Many residential customers have questions and concerns about electric rates and their electric bill after the recent severe winter weather in Texas. Oncor does not generate power or bill customers directly. Customers buy electricity from their Retail Electric Provider, or REP, and receive their bill from that REP. 

Oncor simply charges the REP for delivering that electricity. The REP directly bills customers for both the total cost of the electricity used and the Oncor charges. Oncor’s charges are often referred to as “delivery,” “wires,” or “transmission and distribution” charges on an electric bill.

For residential customers, Oncor’s charges to the REP for delivering electricity include two components: a fixed monthly amount of $4.23, and a charge for the amount of electricity (“kWhs”) used by the customer (and delivered by Oncor) during the month. The number of kWhs used by the customer are multiplied by approximately 5 cents. Your REP may display Oncor’s charges on your bill as the “Oncor TDU Delivery Charge.”

If you were without power for any extended period of time, and as a result used less total electricity during the month, Oncor’s delivery charges passed along to you by your REP will reflect that. Even if you were out of power during recent severe weather, you may have used more electricity or (“KWhs”) throughout the month to keep your home warm due to the cold weather, and the Oncor charges that are based on your usage will be higher.

Your total bill is based on Oncor’s charges to deliver your electricity and the rate charged by your REP, which varies based on the REP and the rate plan you’ve selected. If you have questions about your electric bill, call your REP at the number listed on your billing statement.

Practicing energy efficiency is a helpful way to help reduce your electric use and save money on your electric bill. View our top 10 tips for winter energy savings, and see what steps you can take to help prepare your home for the winter season. For more information on seasonal energy efficiency tips, program, and incentives, visit takealoadofftexas.com.  

Again, Oncor will not bill customers, so do not pay anyone who claims to be collecting money on behalf of Oncor. It’s not uncommon for scam attempts to increase in the aftermath of severe storms. We urge customers to familiarize themselves with common scam tactics and remember that Oncor will never contact you by phone, text or in-person to demand payment or threaten you with power disconnection.