- CoServ isn’t part of Texas’s deregulated market, so if they serve your area, you can’t choose another provider, but their rates are often lower than competitive Retail Electric Providers.
- They’re a nonprofit electric cooperative, meaning any excess revenue goes back to members through capital credits and system improvements.
- CoServ offers consistently high reliability, with 99.99% power uptime and quick restoration during outages.
- You get access to energy-saving tools and rebates, like Rush Hour Rewards, usage tracking through SmartHub, and free home energy assessments.
About CoServ
CoServ is a member-owned electric cooperative and gas distributor based in North Texas. Established in 1937, it’s now one of the fastest-growing co-ops in the country. Serving around eight counties with nearly 500,000 combined electric and gas meters, CoServ consistently delivers exceptional reliability, its 2024 SAIDI score was just 22.6, meaning the average member experienced power interruptions for less than 23 minutes annually (99.99% uptime!).
As a nonprofit cooperative, CoServ doesn’t chase shareholder profits. Any excess revenues return to members through capital credits. They also reinvest in infrastructure, community programs, and member-focused services.
CoServ’s Coverage Areas
CoServ covers parts of eight North Texas counties, including key cities like Corinth, Denton, Frisco, portions of Plano, the southern sections of Denton‑area communities, and stretches into Tarrant and Cooke counties. If you’re in North Texas and served by CoServ, you’re covered by them, not a Retail Electric Provider (REP).
How Texas Deregulation Affects You
While about 85% of Texas is deregulated (letting you pick a REP), co-op territories like CoServ remain regulated, meaning they opt out. You can’t shop around via PowerToChoose.org in their service zone. The upside? Predictable, transparent rates without contract gimmicks. CoServ’s “Standard Residential Rate” consistently beats the average REP 12-month fixed plan by about $44/month (≈ $500/year).
Where Their Power Comes From
As of March 1, 2023, CoServ directly manages 100% of its power purchases via a diverse portfolio, combining traditional and renewable sources spread across Texas. They ended their contract with Brazos Electric Power Cooperative, though Brazos continues to own transmission assets. This mix gives CoServ flexibility in sourcing and cost control.
Clean Energy & Sustainability
CoServ is expanding renewables while supporting member solar journeys:
- Solar Buyback: Excess solar energy sent to the grid earns credits at avoided wholesale rates. Note: Systems installed after Feb. 2023 get this rate (older systems were grandfathered into net metering).
- Solar Savings Rate: Want 100% renewable energy without panels? This plan sources power from CoServ’s 2MW solar farm and the 52MW Lapetus Solar Project.
- They also participated in NRECA’s SUNDA project to explore community solar efforts.
2 MW CoServ Solar Station (Community Solar Farm)
Built in 2015 on a converted peanut farm near Krugerville (Aubrey), this 2 MW solar array, part of NRECA’s SUNDA initiative, was CoServ’s first utility-scale solar project. It covers about 16 acres and generates roughly 1.8 GWh per year. Rather than installing panels on members’ rooftops, CoServ offers solar energy blocks (200, 400, 600, or 800 kWh/month) through a subscription model. A for-profit subsidiary financed it to utilize federal tax credits, then CoServ purchases the power under a PPA and passes it on to subscribers.
52 MW from Lapetus Solar Project (West Texas)
In January 2020, the 800‑acre, 100 MW Lapetus Solar Project in Andrews County went live, as Duke Energy Renewables built and operates it. CoServ has a power purchase agreement, via Brazos Electric, to procure up to 52 MW of clean solar power from the facility. Initially developed by 7X Energy, the project employs a “SolarBlocks” model, enabling CoServ (and other cooperatives) to buy fixed blocks of solar electricity with predictable pricing.
Why It Matters for You
- Community access: Even without rooftop solar, CoServ members can tap into renewable energy without installation hassles.
- Diversified clean energy mix: The combination of CoServ’s own solar and large-scale purchases delivers tangible renewables to your electric mix.
- Financial & environmental wins: Tax credits support these projects, and CoServ trims costs and emissions, for members and the planet.
