Texas Electricity Providers: Compare 100+ REPs (2026)

Texas deregulated electricity in 2002 under Senate Bill 7. Today, over 100 PUCT-licensed Retail Electric Providers (REPs) serve the ERCOT grid, covering about 85% of the state's population.^[1]

The average Texas residential rate sits around 14 cents per kWh according to the EIA.^[2] But competitive plans regularly dip below 10 cents for customers willing to lock in a fixed rate. The spread between the cheapest and priciest provider can be 5-8 cents per kWh on the same usage.

Here's what matters: not all REPs are equal. Some have thousands of PUCT complaints. Others have near-perfect records. Some offer genuinely low rates. Others bury fees in the fine print. This comparison cuts through the marketing.

TXU Energy is the largest REP in Texas by customer count. TXU offers fixed, variable, and free nights/weekends plans. Rates typically range from 11-16 cents per kWh depending on contract length. Strong brand recognition, but higher PUCT complaint volume due to sheer size.

Reliant Energy (NRG subsidiary) serves Houston and statewide. Reliant is known for rewards programs and bill credits. Rates are competitive at 10-15 cents per kWh. Solid customer service ratings.

Gexa Energy (NextEra subsidiary) consistently ranks among the cheapest. Gexa offers 100% renewable plans at rates that beat many conventional providers. Plans start around 8-12 cents per kWh.

Green Mountain Energy pioneered 100% renewable electricity in Texas. Green Mountain has operated since 1997 and offers wind and solar plans. Rates run 11-15 cents per kWh—slightly above the cheapest conventional plans, but competitive for green energy.

Chariot Energy focuses on solar buyback plans. Chariot lets you sell excess solar generation back at retail rates. Plans start around 10-13 cents per kWh. Good option for homeowners with rooftop solar.

Rhythm Energy offers 100% renewable plans with a modern app experience. Rhythm rates range from 9-13 cents per kWh. The company has low PUCT complaint numbers and strong online reviews.

4Change Energy donates a portion of each bill to Texas charities while keeping rates low. 4Change plans typically range from 9-12 cents per kWh. Fixed-rate plans come in 12 and 24-month terms with no gimmicks.

Frontier Utilities targets cost-conscious customers with straightforward fixed-rate plans. Frontier rates often sit between 9-13 cents per kWh. Bilingual support in English and Spanish.

Discount Power does exactly what the name says—low rates, simple plans. Discount Power rates range from 8-12 cents per kWh. Limited plan variety, but the trade-off is lower prices. Minimal complaints relative to customer base.

Every Texas REP must publish an Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each plan. The EFL shows the rate at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels. This is your apples-to-apples comparison tool.

Start with the rate at 1,000 kWh—that's close to the average Texas household usage. Then check for base charges, minimum usage fees, and early termination penalties. A plan advertising 8 cents per kWh might cost 12 cents after fees at low usage.

Contract length matters. Shorter contracts (6 months) offer flexibility. Longer contracts (24-36 months) lock in rates against summer spikes. Variable plans can save money in mild months but spike during August heat waves when wholesale prices surge.

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) publishes complaint data for every REP.^[3] Complaint counts alone are misleading—bigger providers naturally get more complaints. Look at the complaint ratio: complaints per 1,000 customers.

Providers with complaint ratios below 0.5 per 1,000 customers are doing well. Above 1.0 is a red flag. Check our Texas provider complaints dashboard for current data.

Common complaint categories include billing disputes, misleading rates, difficulty canceling, and poor customer service. PUCT investigates every complaint and can fine or revoke a REP's license. That regulatory teeth keeps most providers honest.

For lowest rates: Gexa Energy, 4Change Energy, and Discount Power consistently rank cheapest. Check the EFL at your actual usage level.

For green energy: Green Mountain Energy, Rhythm Energy, and Chariot Energy offer certified renewable plans.

For brand trust: TXU Energy and Reliant Energy have the largest customer bases and longest track records.

For no-deposit options: Payless Power offers prepaid plans with no credit check.

Use our Texas rate comparison tool to see real-time rates for your ZIP code. Enter your address, and we pull every available plan from licensed REPs.