ESID Lookup in Texas

ESID Number Meaning on Your Texas Electric Bill

The Electric Service Identifier (ESID), a crucial number ensuring seamless and efficient electricity service delivery to Texas residents and businesses, is a unique individual-electric service identifier.

Whether you pronounce it as an acronym or simply call it an “Easy ID”, understanding its meaning, use, and how to look it up is essential to be in control of your electrical power.

What Is The Purpose of My ESID Number?

An ESID number is to your property address what your Social Security Number (SSN) is to your personal identity. It acts like a social security number for your electric meter, serving as a unique identifier to utility companies and energy providers.

Think of it as the unique identifier that connects your property to the broader electric grid, which is fundamental to all residents and businesses in Texas. Essentially, your ESID number helps utility companies enroll customers and provides accurate pricing information specific to your location.

While the ESID is deeply tied to your physical address, it’s important to note that it is distinct from your meter number or account number. Unlike the meter number, which is specific to the device measuring your electricity usage, or the account number, which pertains to your billing, the ESID is not visible on your meter. Instead, it serves as the invisible link binding your property to the energy network.

It also enables your energy provider to set up the electricity service to your meter, transfer energy providers, and meter electric usage, making the process faster, easier, and more efficient. Residential and commercial meters alike have an ESID.

Your ESID also reveals the utility company (also known as the Transmission and Distribution Utility, or TDU) responsible for the delivery of electric service to your property, such as Oncor or Centerpoint. Understanding the utility company servicing your location is crucial since rates vary based on utility companies.

In summary, while the meter number and account number serve specific functions related to device identification and billing, the ESID is the key identifier linking your address to the electric grid, ensuring accurate service and pricing.

To find your utility provider using your ESID:

1. Locate Your ESID Number:
If you’re unsure what utility you fall into based on our map, you can enter your address in the tool above to find your ESID number.

2. Break Down the ESID Number:
- Prefix: The first two digits of your ESID number will always be 10.
- Department of Energy TDSP ID: The next five numbers following the prefix are known as the Department of Energy TDSP ID. These numbers determine who your utility provider is.

3. Identify Your Utility Provider:
Reference the first five numbers following the prefix. These numbers will directly indicate your utility provider.

By understanding the structure of your ESID number, you can easily determine which utility company services your location. This knowledge is essential for comparing rates and ensuring you get the best deal on your electric service.

How to Find Your ESID Number

Use our free ESID Lookup tool to find all the details of your ESID number in no time. It's really easy!

Just enter your address in the search bar at the top of this page, hit the "Search ESID" button and voila! What can you expect to find?

• Number: Your complete ESID number, unique to your premises
• Premise type: Whether your space is residential or commercial
• Status: If your ESID is Active or currently De-Energized
• Utility: The utility provider responsible for servicing the entered address

If you're living in an apartment or purchasing an apartment complex, there might be some additional steps to consider. Sometimes, the ESID might not be readily accessible through online tools, especially if there are shared services within the complex.

• Contact your property manager or owner: They can provide you with the ESID information, as they often have centralized records or access to this data.
• Understand the setup: There may be individual ESIDs for each apartment or a single ESID for the entire complex. Confirming this with your property manager ensures you're accessing the correct information.

By combining these approaches, you'll be equipped with everything you need to manage your electricity service efficiently, whether you're in a standalone home or a bustling apartment complex.

We also provide you with a curated list of the best electricity plans available in your area.

ESID Number on the Meter and on the Electric Bill

The ESID is not typically found on your electricity meter itself. It is assigned by the electric utility company to each point of electric service, which means it's associated with your specific location, not the metering equipment.

But your ESID can be found on your electric bill, as you can see in the following example for a Texpo Energy bill:

Your Retail Electric Provider (REP) should also have your ESID number on file and can provide it to you upon request.

If you're moving to a new residence or place of business and do not have a bill, you may need to contact the utility company or use our ESID lookup tool with the service address to find the ESID. Remember, the ESID is crucial for setting up or changing your electricity service.

Your ESID and Utility Choice

You cannot choose your electric company because it depends on your location, but as a Texas resident you enjoy deregulated energy and you do get to choose your Retail Electric Provider. Your ESID tells you how your energy providers enroll you in plans and track your electricity usage.

It also gives you a list of electric providers in your area, as well as the name of the utility company (poles and wires) that serves your area once you perform an ESID number lookup.

The "Power to Choose" Program

The "Power to Choose" program is a state-run initiative designed to help consumers navigate the deregulated electricity market. By visiting its user-friendly website, residents and businesses can explore and compare electricity rates from various energy providers. This empowers consumers to make informed decisions by selecting plans that best meet their energy needs and usage patterns.

Your ESID and Its Role
The Electric Service Identifier (ESID) is a unique number assigned to every electricity meter in deregulated areas. It acts as your meter's digital fingerprint, ensuring accurate identification and billing by your chosen energy supplier.

While the "Power to Choose" platform is a valuable resource for comparing electricity plans, it doesn’t influence or alter your ESID. However, having your ESID handy can streamline the process when you switch providers or verify service details. In essence, "Power to Choose" serves as a guide in decision-making, while your ESID confirms the application of your selected plan.

This program is ideal for those with residential meters or smaller business setups, offering a transparent view of competitive rates that could save money on electricity bills.

Don’t Have an ESID Number Yet?

