4Change Energy Rates and Plans

Deregulation of the energy market in Texas gives residents the power to choose their own electricity provider. The energy provider handles payment and billing, meaning that providers tend to offer rates that are competitive with each other, often leading to lower rates in your area.

• Free Energy 12: This plan is a fixed-rate for 12 months. You are billed your normal rate up to 500 kWh but anything you use between 501 kWh and 1,000 kWh is free. Then, once you use over 1,000 kWh, you’ll be billed for usage again. Additionally, you’ll receive a $25 bill credit when you hit 1,000 kWh. We don’t recommend this plan to customers who regularly use 500 kWh or less because they won’t be able to take advantage of the free usage or bill credit.
• Helpful Saver 24: Customers can earn bill credits for this plan, which is a fixed-rate set for 24 months. Use 1,000 kWh in a month and you’ll get a bill credit of $35. When you hit 2,000 kWh, you’ll get another $35. Because of the bill credits available for higher levels of usage, we recommend this plan if you consistently use at least 1,000 kWh a month.
• Maxx Saver 12: This is a 12-month fixed-rate plan that gives customers a $90 bill credit when they reach the 1,000 kWh threshold. We recommend this plan if you regularly use at least 1,000 kWh; however, if you’re a low usage customer, this plan may not be for you since you won’t receive the bill credit.
• Maxx Saver Select 12: This fixed-rate plan is available for 12-months and it’s similar to the Maxx Saver 12. The difference is the bill credit that you receive if you use at least 1,000 kWh a month. Instead of a $90 bill credit, the Maxx Saver Select 12 gives customers $100 back for reaching the 1,000 kWh usage level. For customers consistently using more than 1,000 kWh, this plan is a good choice.
• Maxx Saver Select 24: This fixed-rate plan is available for 24-months and its similar to the Maxx Saver 12. The difference is the bill credit that you receive if you use at least 1,000 kWh a month. Instead of a $90 bill credit, the Maxx Saver Select 12 gives customers $100 back for reaching the 1,000 kWh usage level. For customers consistently using more than 1,000 kWh, this plan is a great choice.
• Maxx Saver Bundled 12: This is a fixed-rate plan which is available for 12 months. Customers will receive a $100 bill credit for reaching 1,000 kWh a month. For customers consistently using more than 1,000 kWh, this plan is a smart choice.

4Change Energy charges an early termination fee of $20 per month remaining on the term of your contract. For example, if you end your contract six months early, you’ll have to pay $120 ($20 x 6 months). Depending on your selection of 4Change Renewable Energy Option, renewable content in 4Change plans is either six percent or 100 percent. Keep this in mind if green energy is important to you when shopping for an energy plan.

4Change Energy prides itself on giving to charities. It states that 4 percent of its annual profits go to Texas charities, including Feeding Texas and American Red Cross. If giving back is important to you, consider this electricity company.  

 4Change Energy also is very generous with its bill credit programs that allow you to save when you reach certain usage amounts. Some usage windows also offer free electricity and other plans feature flat 4Change Energy electric rates. So if you have high electricity use, this supplier is a good option.   

Choose Energy score: 3.8 out of 5

Shopping for a deregulated energy plan can seem overwhelming. With the sheer number of potential energy providers, many find it difficult to narrow down their options. Choose Energy wants to help empower consumers to find the right electricity plan at an affordable rate.

To ensure that our customers are able to choose a great energy provider, Choose Energy compiled a scoring model to review top electric providers in Texas. The Choose Energy reviews model is based on unbiased and quantitative criteria to ensure provider scores remain objective.

We’ve broken down our scoring model into three main categories:

• Customer service
• Online accessibility
• Business history

Using these criteria, Choose Energy assigns impartial reviews to top electricity providers in Texas. To learn more about electric provider reviews, see our full list here.

 Customer service: 3.0 out of 5

• P2C complaint score: 1
• Satisfaction guarantee: 5

The state’s official Power To Choose website gave 4Change Energy a 1 out of 5 for its most recent P2C complaint scorecard, which can be found here. This brought the company’s customer service score down, though it does offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Online accessibility: 3.3 out of 5

• Online bill pay: 5
• Online chat: 0
• Access to usage alerts & trends: 5

Online accessibility was ranked on a yes or no basis for all three categories. 4Change Energy offers online bill pay and usage alerts but lacks an online chat. That missing factor dropped the company’s category score down.

Business history: 5 out of 5

• Years in business: 5
• Better Business Bureau accreditation: 5

4Change Energy was founded in 2012 though its parent company has been around longer and has been BBB accredited since its inception. It also boasts an A+ BBB rating. Though the BBB is a paid accreditation, we have included it here to measure each provider’s interest in its public image.

(Review updated Jan. 26, 2021)

If within the first 30 days you are not happy with your 4Change Energy plan, the company will work with you to address your concerns. The energy company might also help you choose one of the 4Change Energy plans that work better for you. You can also end your contract penalty-free within the first 30 days of service.

4Change Energy for residential customers

 4Change Energy specializes in affordable energy plans for residents across Texas as well as giving back to the communities it serves. The company offers both fixed- and variable-rate plans for residents. All 4Change home energy plans come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. 

