Consumer Advocate · 7+ years in energy markets
Energy market veteran focused on making electricity shopping simple and transparent.
The Bottom Line
Gexa Energy is the best electricity company in Texas for most customers, offering competitive rates of 9-11¢/kWh all-in—well below the EIA Texas state average of 15.5¢/kWh—with 100% renewable energy options. For customers prioritizing customer service, TXU Energy and Reliant Energy consistently rank highest in J.D. Power satisfaction surveys. For 100% green energy, Green Mountain Energy has the longest track record since 1997. ElectricRates.org evaluated 25 Texas providers across pricing, customer service, plan flexibility, and transparency to compile these rankings.
Top-Rated Plans Available Now
Real-time rates from top Texas providers • Compare and switch
Gexa Energy
Best for Low rates & renewable energy
- Consistently among the lowest rates in Texas
- 100% renewable energy on all residential plans
- Owned by NextEra Energy (world's largest renewable producer)
- Simple, transparent pricing without complex tiers
Reliant Energy
Best for Customer service & rewards
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee - switch plans without ETF
- 24/7 customer support - one of few TX providers offering this
- NRG backing provides financial stability
- Reliant Perks rewards at local restaurants and retailers
Rhythm Energy
Best for competitive rates
- 100% renewable energy on all plans
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Excellent customer service ratings
- Modern app for account management
Green Mountain Energy
Best for 100% renewable energy
- 100% renewable energy since 1997 - longest track record in America
- Genuine environmental commitment (not just marketing)
- Austin-based company with Texas roots
- Month-to-month option for maximum flexibility
TXU Energy
Best for Plan variety & reliability
- 143 years in Texas electricity - unmatched track record
- Free Nights and Solar Days plans are genuinely innovative
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee lets you try before committing
- 24/7 customer support available
4Change Energy
Best for Charitable giving
- 4% of every bill donated to charity of your choice
- Competitive rates with bill credits
- Bill credits at 1000+ kWh reduce effective rate
- Dallas-based Texas company since 2012
Chariot Energy
Best for competitive rates
- 100% Texas solar-sourced renewable energy
- 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year
- A+ BBB rating with transparent pricing
- Weekly usage reports for bill management
TriEagle Energy
Best for competitive rates
- Consistently low fixed rates
- Simple transparent pricing with no complex tiers
- Houston-based company since 2010
- Moderate early termination fee ($125)
Frontier Utilities
Best for Flexible terms
- Among the lowest rates in Texas
- Bilingual customer support (English/Spanish)
- No deposit options available
- Lower early termination fee ($100)
Champion Energy
Best for No-deposit plans
- Multiple J.D. Power awards for customer satisfaction
- Backed by Calpine (major power generator)
- A+ BBB rating and 5/5 PUCT rating
- Easy-to-read electricity bills
How Texas Electricity Choice Works
Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002, allowing residents in most areas to choose their Retail Electric Provider (REP). Over 100 licensed REPs compete for customers across the Oncor (Dallas/Fort Worth), CenterPoint (Houston), and AEP/TNMP service territories. Your local utility still delivers the electricity—the REP only handles billing and the energy supply contract.
ElectricRates.org analyzed pricing data from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau, and J.D. Power satisfaction ratings to rank Texas electricity companies. The top providers—including Gexa Energy, TXU Energy, Reliant Energy, and Green Mountain Energy—stand out for different reasons: low rates, excellent service, renewable options, or plan flexibility.
Why Should I Compare Electricity Providers?
In Texas's deregulated market, electricity prices can vary by 20-40% between providers for the same service. Shopping around helps ensure you get the best rate and plan for your needs.
By comparing providers, you can find plans that offer: lower rates, better customer service, renewable energy options, flexible contract terms, or special features like free nights and weekends. The right provider can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
The Benefits of Choosing the Right Provider
- 1. Lower Bills: The right plan can reduce your electricity costs significantly. Rates vary daily, so comparing helps you lock in the best price.
- 2. Better Service: Some providers excel at customer service with 24/7 support, user-friendly apps, and quick issue resolution.
- 3. Plan Flexibility: Choose from fixed rates, variable rates, prepaid plans, or specialty options like free nights and weekends.
- 4. Green Energy Options: Many providers offer 100% renewable energy plans at competitive prices if environmental impact matters to you.
- 5. Rewards and Perks: Some providers offer cash back, bill credits, gift cards, or other incentives for signing up or referring friends.
