Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy launched in 2001 when Texas deregulated its electricity market. Today they're part of NRG Energy, a Fortune 500 company headquartered right in Houston. NRG isn't just a retailer—they own and operate power plants across Texas. What sets Reliant apart is their 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Within the first 90 days, you can switch to a different Reliant plan without paying any early termination fee. This removes the risk of picking the wrong plan—you can try it, see your actual bills, and change if needed. They're also one of only a handful of Texas providers offering genuine 24/7 customer support. When you call at 2am with a billing question, someone actually answers.

Reliant offers a range of plan types to fit different needs: Fixed Rate Plans: Lock in your rate for 12-36 months. Most include bill credits at usage thresholds. Truly Free Weekends: Genuinely free electricity Saturday and Sunday. Higher weekday rates compensate. Prepaid: Pay-as-you-go with no credit check. Daily usage updates. Green/Conservation: 100% renewable options, some with smart thermostats included. All plans come with Reliant Perks—discounts at local restaurants, events, and retailers. Nice bonus if you're already choosing Reliant.

Reliant's rates typically run 10.5¢ to 15¢ per kWh—competitive but not the absolute cheapest. Bill credit math matters: Many Reliant plans show low advertised rates that assume you'll hit bill credit thresholds. A plan showing 8¢/kWh at 1000 kWh might work out to 12¢/kWh if you only use 800 kWh. Always calculate at your expected usage. The 90-day guarantee is valuable: Even if Reliant costs slightly more, the ability to switch plans penalty-free for 90 days removes risk. Try a plan, see your real bills, adjust if needed.