Tim Tsang · Independent Ambit Consultant · Texas

Guides for property managers and movers · Last reviewed 2026-10-23

Moving before your power plan ends? Do this.

Breaking a lease or buying a home often means leaving an electricity plan early. In Texas the move itself shouldn't cost you a cancellation fee, if you handle it right.

Your plan stays at the old address

Texas rules limit a contract to the address it names. You don't have to carry it to your new home. Give your provider a forwarding address, plus proof of the move if it asks, and it can't charge an early termination fee because you moved.

Starting service is not the same as switching

Turning on power at an empty address is a move-in. Changing providers at the same address is a switch. A move-in at a home with a working smart meter can start the same business day if the order goes in early.

Moving-day checklist

• Set a stop date for the old address with your current provider.
• Give that provider your forwarding address and keep proof of the move, like a new lease or closing papers.
• Set a start date at the new address a day before you arrive.
• Watch for the final bill from the old address and check the dates on it.

About Ambit's plans

• Moving? You may be able to leave your old plan without a cancellation fee. A provider can't charge an early termination fee because you moved out, if you give it a forwarding address and, if asked, proof of the move.
• Moving your home service to Ambit from another provider? On qualifying 12-month-or-longer plans, Ambit may credit up to $250 of your previous provider's early cancellation fee (residential only; proof of fee required; customers switching from TXU, Express, 4Change, Veterans or Tri-Eagle are not eligible).
• Turning power on at a new address? If the place already has a working smart meter and the order goes in before 5 p.m. on a business day, service can usually be turned on that same day. Your utility sets the actual start date, so no one can promise a time of day.

Moving someone in?

Look up plans for the new address on Ambit's site, or send your client to me and I'll help them pick a plan.

See plans for a new ZIP

Or email me: tim@energycostreview.com

Sources

1. 16 TAC §25.475, Texas rule on retail electric products and contracts (Cornell LII copy)
2. Oncor Tariff for Retail Delivery Service, section 6.1.4.1 (priority move-in)

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