Direct Energy

Major National Provider

Established national provider now part of the NRG Energy family

3.5/5 (890 reviews)

Founded 1986

13.2¢

NRG Energy

PUCT #10033

40+ Years

Houston, TX

Updated 2026-05-31

Featured Direct Energy Plans

Direct Energy Live Brighter 12

11.8¢per kWh

Term: 12 months
Type: Fixed
Est. monthly: $118 at 1,000 kWh
Green: 0%

Early termination fee: $150

Fixed rate stability

Power-To-Go Prepaid

14.5¢per kWh

Term: Month-to-month
Type: Prepaid
Est. monthly: $145 at 1,000 kWh
Green: 0%

No deposit required
Pay as you go

Showing top 2 plans from Direct Energy. Enter your ZIP below to see live rates available at your address.

Available Plans

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Overview

13.2¢

Avg Rate

3.5/5

Rating

0-12 mo.

Terms

Green

Plan Types: Fixed Variable Free Nights Prepaid

Pros & Cons

Strengths

Established national brand with NRG backing
Multiple plan options including prepaid
Good customer support scores
Available in many states

Watch Out For

BBB rating is F (not accredited)
Some reports of unexpected rate increases
Billing transparency could be better
Higher than average rates

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is a national electricity provider founded in Toronto in 1986 and acquired by NRG Energy for $3.6 billion in January 2021. The company was previously the third-largest seller of electricity in Texas.

Plans & Pricing

Direct Energy offers fixed-rate, variable, prepaid, and free nights/weekends plans. They also operate as CPL Retail Energy in South Texas and First Choice Power.

Rate Analysis

Direct Energy rates typically range from 11¢ to 15¢ per kWh. Their prepaid Power-To-Go plans have higher rates but no deposit or credit check.

Customer Feedback

What Customers Like

"Reliable service and good customer support."

Home Energy Club

Common Concerns

"My rate increased significantly after the first year."

Consumer Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Direct Energy a good company?

Direct Energy is an established provider now owned by NRG Energy. They have good customer support but mixed reviews on billing transparency. Their BBB rating is F.

Source: BBB