Q: How can I change providers?

A: If you are interested in participating in the Pilot Program, you should take the following steps:

Non-residential customers will receive information on participating in the Pilot Program in their February electric bill. From February 15 - March 15, non-residential customers may visit their current local utility's Web site to enroll in the Pilot Program. If more than five percent of non-residential customers sign-up for the Pilot Program, a lottery will be conducted to determine who will participate.

By March 21, 2001, information for those customers selected to participate in the Pilot Program will be posted on their current local utility's Web site. Those customers that are selected should contact a REP and have a contract signed by May 10, 2001 to maintain eligibility. The Pilot Program will run from June 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001.

Both non-residential and residential customers also have the opportunity to participate in the Pilot Program through an aggregator, or buying group. Customers may visit the Texas Electric Choice Web site at www.powertochoose.org for a list of aggregators.

Five percent of Texas' residential customers will also have the opportunity to select a new Retail Electric Provider in a Pilot Program. Residential customers will receive information on participating in the Pilot Program in their March electric bill.

Residential customers may visit our Web site at www.powertochoose.org to obtain a list of certified Retail Electric Providers.

Residential customers should contact one or more of the REPs listed to obtain information about prices, terms and conditions of service offered. Ask each REP for their "Electricity Facts Label," which will provide helpful information on prices and terms and conditions to compare with other REP offers.

Residential customers should then consider what is the most important to them. Residential customers may switch service to a competing REP by contacting the REP. They need not contact their current electric utility to switch. The Pilot Program will run from June 1, 2001 - December 31, 2001.

If a customer is a participant in the Pilot Program and is interested in selecting a new Retail Electric Provider from the one they originally signed-up with, they should simply contact a new Retail Electric Provider.

During the opening of the competitive electric market on January 1, 2002, customers only need to contact a new Retail Electric Provider.

Q: Is there a penalty for changing providers?

A: There are no switching fees unless you request a special meter reading. You should ask potential Retail Electric Providers about any additional fees or charges. Review your terms of service statement.