Are you scratching your head about how to pay your WTU electric bill? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! If you’re a former West Texas Utility (WTU) customer looking for payment options, this guide will help you navigate the new landscape since WTU is no longer offering electricity plans.
What Happened to WTU?
Before we jump into bill payment options, let’s clear something up West Texas Utility (WTU) is no longer offering electricity plans This change has left many customers wondering where to turn for their electricity service and how to handle their bill payments.
According to the information available, WTU Retail Energy was providing energy to West Texas residents and small businesses for more than 75 years. The company was owned by Direct Energy, which is the third-largest electricity provider in Texas. However, now that WTU is no longer operating independently, customers need to know their alternatives.
Reliant: The New Option for Former WTU Customers
Good news! Reliant Energy has stepped up to help former WTU customers. As they clearly state on their website: “West Texas Utility (WTU) is no longer offering electricity plans, but Reliant is here to help! WTU customers can now come to us for their electricity service, as we’re dedicated to keeping Texas communities powered with reliable and affordable electricity.”
This means if you were a WTU customer, you can now turn to Reliant for your electricity service and bill payment needs
How to Pay Your Electric Bill (Former WTU Customers)
If you were previously with WTU and have switched to Reliant here are your bill payment options
1. Online Payment
The easiest way to pay your bill is through your online account. Reliant offers a convenient online portal where you can:
- View your monthly bill
- Make payments securely
- Set up AutoPay
- Monitor your electricity usage
To get started, you’ll need to register for an online account if you haven’t already done so.
2. Phone Payment
Don’t like paying bills online? No problem! Reliant provides 24/7 customer service, allowing you to pay your bill by phone at any time. Their customer service line is 1-866-222-7100.
3. Mail Payment
If you prefer the traditional method of sending a check or money order, you can mail your payment to Reliant. Just make sure to include your account number on your payment to ensure it’s properly credited to your account.
4. In-Person Payment
Reliant also offers in-person payment options at various authorized payment locations throughout Texas.
Setting Up New Service with Reliant
If you were a WTU customer and haven’t yet transitioned to a new provider, here’s how to get started with Reliant:
- Visit Reliant’s website at www.reliant.com
- Enter your ZIP code to view available plans
- Choose the plan that best fits your needs
- Complete the enrollment process
Reliant offers several plans that might appeal to former WTU customers:
- Reliant Flextra Credits 24 plan: Get your 2 highest-use days a week FREE + $200 in bonus bill credits for extra savings.
- Reliant Secure Advantage 24 plan: A straightforward plan with a locked-in energy charge.
- Reliant Apartment 12 plan: Designed exclusively for smaller spaces.
Understanding Your New Electric Bill
Switching providers means getting used to a new bill format. Here’s what to expect on your Reliant bill:
Texas electricity pricing includes charges from Reliant and delivery charges from your TDSP/utility (like CenterPoint Energy). Your bill will show:
- Base charge per month
- Usage charge
- Possible discounts (Autopay Discount, Digital Discount)
- TDSP fees (charges from your local Transmission Distribution Service Provider)
Your average price per kWh is calculated by dividing the combined charges by your total monthly usage.
Payment Assistance Options
If you’re having trouble paying your bill, don’t panic! Reliant offers several assistance programs:
- Flexible payment arrangements
- Budget billing to avoid seasonal spikes
- Emergency assistance programs
It’s always better to contact customer service before missing a payment to explore your options.
Benefits of Switching to Reliant
As a former WTU customer, you might be wondering what benefits Reliant offers. Here are some advantages:
Texas-sized Strength
Reliant has proudly powered millions of Texans for decades. Homeowners and renters across the state trust Reliant as their electricity provider.
24/7 Customer Service
Need help at 2 a.m.? No problem! Reliant’s customer service agents are available 24/7 via phone at 1-866-222-7100 or through online chat.
Referral Rewards
Earn unlimited bill credits for referrals. Reliant gave out more than $1 million in rewards last year.
Conservation Rewards
Managing your energy use at home with a smart thermostat can get you rewarded with a $50 bill credit when you enroll in Degrees of Difference.
Service Areas Coverage
If you’re wondering whether Reliant serves your area, they cover several regions in Texas:
- Greater Houston area
- DFW / North Texas
- West Texas (where many former WTU customers are located)
- Central Texas
- South Texas
Avoiding Common Bill Pay Problems
When transitioning from WTU to a new provider like Reliant, keep these tips in mind to avoid payment issues:
- Update your autopay information – If you had autopay set up with WTU, make sure to set it up again with your new provider.
- Watch for final bills – You might receive a final bill from WTU that needs to be paid separately.
- Keep track of your account number – Your new account number will be different, so make note of it for all future transactions.
- Beware of scams – During transitions, scammers may try to take advantage. Always verify you’re dealing with your actual provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bill Payments
What happens to my automatic payments after switching from WTU?
When you switch from WTU to a new provider like Reliant, your automatic payment arrangements do not transfer. You’ll need to set up new automatic payments with your new provider.
Will my electric service be interrupted during the switch?
No, your electric service should not be interrupted during the transition from WTU to a new provider. The physical delivery of electricity remains the responsibility of your local utility company.
Who do I call if I have an outage?
If you experience a power outage, you should contact your local utility company, not your retail electricity provider. The utility company is responsible for the power lines and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your home.
What if I’m moving to a new address?
If you’re moving, most providers in Texas, including Reliant, will not charge an early termination fee if you provide proof of your move.
Making the Most of Your New Electric Service
Now that you’re transitioning from WTU to a new provider like Reliant, here are some tips to maximize your experience:
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Explore plan options – Different plans offer different benefits. Some have free electricity days, others offer fixed rates for predictability.
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Consider renewable options – Reliant offers several renewable energy plans if you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint.
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Use account management tools – Take advantage of online tools and apps to monitor your usage and manage your account.
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Look for special promotions – Watch for sign-up bonuses and seasonal promotions that could save you money.
Conclusion: Smooth Sailing After WTU
The transition from WTU to a new electricity provider doesn’t have to be complicated. With Reliant specifically reaching out to former WTU customers, you have a clear path forward for your electricity service and bill payment needs.
Remember, the most important thing is to set up your new service and payment arrangements promptly to avoid any disruptions or confusion. Whether you prefer paying online, by phone, by mail, or in person, you have options that fit your lifestyle.
Have you made the switch from WTU already? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
Sign up today. Enter your ZIP code to get started. ZIP code
Need help finding a plan? Our agents are available. Call 1-866-222-7100.
There are lots of reasons to choose Reliant
Reliant has proudly powered millions of Texans for decades. Homeowners and renters all across the state trust Reliant as their electricity provider, and you can, too!
Giving back to the community. Providing award-winning customer support. Just two of the ways we’re committed to all of Texas.
Our customer service agents can help you choose a plan that fits your budget and lifestyle. Call us at 1-866-222-7100 or chat online, anytime.
Earn unlimited bill credits for referrals.† We gave out more than $1 million in rewards last year.
Managing your energy use at home with a smart thermostat can get you rewarded with a $50 bill credit when you enroll in Degrees of Difference.
Reliant has solar plans for people with or without panels. We have plans with benefits for electric vehicles, too.
