Electricity Broker Registration Requirements in Texas

The Public Utility Commission of Texas has established a framework for registering electricity brokers in the state. According to the registration form, any person that provides brokerage services for compensation or other consideration must register as a broker with the Commission. Brokerage services include providing advice or procurement services to, or acting on behalf of, a retail electric customer regarding the selection of a retail electric provider, or a product or service offered by a retail electric provider.

To register, entities must provide detailed information about their business, including their name, address, telephone number, and email address. The owner, partner, or officer of the registrant must also swear to and affirm that the registrant is authorized to do business in Texas and is in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State. The form requires the submission of a notarized affidavit and can be filed electronically through the PUC Interchange Filer or by mail.

Key Takeaways:

• Any person providing brokerage services for compensation or other consideration must register as a broker with the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
• Brokerage services include providing advice or procurement services to, or acting on behalf of, a retail electric customer.
• Registered brokers must comply with customer protection provisions, disclosure requirements, and marketing guidelines established by the Commission.
• Failure to comply with PURA or Commission rules may result in an administrative penalty.
• The registration form requires detailed information about the registrant's business, including their name, address, telephone number, and email address.
• The owner, partner, or officer of the registrant must swear to and affirm that the registrant is authorized to do business in Texas and is in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State.
• The form requires the submission of a notarized affidavit and can be filed electronically through the PUC Interchange Filer or by mail.

Statistics:

• The registration form has 8 sections, including authorization, pre-registration, business structure, customer service contact, Commission contact person, tax identification number, and certification.
• The form requires the submission of 5 affidavits, including an affidavit of authorization, an affidavit of the owner, partner, or officer, an affidavit of the broker's customer service contact, an affidavit of the Commission contact person, and an affidavit of the registrant.
• The registration form is subject to an administrative penalty for failure to comply with PURA or Commission rules.

Sources:

• Control Number: 49779
• Pubicate Utility Commission of Texas
• Broker Registration Form
• Last Updated: September 22, 2021