If you live in Texas, you want an energy provider that treats your home and budget with respect. For Texans, the right fit depends on clear electricity rates, useful tools, and proven customer satisfaction.
This guide explains what makes the best electricity providers in 2026. We focus on price transparency, plan variety, reliability, and support. You will see how leading electricity providers structure their electricity plans and energy plans, and which option is best suited to each.
We review top Texas electricity providers and well-known Texas energy companies, then point you to local choices in Houston and Dallas, as well as to areas we serve across Texas, so that you can confirm availability in your ZIP code.
What comes next is simple. A clear list of the best electricity companies for 2026, based on trusted data and recent reviews. Use it to compare offers, features, and fees.
How We Chose the Best Electricity Providers in Texas
We combined plan data, consumer reviews, and guidance from the Public Utility Commission of Texas to evaluate options fairly. We also referenced Power to Choose, PUCT complaint statistics, and EFL guidance to verify disclosures and plan terms.
- Price transparency. We compared posted electricity rates with the electricity facts label to confirm actual costs at common energy usage levels such as 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh.
- Plan flexibility. We reviewed plan features like fixed or variable pricing, bill credits, green options, and contract terms.
- Support and reliability. We looked for usage tools, outage alerts, and responsive service channels.
- Coverage fit. We checked service area availability by ZIP code and determined whether plans suit renters or homeowners.
- Billing clarity. We flagged hidden fees, minimum usage rules, and early termination penalties.
- Reputation signals. We weighed customer satisfaction trends using verified reviews and PUCT data.
Top 10 Electricity Providers at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at leading electricity providers and their common plan features, including green energy plans, fixed-rate plans, variable-rate options, and perks such as free nights or bill credit at typical monthly usage levels.
| Provider | Plan type (fixed/variable) | Standout plan | Green option | Typical cost at 1,000 kWh | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Energy | Fixed and variable | Free nights options | Yes | 17.2¢/kWh | Renters, homeowners |
| TXU Energy | Fixed and variable | Free Nights & Solar Days | Yes | 14.5¢/kWh | Homeowners |
| Gexa Energy | Mostly fixed | 100% renewable bundles | Yes (100% plans) | 10.2¢/kWh | Renters, homeowners |
| 4Change Energy | Fixed | Value plans with credits | Limited | 9.9¢/kWh | Renters |
| Direct Energy | Fixed and variable | Smart-home integrations | Yes | 16.9¢/kWh | Homeowners |
| Cirro Energy | Fixed | Simple value plans | Limited | 15.9¢/kWh | Renters |
| Payless Power | Prepaid (daily balance) | No deposit prepaid | Available | 18.8¢/kWh | Renters |
| Frontier Utilities | Fixed and variable | Short-term value plans | Limited | 17.4¢/kWh | Renters |
| Rhythm Energy | Fixed | Renewable-only plans | Yes (100% plans) | 17.6¢/kWh | Homeowners |
| APG&E | Fixed and variable | Flexible terms | Limited | 15.2¢/kWh | Homeowners |
Now, let’s move into the top 10 and highlight who each provider suits best.
1. Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy is a Texas energy provider with clear plan type choices and handy tools for tracking electricity usage. It offers a wide range of fixed-rate plans and strong support resources.
Coverage is strong in Houston, where CenterPoint handles any outage restoration. Billing is straightforward, and features in the app help you manage your electricity bill. Customers report dependable service and solid customer satisfaction over time.
Suited for: homeowners and renters.
Typical cost: 17.2¢/kWh[1] at 1,000 kWh in Houston (CenterPoint).
2. TXU Energy
TXU Energy offers innovative plan features like free nights with Solar Days, plus a wide range of fixed-rate plans and flexible enrollment. It delivers stable electricity service and broad energy options, with a strong presence in Dallas and coverage across Texas.
Suited for: Renters and homeowners
Typical cost: 14.5¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[2] in Houston (CenterPoint).
3. Gexa Energy
Gexa Energy focuses on 100% renewable energy plans with competitive pricing at common energy usage levels. Many options include fixed-rate plans, as well as bill credit structures that can deliver some of the lowest rates when your usage hits the qualifying tier. Bill-credit tiers can change your effective price at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh.
Suited for: renters and homeowners
Typical cost: 10.4¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[3] in Houston (CenterPoint).
4. 4Change Energy
4Change Energy is a value brand known for charitable giving and clear billing. It often competes for the cheapest electricity with bill-credit plan type options that can lower effective electricity rates at the right usage. Customers highlight simple terms in customer reviews. Bill-credit thresholds can change your total at different usage levels.
Suited for: renters
Typical cost: 9.9¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[4] in Houston (CenterPoint).
5. Direct Energy
Direct Energy is an energy provider serving Texas with fixed-rate plans, smart-home integrations, and reliable electricity service. Larger homes get helpful plan features and competitive electricity rates across popular tiers. It stands alongside major electricity providers with easy account tools and broad availability.
