Who’s Who in the Texas Electricity Market: Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP)

By energy_linguist, September 11, 2009, FAQs, News

After discussing the roles of the PUCT, ERCOT and the REP, it's time to explore the role a TDSP.

Obviously the REP is also an essential part of the equation, but the power generation company and TDSP tend to live a bit more out of the limelight, so I felt obligated to detail the information that directly affects the reliability and production of the electricity you consume.

No matter who you opt to sign up for electricity service with, the delivery of the electricity, in addition to maintenance of transmission lines and other important responsibilities, are provided by a local TDSP. Examples are Centerpoint, Oncor, TNMP and AEP.

A TDSP is responsible for the following:

Maintains the poles and wires that transmit and distribute electricity from power generator to grid to consumer.
Reads your meter and reports electricity consumption to your Texas electricity provider (aka Retail Electricity or REP).
Restores service during a power outage.

TDSP's are strictly regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas. The rates for transmission and distribution service, safety and reliability, and monitoring business practices when it comes to the delivery of generated electricity to consumer are all under the PUCT's umbrella. The TDSP and power generation company are the backbone of your electricity service; the aspect you deal far less with than the actual electricity company who provides customer service, billing and ensures you get the most out of the electricity being pumped through your home.

Also, see previous parts of this series:

Part 1: PUC

Part 2: ERCOT

Part 4: REP

Check back on Monday for Part 5.

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