It’s likely because yours is a new building. If this is the case, please contact us so that we can help you obtain a new set of meters.

Within 24 hours of the meter being installed, your new meter number will be available, and a construction meter, often known as a temporary meter, will be installed. After the construction is finished, you can switch to the permanent meter.

Commercial ESID Lookup

Just as each residential property has its unique ESID, so does every business property. Our ESID number lookup tool is designed to work effectively with both residential and commercial addresses.

Just input your business address in the search bar and you'll have instant access to the ESID associated with your business property.

How Do Utilities Assign ESID IDs?

An ESI ID number is assigned by your local utility company based on the location of your property. Each utility company follows a unique format as required by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).

The ESI ID number consists of several components, the first two digits are always 10, followed by a five-digit Department of Energy ID Code for the utility, followed by a unique premise ID that varies in length.

It's important to note that no matter the length or the specific digits, an ESI ID number performs the same function: it serves as a unique identifier for your electricity service location

This is how the ESID is assigned by the different utilities:

Oncor ESID

Oncor’s ESI IDs are 17 digits long, beginning with either 1044372 or 1017699 (for East TX customers), followed by a unique 10-digit code that identifies the premise.

AEP Texas ESID

All ESI IDs assigned for AEP Texas are 17 digits long

• AEP Texas Central customers are assigned ESI IDs beginning with 1000288, followed by a unique 9-digit
• AEP Texas North customers receive ESI IDs beginning with 1000078, followed by a unique 9-digit code

CenterPoint Energy ESID

CenterPoint Energy ESI IDs are 22 digits long, beginning with 10089, followed by a unique 17-digit code.

Texas-New Mexico Power ESID

Texas-New Mexico Power assigns 22-digit ESI IDs to its customers, which all begin with 10168, followed by a unique 17-digit code.

Sharyland Utilities ESID

Sharyland also assigns 22-digit ESI IDs to its customers. They begin with 10212 or 10213, followed by a unique 17-digit code.

ESID Lookup FAQS

Why Can't I Find My ESID Number?

Determining if you have an ESID number is crucial for managing your energy services, especially if you live in a deregulated area. If you are unable to locate your ESID number using our tool, it could be because your service location or meter is new and hasn't been set up yet. For new buildings or homes, the ESID number is assigned after the meter installation.

Alternatively, you may need to check with your Retail Electric Provider (REP) or check your electricity bill to find your ESID.

However, there are additional factors that could affect whether you have an ESID number:

• Check your location: If you reside in a deregulated energy area, you likely have an ESID number. These areas are typically highlighted on energy deregulation maps. If your home or business is in a grey area, you might be in a regulated zone, meaning you operate under different rules.

• Utility Providers: Your utility provider can also be a clue. If they are not listed among those serving deregulated areas, you are probably in a regulated part of the state. Always double-check with your utility company to be sure.

• Special Cases: In some cases, areas serviced by municipally-owned electric utilities and cooperatives may require direct contact to verify if you have an ESID number. These entities manage their systems uniquely, and reaching out directly can provide clarity.

By considering these factors and checking with your REP or your electricity bill, you can better understand whether you have an ESID number and how to locate it.

Why Is My ESID Shown as De-Energized?

If your ESID number appears as de-energized, it means that the associated electric service location is currently not receiving any electricity.

This could be due to several reasons such as disconnection for non-payment, a switch of energy providers, or it may indicate that the service location is vacant or not in use.

Why Isn't My Address Listed in the ESID Number Lookup Tool?

Our ESID lookup tool is designed to display active or de-energized ESID numbers only. If you're unable to find your address in the tool, it's possible that the associated ESID is inactive, meaning it has been permanently deactivated.

Inactive ESID numbers might not show up because they are no longer linked to an active electricity supply.

In these situations, the best course of action is to reach out to your electricity supplier or your Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) for further assistance. They can provide more information and guidance on the status of the ESID and the steps you can take if you need to reactivate the service or establish a new one.

What Happens When an ESI ID Becomes Inactive?

When you see a "meter inactive" status for your electricity service, it generally indicates one of two scenarios: your meter hasn't been configured yet, or the electricity at your location is currently turned off. This is a common scenario for individuals and businesses moving to a new address.

Common Scenarios for Inactive Meters
* New Home: If you're moving into a new house, the meter may not be set up.
* Business Relocation: Shifting your business location often requires a fresh meter setup.
* Temporary Disruptions: If there has been recent construction or renovation, the meter may be temporarily out of service while work is completed.

Steps to Activate Your Meter
1. Contact Utility Provider: Reach out to your energy provider to ensure your utility account is set up correctly.
2. Schedule Service Activation: Set up an appointment for a technician to activate your meter.
3. Check for Technical Issues: Sometimes technical issues can prevent a meter from becoming active, requiring a service technician's visit.
4. Verify Completion: Ensure the technician has successfully activated the meter.

Activating your meter is crucial for having functional electrical service. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with your power company to resolve any "meter inactive" status immediately.

Can Two ESI IDs be the Same?

No, two ESI IDs cannot be the same. Each ESI ID is a unique identifier specific to a particular electric service location. Just like a social security number, each ESI ID is different to avoid confusion and ensure accurate tracking and billing of electric usage.

How Do I Know Which Electrical Utility Serves my Home?

The utility that serves your house is typically determined by the geographic location of your property. Use Ladybug Energy’s ESID lookup tool to find out which utility serves your address.