Suited for: homeowners
Typical cost: 16.9¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[5] in Houston (CenterPoint)
6. Cirro Energy
Cirro Energy keeps things simple with budget-friendly electricity plans and clear pricing. It competes for low rates and offers straightforward options that work well across common monthly usage tiers. As one of the familiar Texas electricity companies, it sits alongside major electricity providers with easy online account tools and predictable billing.
Suited for: renters
Typical cost: 15.9¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[6] in Houston (CenterPoint).
7. Payless Power
Payless Power offers no-credit-check prepaid plans with no deposit, clear pricing, and daily electricity usage alerts. Customers can choose energy options that match their budget and start enrollment online in minutes.
Plans focus on transparent electricity service and avoiding hidden fees, which makes it easier to manage bills month to month. Pick the best plan for your ZIP code and learn more about prepaid electricity.
Suited for: renters and Homeowners
Typical cost: 18.8¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[7] in Houston (CenterPoint).
8. Frontier Utilities
Frontier Utilities offers straightforward electricity plans with value-first pricing and short-term flexibility. You can choose a plan type that fits your usage, including fixed options or variable-rate plans if you prefer month-to-month. It often competes for the cheapest electricity at specific monthly usage tiers and sits alongside major Texas energy companies with simple online account tools.
Suited for: renters
Typical cost: 17.4¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[8] in Houston (CenterPoint).
9. Rhythm Energy
Rhythm Energy offers 100% renewable energy plans with stable fixed-rate plans and straightforward pricing. It appeals to eco-minded shoppers who still want consistency and strong customer satisfaction. Plans include popular green energy plans, and key details are listed on each electricity facts label.
Suited for: homeowners
Typical cost: 17.2¢/kWh[9] at 1,000 kWh in Houston (CenterPoint).
10. APG&E
APG&E is a residential-focused energy provider and trusted REP with straightforward electricity plans, flexible terms, and clear pricing. It competes with leading Texas electricity providers by offering simple plan type choices that fit common usage tiers.
Suited for: homeowners
Typical cost: 15.3¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh[10] in Houston (CenterPoint).
How To Choose the Right Electricity Plan for Your Needs
Picking electricity plans starts with understanding your plan type and how pricing works. Compare the options in this guide side by side, then read the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for the finer details and terms.
- Rate structure. Know the difference between fixed-rate plans and variable-rate options, and decide how much price stability you want.
- Usage bands. Check how 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh affect your price at typical monthly usage levels.
- Bill credits and fees. Confirm any bill credit thresholds, base charges, minimum usage rules, and other potential hidden fees in the EFL.
- Contract terms. Review term length, enrollment steps, early termination fees, and any move-out policies.
- Green options. Consider renewable energy plans if you want cleaner power without changing your home setup.
Understanding the Texas Deregulated Energy Market
Texas uses a deregulated energy market, which lets customers choose among Texas electricity providers based on price, plan structure, and service. In this system, retail electric providers (REP) sell plans and handle billing as your selected energy provider. Your local utility company manages the wires and poles, which also restore power after storms or equipment issues.
Here are some resources to help you better understand the Texas energy market:
- Review the official Electricity options to see how roles are divided
- For outages, your utility provides status maps and updates
- If you are in Oncor territory, check Oncor outages
- In the Houston area, CenterPoint Energy maintains the grid. See CenterPoint outages
- For statewide grid conditions, use ERCOT outages
In short, you buy plans from a REP that fits your needs, while utilities such as Oncor and CenterPoint Energy keep the infrastructure running and fix lines when service goes down.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
The best electricity providers in Texas aren’t the same for everyone. If you want a lower electricity bill, look for simple energy plans with clear bill credit thresholds and transparent fees. If sustainability comes first, choose options from leading Texas electricity companies that offer stable green pricing.
Recent customer satisfaction scores can help you narrow the field. Both renters and homeowners can find the best electricity companies by comparing rates and reading plan details.
Need power today with no credit check and no deposit? Choose Payless Power, start prepaid service in minutes, and keep costs predictable. It’s easy to enroll online and finish enrollment on your schedule.
FAQs
Below, we answer common questions about electricity providers in Texas.
Which electricity provider is best?
The best electricity providers in Texas depend on your priorities. If you want low electricity rates, compare electricity plans in your ZIP code. If you value stable pricing, look at fixed-rate plans. Many shoppers also weigh renewable energy plans and recent customer satisfaction scores. Always review the electricity facts label to confirm costs.
What is the #1 energy company in Texas?
There isn’t one. Different electricity providers lead in price, support, or green options. Remember that your chosen REP sells the plan, while the utility company maintains lines and restores power. Pick the energy provider that fits your usage, budget, and service expectations.
What is the best electric company to go with?
Start with your usage and budget. Match energy options to your habits, choose fixed-rate plans for price stability, and compare total costs, not just headline electricity rates. Check fees, credits, and contract length, then confirm details on the electricity facts label. Choose the provider that keeps your electricity bill predictable.
