Oncor Electric Delivery
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric utility |
| Predecessor | TXU Electric Delivery, TU Electric |
| Fate | Acquired by Sempra Energy in 2018 |
| Headquarters | Dallas , United States |
Area served | East, west, and north-central Texas including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Arlington, Beeville, Midland, Odessa, Killeen, Waco, Wichita Falls, Tyler |
| Products | Electric transmission and distribution |
| Owner | Sempra Energy (majority stake since 2018) |
| Parent | Sempra Energy |
| Website | oncor |
Oncor Electric Delivery Company stands as Texas's largest electric transmission and distribution utility and ranks fifth nationwide among US utilities. Its service area spans east, west, and north-central regions of Texas, encompassing key metropolitan areas such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Plano, Arlington, Beeville, Midland, Odessa, Killeen, Waco, Wichita Falls, and Tyler. In 2018, Sempra Energy secured a controlling interest in Oncor through a $9.45 billion acquisition.
History
Previously identified as TXU Electric Delivery and TU Electric, Oncor's lineage includes entities like Dallas Power & Light (DP&L), Texas Electric Service Company (TESCO), and Texas Power and Light (TP&L). Starting in 2008, the company initiated a system-wide transition from analog to digital metering technology.
Ownership of Oncor was concentrated among a limited group of investors, notably Energy Future Holdings Corporation (EFH), while governance was maintained by a predominantly independent board. Although EFH held majority ownership, it did not oversee operational management. On March 24, 2016, the Texas Public Utility Commission sanctioned Oncor's conversion into a real estate investment trust (REIT), though it deferred decisions regarding the allocation of anticipated tax savings—estimated at $250 million—to customer benefits.
On July 7, 2017, Berkshire Hathaway announced plans to acquire Energy Future Holdings along with Oncor but was surpassed by Sempra Energy’s competing bid of $9.45 billion in cash plus debt assumption on August 21, 2017. The courts approved Sempra’s offer on September 6, 2017. Subsequently, Texas regulatory authorities granted final approval for Sempra’s majority stake acquisition on March 8, 2018.
Major projects
By 2014, Oncor had joined forces with Siemens AG Power Technologies to advance smart grid innovations, including exploration of battery storage systems and micro-grid applications. The Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ) initiative focused on improving wind energy transmission integration within Oncor’s electrical grid.
Oncor participates in mutual aid arrangements with both public and private utilities across the country through organizations such as the Texas Mutual Assistance Group, Midwest Mutual Assistance Group, and Southeastern Electric Exchange. These collaborations facilitate swift mobilization of workforce and equipment during extreme weather incidents. For example, Oncor personnel provided restoration support in Florida and Georgia following Hurricane Matthew in 2016, assisted wildfire recovery efforts in California during 2018, and contributed to preparedness operations for Hurricane Dorian in Florida in 2019.
Environmental impact
The Take A Load Off Texas program by Oncor delivers energy efficiency solutions tailored for residential and commercial clients, allocating upwards of $50 million for such initiatives in 2019 alone. Over the last ten years, this program has enabled more than 250,000 customers to decrease their energy usage and reduce electricity expenses.
To promote commercial electric vehicle adoption within its jurisdiction, Oncor collaborates with vehicle manufacturers and utility providers to track usage patterns, ensure power availability, and strategically plan charging infrastructure deployment.
For nearly a decade, Oncor has partnered with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees Program to distribute thousands of complimentary trees aimed at enhancing energy conservation while safeguarding electrical equipment.
Oncor’s transmission infrastructure will link to a $104 million solar facility featuring a capacity of 100 megawatts located in Falls County. This project is developed by San Antonio-based OCI Solar Power on leased private property situated within a designated reinvestment zone.
In collaboration with IBM, Oncor utilizes predictive analytics technology for proactive maintenance by identifying potential vegetation encroachments near power lines—thereby minimizing blackout risks and wildfire hazards.
Social responsibility
In April 2020, Oncor provided $1.7 million in funding to various non-profit groups within its service region to assist individuals most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
During 2021, Oncor gifted 110 acres of land to the City of Dallas for the development of a public park, representing the most significant land contribution to the city since the 1930s.