What to know when picking an electricity provider
Living in a deregulated energy market like Texas gives you the power to choose the best energy provider for your needs. Because you can pick your energy supplier, providers work hard to earn your business by offering lower rates and more plan choices.
When comparing your options, Choose Energy does the homework for you. We compile plans from all the best energy companies in Texas, such as 4Change Energy, Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, and TriEagle Energy. We provide an informative experience, allowing you to compare plans quickly, easily, and all in one place.
We also provide filtering tools, allowing you to find options based on energy plan type, home size, renewable energy incentives, and more. All you have to do is enter your ZIP code to see how easy it is to use our free marketplace.
How we choose who to partner with
At Choose Energy, we partner with trusted and reliable electric providers. We provide honest reviews of each provider based on customer service, accessibility, and business history.
There are three pieces of information that are crucial for us when we decide whether to feature an electricity company on our marketplace:
- The provider must fill a product gap for our customers. We realize that Texas customers come to our site with various energy needs. Before we agree to partner with an energy provider, we consider whether it offers rates and plans to suit our customers.
- The provider should actively develop innovative energy solutions. The energy sector is constantly changing and modernizing. We value electricity plans that recognize this. We focus on innovation and strive to work with providers who share these values.
- The provider must have a proven track record. At Choose Energy, we prioritize reliability, trust, and customer satisfaction. One of our main concerns is ensuring the providers we partner with have demonstrated that they put their customers first.
Our top picks
Here are our leading Texas energy providers, listed in alphabetical order:
This provider has offered electric service in Texas for over ten years. 4Change Energy provides several fixed-rate plans, contract lengths, and bill credit options.
Cirro Energy is part of the NRG family. It supplies Texans with fixed-rate and variable-rate energy plans ranging from one month to two years.
This provider operates across several states, including Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. It has been in business for over two decades and offers several fixed-rate plans with incentives like bill credits and free usage periods.
Direct Energy is another provider from the NRG family. Its headquarters are in Houston, and it has operated across Texas for over 35 years. Its fixed-rate and green energy plans target a diverse range of customer preferences.
This provider is a member of the NRG family and supplies fixed- and variable-rate options across Texas, focusing on straightforward, affordable plans.
Headquartered in Houston, Express Energy offers several fixed-rate plans that provide security from sudden price fluctuations. This Texas provider also has a satisfaction guarantee for new customers.
This young company, founded in 2022, is headquartered in Houston and serves residential and commercial customers in Texas. Flagship Power offers three types of fixed-rate plans: traditional, renewable, and refund fixed-rate plans.
Since 2008, Frontier Utilities has operated in Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. This provider offers variable-rate plans, fixed-rate plans, prepaid plans, and 100% green energy options.
Gexa Energy is one of several renewable energy companies in Texas. Founded in 2002, it is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. This provider offers fixed-rate plans with various benefits, including free usage periods and green energy plans.
This Austin-based retail electricity provider offers 100% green energy plans. It is one of the oldest renewable energy providers in the state. Customers can choose from variable-rate or fixed-rate options.
OhmConnect is an electricity supplier operating in California, Texas, and New York. Founded in California in 2013, the supplier entered Texas’s deregulated market in 2022.
Payless Power is an energy provider serving over 400 Texas communities for almost 20 years. This provider specializes in prepaid energy plans and no-deposit electricity options.
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in The Woodlands, Pulse Power offers fixed-rate options. Plans range from 12 to 36 months, providing stability and protection from energy price spikes.
Reliant Energy is another NRG company with headquarters in Houston. This provider supplies fixed- and variable-rate plans across Texas with long-term and month-to-month contracts. It currently provides electricity to over 1 million Texas households and businesses.
Rhythm Energy got its start in 2020 and holds its headquarters in Houston. It sells 100% renewable energy plans. While the company doesn’t offer business energy plans, it provides a range of residential plans with contracts ranging from 12 to 36 months.
TriEagle Energy’s headquarters are in Irving, Texas, and it is owned by Vistra Energy. It offers many fixed-rate energy plans with contracts of up to 36 months. You can also find 100% renewable energy plans through TriEagle Energy.
Founded in 1984, TXU Energy has enjoyed a prominent position in the deregulated market since 2002. This energy provider is the largest REP in Texas and provides various fixed- and variable-rate energy options. It is a subsidiary of Vistra Energy and offers new customers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Difference between utilities and providers
When shopping for the best electric company in Texas, you’ll notice that you can choose between electricity providers and utility companies. There are a few fundamental differences between the two.
In traditional energy markets, customers are required to purchase their energy from their local utility company. In deregulated energy markets, you have the power to choose your electricity provider.
Energy providers sell plans and manage your account, such as billing and meter reading. In contrast, your utility company delivers your electricity to you. Utilities are also responsible for making repairs and improvements to the electric grid and infrastructure, such as repairing downed power lines. In the event of a power outage, you’ll contact your utility, not your energy provider, to restore service.
Frequently asked questions
How does Choose Energy make money?
Choose Energy does not charge customers for using our marketplace. You can browse the rates offered by the best light companies in Texas for free. We receive a commission from our electricity partners each time we refer a customer to them. Your rates include all the charges you’ll pay — there will be no hidden costs once you sign up for an energy plan.
Why does Choose Energy run a credit check?
Many electric companies will run a credit check to determine if you will need to pay an initial deposit before beginning service. Choose Energy conducts a soft check on your credit history, which has no impact on your credit score. We only need to run this universal credit check once for you to know whether any of our providers and plans require a deposit.
How quickly can I start service?
If you sign up for a new electricity plan and have a smart meter installed at your house, you can begin service the same day you sign up. If you switch from another energy plan, transferring your service can take up to five days, so it’s best to plan ahead.
What should I do if my power goes out?
If you experience a power outage, you need to contact your utility company, not your energy provider. Your utility company has the resources to fix issues like power outages or downed power lines. Take a look at our guide on what to do in the event of a power outage for more tips and tricks.
How much will I be charged for electricity?
Two factors determine how much you will be charged for electricity each month: your electric rate and the amount of energy you use during a billing cycle. Be sure to check your electricity plan’s rate before signing up. If you’d like tips on reducing your energy bill, check out our guide to lowering your electric costs.