Ambit Energy
100% GreenMulti-level marketing electricity provider now owned by Vistra Corp (TXU's parent company)
Available Plans
Overview
Pros & Cons
Strengths
6- BBB Accredited since 2006 with A+ rating
- Fixed-rate plans with predictable pricing
- Green energy plans available with Green-e certification
- Operates in multiple states (TX, OH, PA, MA) - useful for customers who move
- Part of Vistra Corp, a Fortune 500 company with stable financial backing
- 24/7 automated phone system for basic transactions
Watch Out For
7- ⚠️ MLM business model: Rates may include consultant commissions passed to customers
- ⚠️ Regulatory history: $57,500 in PUCT fines (2010-2012) for customer protection violations
- Mixed customer reviews: 4.75/5 on BBB but 1.9/5 on PissedConsumer
- Multiple complaints about rate increases at renewal without clear notification
- Customer service hours limited (8am-6pm weekdays) compared to providers with 24/7 support
- No satisfaction guarantee—ETF applies from day one
- Same parent company (Vistra) as TXU—consider comparing both before deciding
About Ambit
Ambit Energy is a Dallas-based electricity provider founded in 2006 by Jere Thompson Jr. and Chris Chambless. Unlike traditional electricity providers, Ambit uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model where independent consultants recruit customers and earn commissions. In August 2019, Vistra Corp acquired Ambit Energy. This is significant because Vistra also owns TXU Energy, meaning Ambit and TXU are now corporate siblings. If you're considering Ambit, it's worth comparing their rates against TXU's—you're essentially choosing between two brands owned by the same company. Ambit holds PUCT Certificate #10117 and serves residential customers across Texas. They also operate in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts—all states served by ElectricRates.org.
Plans & Pricing
Ambit offers fixed-rate electricity plans ranging from 12 to 36 months: Fixed-Rate Plans: Lock in your electricity rate for the contract term. Ambit's rates are generally at market average—not the cheapest, but not premium pricing either. Green Energy Plans: 100% renewable energy with Green-e certification. These plans typically cost 1-2¢/kWh more than standard fixed-rate options. No Time-of-Use or Free Nights: Unlike TXU (same parent company), Ambit doesn't offer Free Nights or similar time-of-use plans. Their offerings are straightforward fixed-rate only. Contract Terms: 12, 24, and 36-month terms available. Longer terms sometimes offer slightly lower rates. Early termination fees typically range from $150-$200.
Rate Analysis
Ambit's rates typically fall at or near market average for Texas. They're not a budget provider like Gexa or Frontier, but they're also not premium-priced like Green Mountain. The MLM Factor: Because Ambit uses independent consultants who earn commissions, some portion of what you pay may go toward that compensation structure. This doesn't necessarily mean higher rates, but it's worth understanding the business model. Vistra Connection: Since Vistra owns both Ambit and TXU, you can compare rates between these "sibling" companies. Sometimes one offers better rates than the other for the same service area. Renewal Concerns: Multiple consumer complaints document rate increases at contract renewal. The Texas Electricity Facts Label requires providers to disclose month-to-month renewal rates, but consumers report feeling surprised by increases. Set a calendar reminder 30-45 days before your contract ends.
Customer Feedback
What Customers Like
"Been with Ambit for 3 years. Rates are fair and billing is straightforward. Never had a surprise charge."
BBB
"Switched from TXU to Ambit and saved about $20/month. Same parent company, lower rate for me."
Texas Electricity Ratings
Common Concerns
"My rate nearly doubled at renewal. They sent an email I apparently missed, and suddenly my bill jumped from $150 to $280. Getting through to customer service took 45 minutes."
ConsumerAffairs
"The consultant who signed me up was great, but when I had billing issues, I couldn't reach anyone. MLM companies are great at recruiting, not so great at service."
PissedConsumer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ambit Energy an MLM?
Yes. Ambit Energy uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model where independent consultants recruit customers and earn commissions. Ambit is a member of the Direct Selling Association. This model is legal but means some of what you pay may go toward consultant compensation.
Source: Wikipedia / Direct Selling Association
Who owns Ambit Energy?
Ambit Energy was acquired by Vistra Corp in August 2019. Vistra also owns TXU Energy, making Ambit and TXU corporate siblings. Vistra is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Irving, Texas.
Source: Vistra Corp Press Release
Has Ambit Energy had regulatory issues?
Yes. Ambit Energy accumulated $57,500 in PUCT fines between 2010 and 2012 for violating customer protection rules, according to ConsumerAffairs documentation. Since then, they have maintained BBB accreditation and an A+ rating.
Source: ConsumerAffairs / PUCT
Is Ambit Energy a good electricity company?
Ambit Energy has mixed reviews. They hold an A+ BBB rating with 4.75/5 stars from 1,530 reviews. However, on PissedConsumer they have 1.9/5 stars. Common complaints include rate increases at renewal and difficulty reaching customer service. We recommend comparing Ambit rates against other providers in your ZIP code before deciding.
Source: BBB / PissedConsumer
What states does Ambit Energy serve?
Ambit Energy operates in Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and 11 other states/DC. They serve deregulated electricity markets across the country.
Source: Ambit Energy Website
Similar Providers
TXU Energy
Same parent company with Free Nights plans
TXU and Ambit are both owned by Vistra Corp. TXU offers more plan variety including Free Nights, while Ambit uses the MLM model. Compare rates between both.
Gexa Energy
Budget-friendly with 100% renewable
Typically 10-20% cheaper than Ambit with 100% renewable energy. Better choice if lowest price is your priority.
Frontier Utilities
Low rates with bilingual support
Often beats Ambit on price with straightforward fixed-rate plans. Spanish-language support available.
Champion Energy
J.D. Power award winner
Higher customer satisfaction scores than Ambit with competitive pricing. Backed by Calpine Corporation.
Sources
Verified- PUCT Provider Search · 2026-02-16
- Better Business Bureau · 2026-02-16
- Wikipedia - Ambit Energy · 2026-02-16
- ConsumerAffairs · 2026-02-16
- PissedConsumer · 2026-02-16
- Ambit Energy Official Website · 2026-02-16
Last updated 2026-02-16. Written by ElectricRates.org Editorial Team.