Handling Outages
CoServ provides a smart, responsive approach to outage management:
- Report via:
- SmartHub App: Tap “Report Outage” with options like Total Loss or Pole Down.
- Text: Enroll for outage alerts, then text
OUTto 855-938-3496. - Phone: Call 855-938-3496 (electric) or 844-330-0763 (gas).
- Track: Use the Outage Map in the CoServ app or website for real-time updates.
Crews are on-call 24/7, trained for rapid restoration after storms, accidents, or equipment issues.
CoServ App (SmartHub)
Their SmartHub platform (app and web) makes service seamless, manage your account, track usage, pay bills, report outages, schedule services, receive conservation tips, view alerts, and enroll in programs (like Rush Hour Rewards). It’s designed for clarity, control, and convenience.
The CoServ Mobile App (SmartHub) lets you:
- Pay bills & manage payments securely
- Track daily/weekly energy use vs. temperature and neighborhood averages
- Report/track outages and get restoration alerts
- Switch rate plans (e.g., to Solar Savings or Summer Savings)
Rebates, Discounts & Incentives
CoServ doesn’t offer direct solar rebates, but layers robust options:
- Rush Hour Rewards: Members with Google Nest thermostats can earn $10/month credits by reducing usage during peak heat events, up to ~$40 each summer.
- Free Energy Assessments and Home Calculator: Identify inefficiencies and save on energy, on CoServ.
- Certified solar guidance: They support solar adoption through expert advice and certified installer lists .
- Federal incentives: Like the IRA tax credit (30% off solar/storage) and various state/local rebates via DSIRE.
Why Members Love CoServ: The “CoServ Advantage”
- Capital Credits: Members receive profit returns based on energy use, usually during cooperative wind‑ups.
- Operation Roundup: Round up your bill to donate pennies to the CoServ Charitable Foundation, generating $1M+/year for local nonprofits.
- Infrastructure & reliability: Consistent low outage times and ongoing tech improvements .
- Community Focus: Partnerships with 23 school districts (STEM programs, safety training) and fire departments.
- Rate Flexibility: Choose plans like Summer Savings (off-peak: 9.06¢/kWh) if you can shift laundry/AC use away from 3–8 p.m.
The Bottom Line for Energy Shoppers
If you’re in CoServ territory, you’re choosing a cooperative built on transparency, member benefit, and dependability. No tricky contracts, no shareholder markups, just stable rates (about $44/month cheaper than average REPs), community reinvestment, modern energy tools, and friendly support.
For someone looking for an energy plan that prioritizes YOU, not profits, CoServ has a compelling, trustworthy offering.
FAQs About CoServ
What is CoServ, and how is it different from other energy companies?
– You’re a member, not just a customer, eligible for Capital Credits (refunds of excess revenue).
– No shareholders, profits go back to members, not investors.
– Local decision-making, you elect the Board of Directors from fellow members.
Unlike deregulated Retail Electric Providers (REPs), CoServ provides stable, transparent rates without confusing gimmicks.
Is CoServ part of Texas’ deregulated energy market?
– No rate shopping, you get a straightforward, stable rate.
– No surprise fees, bills are transparent with just four components (energy charge, PCRF, customer charge, and SCRF).
– Consistent savings, members typically pay less than customers with deregulated REPs.
Does CoServ offer solar incentives?
– Solar Buyback Program (credits for excess energy).
– Free energy assessments to optimize efficiency.
– Guidance on federal tax credits (30% back on solar installations).
What’s the best way to pay my bill and track usage?
– Pay bills securely
– Track daily/weekly energy use
– Compare usage to neighbors & weather trends
– Switch rate plans (like Summer Savings or Solar Savings)
You can also pay via:
– Online at CoServ.com
– AutoPay (avoid late fees)
– Phone, mail, or in-person at local offices
Can I choose my own energy plan with CoServ?
– Standard Residential Rate (best for most homes).
– Solar Savings Rate (100% renewable).
– Summer Savings Rate (lower off-peak rates if you shift usage).
Unlike deregulated REPs, you don’t have to worry about teaser rates or sudden price hikes.