Sharyland Utilities was a Transmission and Distribution Utility company (TDU, or TDSP) that served West, Central, and Southern Texas regions, providing essential electric infrastructure services to thousands of Texas residents and businesses.
About Sharyland Utilities
Founded in 1999, Sharyland Utilities was created to serve electricity to Sharyland Plantation, located between McAllen and Mission. The company was named after Sharyland Plantation, which was itself named by John H. Shary, a citrus grower who developed the land in the early 20th century.
Starting with a relatively small service territory, Sharyland Utilities expanded over time, eventually serving approximately 55,000 homes and businesses across Central and Southern Texas. The company was known for its commitment to reliable electric service and infrastructure maintenance.
As a regulated utility, Sharyland was responsible for:
- Building and maintaining electrical infrastructure (poles, wires, substations)
- Restoring power during outages and severe weather events
- Installing and reading electric meters
- Processing new service connections and disconnections
- Implementing grid modernization initiatives
Sharyland Service Areas
Sharyland Utilities provided electric distribution services to several important Texas cities and regions, including:
West Texas
- Midland
- Big Spring
- Stanton
- Colorado City
Central Texas
- Brady
- Celeste
South Texas
- McAllen
- Greenville
Service Territory Expansion
Throughout its existence, Sharyland Utilities worked to expand its service territory and improve electric reliability. The company made significant investments in:
- High-voltage transmission lines connecting renewable energy resources to population centers
- Substation upgrades to enhance grid reliability
- Advanced metering infrastructure to support more efficient operations
- Grid hardening initiatives to withstand extreme weather events
The company was particularly important in connecting West Texas wind farms to the state’s electric grid, helping to establish Texas as a leader in renewable energy production.
Acquisition and Transition
In late 2017, Sharyland Utilities was acquired by Oncor Electric Delivery Company, the largest TDU in Texas. The acquisition was valued at approximately $407 million and included all of Sharyland’s distribution assets.
This significant transaction marked the end of Sharyland’s independent operations. Throughout 2018, approximately 55,000 Sharyland customers were transitioned to Oncor’s systems and operations, completing the integration of the two utilities.
For current electric utility services in former Sharyland areas, customers should contact Oncor at 888-313-4747.
Understanding Texas Electric Service Structure
Texas operates one of the nation’s largest deregulated electricity markets, where consumers can choose their Retail Electric Provider (REP) while transmission and distribution services are provided by a regulated utility based on geography.
Understanding the difference between a TDU and Retail Electricity Provider (REP) is essential for Texas electricity consumers. While Sharyland was responsible for delivering electricity, customers could select from various retail providers for their actual electricity supply and billing.
The Role of Transmission and Distribution Utilities
As a TDU, Sharyland Utilities was responsible for:
- Physical infrastructure – Building and maintaining poles, wires, transformers, and substations
- Electric reliability – Ensuring consistent power delivery and restoring service after outages
- Meter services – Installing, reading, and maintaining electric meters
- System safety – Inspecting lines and addressing potential hazards
- Grid expansion – Extending service to new developments and businesses
These regulated responsibilities were separate from the competitive retail functions of selling electricity plans to consumers.
Top Electricity Providers Serving Former Sharyland Areas
Texas residents in former Sharyland service territories can now choose from various electricity providers offering competitive plans:
- TXU Energy
- Reliant Energy
- 4Change Energy
- Gexa Energy
- Cirro Energy
- Green Mountain Energy
- Pulse Power
- TriEagle Energy
- Veteran Energy
- Amigo Energy
Moving or Starting New Service
When moving to a former Sharyland service area:
- Determine your TDU service provider based on your new address
- Compare electricity plans and providers available in your area
- Initiate service with your chosen provider at least 2-3 business days before your move-in date
- Have your new address and preferred start date information ready when enrolling
- Understand if deposits may be required or if you qualify for no-deposit electricity options
For new construction requiring meter installation, contact the current TDU serving your area to begin the process.
Historical Significance of Sharyland
Sharyland Utilities played an important role in the development of Texas’s electricity infrastructure, particularly in connecting renewable energy resources to the grid. The company’s legacy continues through the expanded infrastructure now maintained by Oncor.
For Texas electricity consumers, the competitive market continues to evolve, offering increasingly innovative and affordable options for powering homes and businesses across the state.
Other Texas Utility Companies
Other Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) companies operating in Texas include:
