How to pick the best electric company in Texas
Texas’s deregulated energy market gives you the freedom to choose the best electricity provider for your home or business. With more competition, energy companies work to earn your business by offering low rates, flexible plans, and helpful features.
Choose Energy makes the process simple — we show you plans from top light companies in Texas, including 4Change Energy, Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, TriEagle Energy, so you can compare them all in one place. Our free marketplace has filters to help you narrow your search by plan type, home size, green energy options, and more.
Enter your ZIP code to start exploring plans from the best Texas energy providers.
Best energy companies in Texas
\When comparing light companies in Texas, it helps to sort out your options by different plan features. Here are our experts’ top picks, tailored to different customer needs.
Best energy companies for bill credits
Gexa Energy, Discount Power, and Frontier Utilities all offer a $125 bill credit if you use at least 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month — a great way to save for moderate- or high-usage households. These are available on Gexa’s Eco Saver Plus 12, Discount’s Bill Credit Bundle 24, and Frontier’s Saver Plus 24.
Best energy company for movers
TXU Energy is a solid option for anyone moving to or within Texas. The top-rated Texas light company offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, providing time to ensure the plan is a good fit for your new home. TXU also sells a variety of 12-month electricity plans, making it easy to find an option that lines up with your lease.
Best energy companies for high usage
Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities are some of the best Texas light companies for high-usage customers. These companies offer the most affordable rates for the 2,000+ kWh monthly usage level on our marketplace.
Best energy company for low rates
Gexa Energy consistently offers some of the lowest electricity rates of any energy company in Texas, making it a strong choice for customers focused on affordability. Most Gexa plans are also 100% green, giving you an eco-friendly option at a competitive price. Enter your ZIP code to explore the best Gexa plans available in your area.
Best energy companies for apartments
Gexa Energy, Frontier Utilities, and Direct Energy are some of the best Texas electricity suppliers for apartment renters because they offer fixed-rate plans with bill credits or other rewards if you keep your usage low. Consider these cheap energy plans for renters: Frontier Saver Value 12, Gexa Eco Saver Lite 12, and Live Brighter Lite 12.
Best energy company for same-day service
Many Texas energy providers offer same-day service. However, if you sign up for a plan late in the day, your options may be limited. If you are in a pinch and need electricity, Payless Power offers same-day service until 5 p.m. CST.
Best energy companies for customer service
TXU Energy and Reliant Energy are top choices for Texans who prioritize reliable customer support. Both of these Texas light companies offer 24/7 service and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee for extra peace of mind. Visit our Choose Energy provider reviews to discover which companies earn the highest customer service ratings on our marketplace.
How Choose Energy evaluates Texas energy companies
At Choose Energy, we partner with trusted providers to help you easily find the best electricity in Texas. When deciding whether to feature an energy provider on our marketplace, we focus on three key factors:
- Strong customer service: We seek providers with a proven track record of reliability, responsive support, and positive customer satisfaction indicators.
- Easy online accessibility: Providers must offer clear pricing, transparent plan details, and user-friendly online tools to help customers manage their accounts.
- Quality plan options: We prioritize Texas energy providers that offer competitive rates, a variety of plan types, and solutions to fit different usage levels and household needs.
