Prepaid Service FAQs
Why do I need a smart meter, (also called an Advanced Metering System or AMS) to enroll in Prepaid Service?
How do I know if I have a smart meter?
What are the other requirements?
Is Prepaid Service offered to locations designated as "Critical Care" service locations?
Why do I need to provide my cell phone number and e-mail address?
How will I know when my Prepaid Service account balance is getting low?
Why do I need a smart meter (also called an Advanced Metering System or AMS) to enroll in Prepaid Service?
Smart meters, also called provisioned AMS meters, provide near real-time usage information that enables your electric company to offer the flexibility that a prepaid program provides. In homes where this metering device is not installed, the prepaid service is not offered. Smart meters will continue to be installed in most service locations during the next two to three years. Your poles and wires company (also called your Transmission and Distribution Service Provider) determines the schedule for installation of these meters. Want to know more about smart meters?
How do I know if I have a smart meter (also called an advanced meter, or AMS)?
Your poles and wires company for your area (also called the Transmission and Distribution Service Provider) determines the schedule for installation of these meters. Call your poles and wires company to and ask about the installation schedule for your area, or check their websites for deployment schedules.
Not sure which company serves your area? Your bill should tell you. Look under the graph in the YOUR USAGE section on the back of your bill. And here are their phone numbers:
AEP Texas Central
(866) 223-8508
AEP Texas North
(866) 223-8508
Centerpoint Energy
(800) 332-7143
Sharyland Utilities
(956) 668-9551
TNMP
(888) 866-7456
Oncor (formerly TXU Electric Delivery Company)
(888) 313-4747
What are the other requirements?
-
Text-enabled cell phone
-
Valid e-mail
You can choose to use either one or both of these means of communication.
Is Prepaid Service offered to locations designated as "Critical Care" service locations?
Prepaid Service is not available to service locations occupied by persons who are or who become seriously ill or disabled, or who are designated as "critical care" by their poles and wires company (also called a Transmission and Distribution Service Provider).
Why do I need to provide my cell phone number and e-mail address?
With Prepaid Service you'll need to receive information about your electricity usage on a frequent basis. This is done daily through reliable electronic means. Prepaid customers don't even get traditional bills, because they would be out of date by the time you received them. You'll stay informed about the account balance, account updates and low balance alerts through electronic communication to your cell phone and e-mail. Therefore, this service requires a consistent, reliable text-enabled cell phone and/or a valid e-mail address.
How will I know when my Prepaid Service account balance is getting low?
You will receive electronic alerts from First Choice Power when your account balance is estimated at having less than seven days of electricity usage remaining. This low balance alert will be sent every day during this period or until your prepaid account balance is either exhausted or has been replenished with an amount that raises your account balance for usage for more than the seven-day notice threshold. Please keep in mind that this is only an estimate. The balance on your account may last longer or deplete sooner than the estimated days, based on your actual usage.