Best Texas Electricity Providers Summary
| Provider | Rating | Avg Rate | Best For | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gexa | 4.5 /5 | 10.8¢ | Consistently among the lowest rates in Texas | View Gexa Plans |
| Reliant | 4.4 /5 | 13.2¢ | 90-day satisfaction guarantee - switch plans without ETF | View Reliant Plans |
| Rhythm | 4.4 /5 | 11.2¢ | 100% renewable energy on all plans | View Rhythm Plans |
| Green Mountain | 4.3 /5 | 13.2¢ | 100% renewable energy since 1997 - longest track record in America | View Green Mountain Plans |
| TXU | 4.2 /5 | 13.5¢ | 143 years in Texas electricity - unmatched track record | View TXU Plans |
| 4Change | 4.1 /5 | 10.5¢ | 4% of every bill donated to charity of your choice | View 4Change Plans |
Find the Best Provider for Your Address
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electricity company in Texas?
The best electricity company in Texas depends on your priorities. For lowest rates, look for providers offering under 10¢/kWh all-in. For customer service, TXU Energy and Reliant consistently rank high. For green energy, Green Mountain Energy is the leading choice. For no-deposit options, prepaid providers like Payless Power offer flexibility. Compare plans at your specific address since availability and rates vary by location.
Who has the cheapest electricity rates in Texas?
The cheapest electricity rates in Texas change daily based on wholesale market conditions. As of 2025, competitive fixed rates from providers like Gexa Energy and smaller REPs range from 9-12¢/kWh all-in. For comparison, the EIA reports the Texas state average at 15.5¢/kWh—meaning active shoppers can save 25-40% versus the default utility rate. Always compare the "all-in" price on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), not just the advertised energy charge.
What is a good electricity rate in Texas?
The EIA Texas state average is 15.5¢/kWh, but that includes people on default utility rates, expired contracts, and variable plans who don't actively shop. Competitive shoppers can find all-in rates of 9-12¢/kWh—25-40% below the state average. Under 10¢/kWh is excellent. 10-12¢/kWh is good. 12-14¢/kWh is average for shoppers. Over 14¢/kWh means better options exist. Always compare all-in rates including TDU delivery fees.
What is the best electric company in Houston?
The best electric company in Houston (CenterPoint territory) depends on your needs. For low rates, compare offers from multiple providers as prices vary daily. For reliability and customer service, Reliant and TXU Energy are popular choices with strong local presence. For green energy, Green Mountain Energy offers 100% renewable plans. Enter your Houston ZIP code to see current rates from all available providers.
What is the best electric company in Dallas?
In Dallas and the Oncor service area, you have access to 100+ electricity providers. The best company depends on your priorities—lowest price, best customer service, or green energy options. Popular choices include TXU Energy for service reliability, Gexa Energy for competitive rates, and Green Mountain for renewable energy. Compare current rates by entering your Dallas ZIP code.
Which Texas electricity company has the best customer service?
TXU Energy and Reliant consistently rank highest for customer service in Texas based on J.D. Power surveys and customer reviews. They offer extensive customer support, user-friendly apps, and physical payment locations. Smaller providers may offer lower rates but often have limited customer service hours and options. Consider customer service ratings alongside price when choosing a provider.
Are big electricity companies better than small ones in Texas?
Not necessarily. Large companies like TXU and Reliant offer better customer service, more plan options, and brand recognition, but often charge higher rates. Smaller providers frequently offer the lowest prices but may have limited customer support. Your electricity delivery (poles, wires, outage response) comes from your TDU regardless of which provider you choose, so reliability is the same.
What electricity company has no deposit in Texas?
Several Texas electricity companies offer no-deposit options: prepaid/pay-as-you-go providers (Payless Power, Prepaid Lights), companies that waive deposits with autopay enrollment, and traditional providers for customers with good credit. Prepaid plans are the most accessible option since they require no credit check and no deposit—just an upfront payment to start service.
How ElectricRates.org Ranks Texas Electricity Companies
ElectricRates.org evaluates Texas electricity providers using a weighted scoring system across five categories:
- Customer Satisfaction (30%) — Based on J.D. Power Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study, BBB ratings, and verified customer reviews.
- Pricing Competitiveness (25%) — Analysis of current rates from PUCT's Power to Choose database at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels.
- Contract Flexibility (20%) — Variety of plan types (fixed, variable, prepaid, free nights), term lengths, and early termination policies.
- Company Track Record (15%) — Years in business, PUCT complaint history, and financial stability indicators.
- Billing Transparency (10%) — Clarity of Electricity Facts Labels (EFL), hidden fees, and customer-reported billing accuracy.
Data Sources: Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Power to Choose, Better Business Bureau, J.D. Power, and direct provider disclosures.
Last updated December 30, 2025. For complete details, see our full methodology.