Compare the best light companies in Texas
4Change Energy
- Various fixed-rate plans with predictable pricing
- Bill-credit options that reward moderate or higher usage
- Low cancellation fees and budget-friendly plans
- Multiple contract lengths to match different needs
- Donates 4% of profits to charitable organizations
Cirro Energy
- Offers both fixed-rate and variable-rate plans
- Simple, affordable options designed for budget-minded customers
- Flexible terms ranging from month-to-month to 24 months
Constellation Energy
- Range of fixed-rate plans for long-term price stability
- Bill credits available on certain usage tiers
- Mix of traditional and renewable energy options
Direct Energy
- Offers fixed-rate options with bill credits
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Variety of contract lengths for flexible budgeting
Discount Power
- Straightforward, no-frills plans with competitive rates
- Offers both fixed and variable options
- Budget-friendly pricing with simple contract structures
- No-deposit options for creditworthy customers
Express Energy
- Low-cost fixed-rate plans designed for price stability
- Often among the cheapest rates in many ZIP codes
- 60-day guarantee lets new customers switch plans early
- 100% green plan options
Frontier Utilities
- Offers variable, fixed, and prepaid electricity plans
- Known for some of the lowest introductory rates in Texas
- Bill-credit plans available for targeted usage levels
- Low overnight rate options
Gexa Energy
- 100% green energy on nearly all plans
- Fixed-rate plans with perks like free nights and free weekends
- Competitive pricing for renewable electricity
- Good fit for eco-conscious customers wanting predictable rates
Green Mountain Energy
- All plans are 100% renewable (wind and solar)
- Offers both variable- and fixed-rate options
- Popular with customers prioritizing clean energy
Payless Power
- Specializes in prepaid and no-deposit electricity
- Great for customers who need instant approval with no credit check
- Daily usage texts help customers track spending
- Month-to-month flexibility with no long-term contract
Reliant Energy
- Large variety of fixed, variable, and prepaid plans
- Strong customer perks, including 24/7 support and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Options with bill credits and free usage periods
- Well-suited for households wanting reliable service and flexible choices
Rhythm Energy
- 100% renewable plans
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Contract terms from 12 to 36 months
- Customer-friendly policies, such as free plan changes in the first 30 days
TriEagle Energy
- Known for competitive fixed-rate plans
- Options include 100% green energy
- Long-term contracts up to 36 months help lock in low rates
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
TXU Energy
- Wide selection of fixed, variable, and free-usage plans
- Strong customer benefits and 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Free nights, weekends, and time-of-use plans available
- Flexible terms from short-term to multi-year contracts
Difference between utilities and providers
When shopping for electricity in Texas, you have the option to select an electricity provider, but not your utility company. There are a few key differences between the two.
Texas electric service providers sell plans, manage your account, and handle billing and meter readings. Your utility company, meanwhile, delivers electricity to your home or business. Utilities are also responsible for maintaining the electric grid and infrastructure, including repairing downed power lines. In the event of a power outage, contact your utility to restore service, regardless of which Texas electricity supplier you choose.
Switching light companies in Texas
You can switch to a new electricity plan or provider at any time, but you may owe an early termination fee (ETF) if you’re still under contract. If you’re on a variable-rate or month-to-month plan, you can switch without a fee. You also won’t incur an ETF if you move outside your provider’s service area.
When you’re ready to switch providers, enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy to compare prices from the best light companies in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
How does Choose Energy make money?
Choose Energy receives a commission from our electricity partners when we refer customers. We do not charge customers to use our marketplace. You can browse electricity rates offered by the best energy providers in Texas and sign up for free. The rates on our marketplace are all-inclusive — there will be no hidden costs once you sign up for an energy plan.
Why does Choose Energy run a credit check?
Most electricity providers require a credit check to determine whether you need to pay a deposit. When you shop through Choose Energy, we run a single soft credit check that doesn’t affect your credit score. This allows us to show you which plans may require a deposit without running multiple checks for each provider.
How quickly can I start service?
If you have a smart meter installed at your house, you can begin service the same day you sign up. However, there may be delays if you switch from another energy plan. It’s best to plan ahead of your move.
What should I do if my power goes out?
If you experience a power outage, contact your utility company, not your energy provider. Your utility company is responsible for addressing power outages or fixing downed power lines. Learn how to protect yourself and your property from power outages in Texas.
How much will I be charged for electricity?
Your monthly electricity cost depends on two things: your plan’s rate and how much energy you use during the billing cycle. Always review the rate structure when comparing plans to understand what you’ll pay at different usage levels. For tips on saving money, explore our guide to lowering your electric costs.