"Satisfaction guaranteed" sounds great in marketing. But read the fine print and you'll find a spectrum of policies ranging from genuinely consumer-friendly to basically meaningless.
The ElectricRates.org editorial team reviewed the terms of service from every major Texas electricity provider. The differences matter more than you'd think — especially if you're moving into a new home or trying a provider for the first time.
This guide is part of the ElectricRates.org Guide Hub · Texas Electricity Resources
Two Types of "Satisfaction Guarantees"
Full Cancellation
Cancel your contract entirely and switch to any other provider — no early termination fee.
This is what most people expect when they hear "satisfaction guarantee."
Plan Switching Only
Switch to a different plan within the same company — but you can't leave without paying the early termination fee.
Less flexible than it sounds. You're still locked to that provider.
Why this matters: If you sign up with Gexa and hate their customer service, their "Happiness Guarantee" lets you switch to a different Gexa plan. It doesn't let you leave Gexa. That's a big difference.
When Does Your Guarantee Clock Start?
Providers use different terminology. Know what each means:
Enrollment Date
The day you signed up — could be weeks before power actually starts. Riskiest for early sign-ups.
Service Start Date
The day electricity begins flowing to your address. More consumer-friendly timing.
Service Activation
Same as service start date — when power is actually turned on at your meter.
Contract Start Date
Varies by provider — could mean enrollment OR activation. Check your EFL to confirm.
Providers With Full Cancellation Rights
These providers let you cancel entirely and switch to any competitor — no termination fee.
TXU Energy
Starts: Service Start DateTXU Energy allows full cancellation or switching to any TXU plan. No termination fees. Market leader in consumer-friendly terms.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
4Change Energy
Starts: Contract Start Date4Change Energy allows switching to another plan or complete cancellation. 4Change works with customers to find a better fit first.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Rhythm Energy
Starts: Service Start DateRhythm's "30-Day Test Drive" allows full cancellation. After 30 days, ETF applies. Shorter window than competitors.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Energy Texas
Starts: Enrollment DateEnergy Texas will attempt to match competitor rates first before processing cancellation.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Providers With Plan-Switching Only
These providers let you switch between their own plans — but leaving triggers the early termination fee.
Reliant Energy
Starts: Enrollment DateReliant offers the longest guarantee period (90 days), but only for switching between Reliant plans. Canceling entirely still triggers ETF.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Direct Energy
Starts: Service ActivationDirect Energy offers a 90-day window to switch to any Direct Energy plan. Full cancellation still incurs ETF. (Now owned by NRG Energy.)
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Green Mountain Energy
Starts: Enrollment DateGreen Mountain allows switching between Green Mountain plans within 90 days. Terms and restrictions apply.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Gexa Energy
Starts: Service ActivationGexa's "Happiness Guarantee" allows switching to eligible Gexa plans. One-time offer for new customers only.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Frontier Utilities
Starts: Service ActivationFrontier's "Happiness Guarantee" allows plan switching within 60 days of activation. Contract resets with new plan.
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Just Energy
Starts: Service Start DateJust Energy allows switching to any other Just Energy plan without termination fees. Full cancellation incurs ETF. (Restructured post-2021.)
View terms · Verified Jan 2026
Watch the Start Date
Enrollment date guarantees can expire before service begins.
Planning a move 60 days out? If you sign up now with a provider that counts from enrollment date, your 60-day guarantee could expire before you even get power.
Look for providers that count from service start date or activation date — your guarantee period should align with actual service, not paperwork.
The Minimum Everyone Gets: 3 Days
Forget the marketing for a second. Texas law (PUCT §25.474) already requires every provider to give you a 3-business-day rescission period when switching electricity providers.
That means if you sign up with a new provider and change your mind within 3 federal business days of receiving your contract documents, you can cancel with no penalty. Period. This applies even if the provider doesn't advertise any "satisfaction guarantee."
The catch: This only applies when switching from one provider to another. If you're activating new service at a new address, the 3-day rule doesn't apply.
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The Fine Print That Trips People Up
30 days isn't enough time
A 30-day guarantee barely covers one billing cycle. You might not even receive a full bill before your window closes. Look for 60+ days if you're serious about evaluation.
You must call them first
Just signing up with a new provider doesn't trigger the guarantee. You have to contact your current provider, reference the satisfaction guarantee, and request cancellation. Document everything.
You still pay for usage
The guarantee waives the early termination fee — not your actual electricity charges. You'll still owe for every kWh you used. No free electricity here.
New customers only (usually)
Most guarantees are one-time offers for first-time customers. Renewing your existing contract or coming back after leaving usually doesn't qualify.
When a Satisfaction Guarantee Actually Helps
Moving to a new home
You don't know your actual usage yet. A 60-day guarantee gives you two billing cycles to see if your plan fits your new home's consumption.
Trying a new provider
Customer service quality varies wildly. A guarantee lets you evaluate the full experience — billing accuracy, response times, app functionality — before committing.
Unsure about plan type
Free nights? Time-of-use? Fixed rate? If you're experimenting with a new plan structure, a guarantee gives you a real-world test without long-term commitment.
First-time Texas resident
New to deregulated electricity? The whole system can be confusing. A guarantee gives you room to learn without costly mistakes.
How to Actually Use Your Guarantee
Document your enrollment
Screenshot your confirmation showing the guarantee terms. Note the exact date your guarantee period starts and ends.
Set calendar reminders
Mark your guarantee expiration date and set a reminder 1 week before. Don't wait until the last minute.
Review your first bill carefully
Check that the rates match what you were promised. Compare the all-in cost per kWh against your Electricity Facts Label.
Call and reference the guarantee
If you're not satisfied, call customer service. Explicitly say "I want to use my satisfaction guarantee." Get confirmation in writing or via email.
Then sign up with your new provider
After your current provider confirms the guarantee cancellation, complete enrollment with your new choice.
Compare Texas Electricity Plans
Current rates from providers with satisfaction guarantees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a satisfaction guarantee for Texas electricity?
Which Texas electricity providers have satisfaction guarantees?
What's the difference between a cancellation guarantee and a plan-switching guarantee?
When does my satisfaction guarantee period start?
Do I still have to pay for electricity I used during the guarantee period?
What is the 3-day rescission right in Texas?
Do I need to call my provider to use my satisfaction guarantee?
Are satisfaction guarantees available to existing customers?
Is 30 days enough time to evaluate an electricity provider?
Can I use a satisfaction guarantee if I moved to a new home?
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