Green energy options with 4Change Energy

 4Change Energy offers consumers the possibility to go green with renewable electricity plans. Standard plans with 4Change Energy include 11 percent renewable electricity while green plans upgrade residents to 100 percent. Enter your ZIP code above to learn more about green energy plans in your area. 

4Friends Referrals

4Change Energy offers a referral program for its customers, allowing them to earn a $25 Visa reward card for each new customer they refer.

4Change Energy donates four percent of its profits each year to causes chosen by its customers. The company currently contributes to the American Cancer Society, Feeding Texas, Heroes for Children, and the American Red Cross.

4Change is owned by Value Based Brands. VBB is also involved with the Veteran Energy brand, which gives discounts to veterans.

Looking for a no deposit option? 4Change runs a payment history check, for which they get a pass or fail notification. Depending on your credit, you may be required to pay a deposit. However, that deposit is fully refundable with interest after 12 months of timely payments.  

 Also, be sure to review the Terms of Service Agreement, which outlines ways to avoid paying a deposit. For instance, if you have a good credit rating or submit a payment history letter from a previous electric provider showing a positive payment record, you could avoid paying a deposit.   

The good news with 4Change Energy is that the company does not charge a move-in fee. Any transmission and delivery utility connection fees are added to your first bill. 

Further, you can sign up with 4Change Energy and the company contracts your old provider to handle the switch. You can also learn more about switching plans in our guide.

4Change Energy does not mention any specific plans for renters or those living in apartments. However, there are still several 4Change Energy plans that will work well for renters. Enter your ZIP code above to explore available options near you.

Shopping for electricity is easy with Choose Energy. Simply enter your ZIP code into the field provided. You can also filter the search by certain providers in your area. Then it’s easy to compare plans side-by-side. Choose the plan that has the best rates, terms, and benefits for your situation. Once you’ve decided on a plan, Choose Energy will walk you through the sign-up process in a matter of minutes.

You’ll often see rates labeled as fixed and variable rates. A fixed-rate plan sets your electricity rate when you sign your contract. This rate will not change for the duration of your plan term, regardless of price fluctuations in the energy market. Fixed rates are best if you need predictability in your monthly budget. 

A variable-rate plan does not protect you from these fluctuations but can allow you to profit from market lows. Within these types of plans there are many different rate structures. Some consumers prefer variable rates because you can potentially save when energy rates are lower. However, variable-rate plans bring a certain level of risk because your rate could go up suddenly when demand is high.

For a detailed explanation, please see our energy buying guide.

• AEP Texas Central: This service area includes the cities of Corpus Christi, McAllen, Harlingen, and Laredo.
• AEP Texas North: This service area spans areas of northern Texas including Abilene, San Angelo, and Vernon.
• CenterPoint Energy: The CenterPoint service area includes two million residences and businesses in the Houston metropolitan area.
• Oncor Electric Delivery: Oncor operates one of Texas’ biggest service areas, including Dallas, Plano, Paris, and other communities across the state.
• Texas-New Mexico Power: This service area includes communities in Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, and Midland.

4Change Energy plans tend to have a $20 early termination fee per month remaining on the contract. However, if you have to end the contract because you’re moving that fee will be waived.

To find 4Change Energy electric rates near you, simply enter your ZIP code into the field above. Rates can vary by area due to differing utility transmission charges. Put in your ZIP code to find the best rate in your area today.

While 4Change does not list business electricity services, Choose Energy can help you get a customized business electricity plan. Call to get started with an expert or fill out this form to begin building a customized business energy plan in your area.

What makes 4Change Energy unique?

 The main draws of 4Change Energy are its affordable plans, ease of switching over, the happiness guarantee, and perks for referring a friend. On top of all that, the electricity company gives 4 percent of its annual profits to major charities.   

Why should I choose a renewable energy plan?

 Renewable energy plans have the primary purpose of helping the environment. Depending on which credits you can get and plans you find, you might also be able to save on your monthly energy bill. 

What is the best 4Change Energy plan?

 That depends on your budget, goals, and living situation. However, one of the interesting 4Change Energy plans is the Free Energy 12 plan, where the electricity you use between 501 kWh and 1,000 kWh is free. This is a great option for lower- to mid-energy users.   

What is the cheapest 4Change Energy plan?

 That will depend on your living area, as 4Change Energy electric rates can change just based on your ZIP code because of utility transmission charges. Be sure to enter your ZIP code above to find the best 4Change Energy plans near you. 

Be sure to read your plan’s Electricity Facts Label before you sign up. It has very important information like:

• Price per kilowatt-hour that’s based on usage 
• Percentage of renewable energy sourcing   
• Learn about early termination fees

Finding the best rate in your area is one direct way to lower your electricity bill. However, you can also lower your bill by making changes around the home and adjusting your electricity usage. You can also opt for certain plans that are known for saving money, such as renewable energy plans. You can learn more in your guide on reducing your electric bill.

• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
• Bill pay: Log in to your 4Change Energy account here
• Customer service: Call (855)-784-2426toll free or email service@4ChangeEnergy.com
• Outages: Contact your utility company

Updated: 9/26/2021