas grid - using a range of renewable and non-renewable sources to meet consumer demand.
Independent System Operators(ISOs) are organizations that coordinate regional energy transmission to ensure access to the electric grid and a reliable electricity system.
Independent System Operators(ISOs) are organizations that coordinate regional energy transmission to ensure access to the electric grid and a reliable electricity system.
Retail Supply
Retail Energy Providers (REPs), like Shell Energy, are the companies that you purchase your electricity from, and the ones who send you a bill each month based on your usage. They generate electricity or buy electricity wholesale to sell on to you, while also giving you a point of contact for any account needs.
Physical Distribution
It's easy to think this is covered by your retail supplier, but it's not. Distribution from the grid and the maintenance of the poles and lines that carry electricity to your home is looked after by your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). REPs simply pass on any charges from the TDU, which you'll see on your bill.