Residential electricity supplier in Texas
At Choose Energy, our reporters seek out information that puts you in control of your energy. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
Reliant Energy is one of many electricity providers serving customers across the Lone Star State. Based in Houston, the company provides power to more than 1 million residents and businesses in deregulated markets in Texas. Reliant offers a variety of fixed-rate, variable-rate, and prepaid electricity plans.
Curious how Reliant Energy stacks up against other providers? Read on to learn more or enter your ZIP code to compare Reliant Energy rates and plans today.
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Reliant - Power Savings 24 | 24 months | $0.135 / kWh |
| Reliant - Power Savings 12 | 12 months | $0.145 / kWh |
| Reliant - Conservation Plan 24 | 24 months | $0.155 / kWh |
| Reliant - Basic Power 24 | 24 months | $0.158 / kWh |
| Reliant - Basic Power 12 | 12 months | $0.162 / kWh |
| Reliant - Conservation Plan 12 | 12 months | $0.165 / kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 9/21/2023, 8:55:24 AM CDT for ZIP Code 75001. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
Reliant Energy is a Texas energy provider best known for its flexible plan options and award-winning customer service. The company provides a variety of support options to answer your energy questions whenever you have them.
Reliant Energy offers:
At Choose Energy, we work with trusted electricity providers like Reliant Energy. We vet each provider on our marketplace so you can feel confident that you’re purchasing energy from a reputable brand.
Every provider on Choose Energy must meet the following criteria:
As one of the top energy providers in Texas, Reliant Energy excels in each of these categories. Keep reading for a brief summary of the types of energy services the company offers.
You may come across several types of electricity plans when shopping for a new plan or provider. Here are the most prevalent plan types you’ll find at Reliant Energy.
To find out which Reliant Energy plans are available in your city, enter your ZIP code on our marketplace.
You may be eligible for a prepaid energy plan if you have a smart meter. These Reliant Energy plans come with no deposit or long-term contracts. Instead, you pay in advance for your energy usage. When your balance is running low, you’ll receive a reminder to add more funds to your account.
In Texas, all electricity plans include some energy from renewable sources. You can check your plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to see how much is in yours. Reliant Energy offers green energy plans sourced from local solar farms in Texas. You can opt into its Make It Solar program, in which the company will offset your energy usage by purchasing the equivalent amount of solar renewable energy certificates (RECs).
If you’re moving to another deregulated part of Texas in a Reliant Energy service area, you can take your existing energy plan with you. Use one of the methods on this page to contact Reliant Energy to learn more about transferring service to a new address. If you’re moving and want to switch to a new provider, you can avoid an early termination fee by providing proof that your new home is outside of Reliant’s service area.
Reliant Energy’s prepaid plans are a great option for renters because they don’t require long-term contracts or security deposits. The company also offers its Apartment 12 plan, which features competitive rates for lower usage levels and only requires a 12-month contract.
Like most electricity providers, Reliant Energy charges early termination fees when customers cancel service before the end of their contract terms. These range from $10 per remaining month to $295, depending on your plan. ETFs don’t apply if you have a variable-rate plan or you move to a new address outside of Reliant’s service area.
Reliant Energy provides affordable and reliable electricity plans for businesses of all sizes. The company also offers online account management tools, energy management solutions, and energy backup services for its commercial customers. Learn more about your commercial energy options with Choose Energy and request a customized quote for your business.
Along with its electricity plans, Reliant Energy offers several other home services, including home and business security packages, AC and heat protection, and surge protection plans.
Reliant Energy is committed to giving back to the Texas community. In 2021, Reliant and its parent company, NRG, donated more than $1.2 million to organizations and initiatives supporting a variety of causes, from racial inequities to winter storm relief.
You can find several Reliant Energy plans on the Choose Energy marketplace, with various rates and term lengths. Here are a few popular options.
Basic Power 12 and 24
If you’re looking for a stable, fixed-rate energy plan, the Basic Power 12 or 24 plans may be a great option. These plans last one or two years, depending on your choice. Both have an early termination fee — $150 for the 12-month option and $295 for the 24-month plan. The Basic Power plans receive 21% of their power from renewable sources.
Conservation Plan 12 and 24
The Conservation Plan 12 and 24 may be great options for those in search of a fixed-rate plan with discounted energy charges for usage below 1,000 kWh. These plans get 21% of their power from renewable sources. The 12-month option has an ETF of $150, while the 24-month plan has a fee of $295.
Reliant Energy serves deregulated communities across the state of Texas, including the following utility service areas:
Reliant Energy electricity rates vary depending on where you are in Texas. This is largely a result of different utility transmission fees, which impact your electricity rate. To view current pricing in your area, enter a ZIP code on this page.
| Overall Score | 3.3/5 |
| Customer Service | 2.5/5 |
| Online Accessibility | 5/5 |
| Business History | 2.5/5 |
At Choose Energy, we strive to provide reliable reviews for each of our trusted partners. We’ve broken down our scoring model into three main categories:
Using these criteria, Choose Energy assigns impartial reviews to top electricity providers in Texas. Reliant Energy currently scores a 3.3 out of 5 overall.
Switching providers or starting a new electricity plan is easy with Choose Energy. You can search for an electricity company near you, compare plans, and sign up on our marketplace. Once you sign up for a plan, your new provider will handle the rest of the switching process without interrupting your power.
Check the Electricity Facts Label before buying a plan. The label will explain several important details about your plan, including:
Stress-free setup. Once you’ve signed up for a new Reliant Energy plan, there’s nothing else you need to do. Your provider will notify your utility company about the switch, and you shouldn’t notice any disruptions to your service if you’re changing from another provider.
Get familiar with your electricity bill. Your monthly energy bill will include charges from your provider and your utility company. Utilities are based on your location and are responsible for handling power outages within their service areas. Unlike your provider, you cannot choose your utility company.
Finding an electricity provider may seem overwhelming in a deregulated market. The Choose Energy marketplace simplifies the process so you can shop plans and sign up at no additional cost to you.
To compare cheap electricity options near you, simply enter your ZIP code. You can filter your results to match your preferences for specific plan types, contract lengths, and other factors. Compare plans directly, make your selection, and sign up in one streamlined process.
If you’re looking for effective ways to lower your energy bill, your best bet is to reduce your energy consumption. You can do that by caulking drafty windows, switching to LED lights, unplugging unused appliances, and more. For an even bigger impact, consider installing energy-efficient appliances. You may also be able to lower your costs by securing a new electricity plan with a lower rate.
Will Reliant Energy charge me a cancellation fee?
It depends on your plan. If you have a month-to-month plan, you’re free to cancel at any time without penalty. But if you’re on a fixed-rate plan, the early cancellation fees are typically $150 (for 12-month plans) or $295 (for 24-month plans).
Does Reliant Energy run a credit check?
Yes, Reliant Energy will perform a credit check before beginning service (unless you choose a prepaid plan). If you have a low score, you may be required to pay a deposit on your plan.
Do the Reliant Energy rates shown include everything?
Everything but taxes is included in the Reliant Energy rates on the Choose Energy marketplace.
How do I sign up for Reliant Energy service?
Enter your ZIP code on ChooseEnergy.com to browse rates in your area. Then, filter for “Reliant Energy” in the left-side panel, choose the plan that’s right for you, and click “check availability.” From there, you can complete the signup process in minutes.