What are the base charge, energy charge, and delivery charges on my Texas electric bill?
The base charge is a flat amount you pay each billing cycle, no matter how much power you use. The energy charge depends on the kilowatt-hours (kWh) you use. TDU delivery charges are what your local utility charges to deliver power over its poles and wires. Texas PUC rules define each of these bill terms.
Base charge
A flat charge each billing cycle. It does not change with how much electricity you use.
Energy charge
A charge based on the electric energy you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Use more kWh, the energy charge goes up. Use fewer, it goes down.
TDU delivery charges
TDU stands for transmission and distribution utility. It is your local utility. It owns or operates the poles and wires that carry power to your address.
TDU delivery charges are the amounts that utility charges for delivering electricity. Your bill may show them as their own line. See What is a TDU?.
Meter charge
A charge that recovers the utility's charges for metering your electricity use. Look for it as its own line.
Where to find it on your bill
Look for these labels in the charges section. Wording on your bill may differ slightly.
Example layout only. No amounts shown. Not a real bill.
| Label on the bill | What it is |
|---|---|
| Base charge | A flat charge each billing cycle |
| Energy charge | Charge that depends on kWh used |
| TDU delivery charges | What the local utility charges for delivery |
| Meter charge | Utility's charges for metering your use |
Common Questions
What is a TDU?
A transmission and distribution utility. It is the local utility that owns or operates the poles and wires delivering power to your address. More on TDUs.
Does my retail provider set the delivery charge?
No. Delivery charges follow the utility's own rate schedule, not your retail provider's.
Why does my bill list both a provider and a utility?
Two companies play two roles. Your retail electric provider bills you. The utility delivers the power. The delivery charges may show up as their own line on your bill.
What is a meter charge?
It is a defined bill term in the Texas rules. It recovers the utility's charges for metering your electricity use.
Which utility serves my address?
Use our Texas utility map.
Related Questions
- What is a TDU (utility) in Texas?
- How do I read my Texas electric bill?
- Why is my bill higher than the rate listed on my Electricity Facts Label?
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Sources
- 16 TAC §25.479, Issuance and Format of Bills (subsections (c)(2)(E), (c)(2)(J), (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(C), (c)(4)), Public Utility Commission of Texas, retrieved 2026-10-05
- 16 TAC §25.5, Definitions ("Transmission and distribution utility (TDU)"), Public Utility Commission of Texas, retrieved 2026-10-05
- Transmission and Distribution Rates Now Available for Consumers on PUCT Website (press release, Sept. 3, 2025), Public Utility Commission of Texas, retrieved 2026-10-05