When selecting a power company, Texas residents may find it confusing to sort through the dozens of competitors to compare plans. Payless Power provides these comparisons to help you make an informed decision and size up our plans with some of the state’s other providers, including Direct Energy.
Direct Energy, one of the largest retail electricity providers (REPs) in North America, serves more than 4 million customers across the US and Canada. They were acquired by Houston-based NRG Energy in 2021, which serves all 50 states. Their prepaid energy plans include month to month rates, as well as fixed-rate plans, green energy plans, and those with free nights or weekends. We believe you’ll discover Payless Power’s straightforward pricing without the gimmicks to be more affordable with up to 20% savings on your power bill.
DIRECT ENERGY PREPAID RATES VS PAYLESS POWER RATES
Direct Energy offers month-to-month, 12-month, 20-month and 24-month energy plans. The average rate for their electricity plans is 13.9 cents/kWh. Consumers need to note, however, this low average is driven by Direct Energy’s lowest-rate plan that offers 9 cents/kWh; but if consumers use less than 2000 kWh per month, the rate jumps to 18 cents (1000 kWh) or 36 cents (500 kWh) — doubling or tripling the price per kWh for energy use under 2000 kWh.
Direct Energy’s longer contract rates also lock customers into a plan without giving them the flexibility they need. Plus, the free nights and weekend offers are one to two cents higher than their other plans, which can really add up, surpassing the savings that might be achieved. They offer one contract-free plan, and their early termination fee is 35% more than Payless Power’s fee for canceling before a term is complete. (Proof of moving waives these fees.)
By comparison, Payless Power offers prepaid plans with more transparent rates than the sometimes-confusing free promotional pricing. We offer several major plan options:
- Autopay and Premier 12 — An auto pay plan with 12-month fixed rates
- Autopay and Simple 6 — An auto pay plan with 6-month fixed rates
With our auto pay plans, customers can save up to 20% per kWh compared to regular rate plans. Additionally, the customer can pre-select an amount to automatically add when their account balance is low. This helps remove the stress of a missed payment while also controlling your budget and energy use.
| Direct Energy Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate* |
| Twelve Hour Power 24 | 24 months | 15.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Live Brighter® 24 | 24 months | 15.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Free Power Weekends 24 | 24 months | 15.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Live Brighter® 20 | 20 months | 13.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Twelve Hour Power 12 | 12 months | 14.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Live Brighter 1K+ 12 | 12 months | 13.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Green Texas 12 | 12 months | 14.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Free Power Weekends 12 | 12 months | 14.5 ¢ / kWh |
| Bright Choice | Month to Month | 15.9 ¢ / kWh |
| Power Balance 12 | 12 months | 9.0 ¢ / kWh |
*Rates are based on a Dallas-area zip code for 2000/kWh usage as of 10/27/21.
PAYLESS POWER – THE CLEAR CHOICE OVER DIRECT ENERGY
NO DEPOSIT, CREDIT CHECK, OR LONG-TERM CONTRACTS
Direct Energy requires customers to undergo a credit check and a review of payment history, plus pay a deposit if the customer does not meet the credit standard. Direct Energy only offers one monthly plan (Bright Choice), providing less flexibility to switch plans without early cancelation fees. Payless Power, alternately, requires no credit check and no deposit from customers. With our instant approval, you won’t have to wait for a lengthy process to switch your electricity to a Payless Power plan. Payless Power believes that everyone should have access to affordable electricity regardless of income or credit history, so we offer an easy process to sign up and stay on top of your bills.
SATISFIED CUSTOMERS, EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE
From same day connection to personalized texts or email alerts regarding usage and costs, the Payless Power bilingual customer service representatives are committed to offering dedicated service to our customers. We take great pride in the service we deliver and the savings customers enjoy every month. Thank you for the 4.6/5.0 stars given to us by nearly 8,500 customers! See what some of our customers are saying:
“Payless power is great. It’s affordable, easy to manage, and the best part — no outrageous fees. It’s really been a hassle free part of my life.” – Henry G. in Houston
“It only took a mere 10 seconds to pay the light bill. As someone with no credit, I find this method of paying easy and affordable.” – Cedriko R. in Dallas, TX
“Service is very good. Text notifications let me know when I need to make a payment. Website shows how much you spend each day on electricity, no contracts or fees. No surprises on my bill. I would recommend this service.” – Dania R. in Abilene, TX
“I like that I get notified when my balance is running low and it’s so easy to make a payment!” – Jose V. in Los Fresnos, TX
DAILY USAGE ALERTS
Only want to spend a certain amount each month? Payless Power sends alerts when your account balance is low so you can either decrease your energy usage or prepay for more power. Our auto pay plans allow customers to set an amount to add to their balance when the account gets low. With our personalized text or email alerts, you can monitor your daily usage, energy costs, and account balance. At the end of the month, we send a statement detailing your prior month’s payments, charges, and savings history. Direct Energy’s prepaid plans provide the same bill pay options with their power-to-go portal, but the complexity of their plans is often confusing and may offer surprises when it’s time to pay. Payless Power wants to ensure our customers make informed decisions that suit their varying budgets.
SELF-SERVICE PORTAL
Payless Power offers an easy-to-use self-service portal that helps you stay informed about your electricity usage. The portal is a one-stop shop where you can make payments, check your account balance, see how many kilowatt hours you consume daily and other valuable information to save you money. This level of transparency puts the power back in your hands to determine how much you are willing to spend each month. With Payless Power, you will never be surprised when paying your electricity bill again!
SAME DAY SERVICE
Ready to make the switch to prepaid electricity with Payless Power? At Payless Power, you can expect quick, easy same day connection so that you can start saving money on your electricity bill as soon as possible. Our team is here to ensure you receive power when you need it! Check out the simple steps below to switch your electricity provider.
HOW TO SWITCH FROM DIRECT ENERGY TO PAYLESS POWER
If you’re moving or simply want to switch providers in your current home, you can do so quickly and easily.
- Estimate your usage based on previous bills (the number of kWh per month). In Texas, apartments average about 600 kWh a month up to large homes using 2,400 kWh.
- Find a Payless Power plan in your zip code that fits your needs and your budget.
- Once your plan is decided, provide your address, name, and set up an account easily online or over the phone.
- Make your first Payless Power payment that goes toward the cost of your first bill.
- If you’re moving, make sure your home has a smart meter for remote activation by the power company; most Texas homes do. Then inform your current provider of the move. Most companies will waive an early termination fee if proof of the move is provided.
- If you’re switching electricity providers in your current residence, the new provider (in this case, Payless Power) will inform the previous provider of the switch.
- Set up same day connection. When possible, plan early in the day as the process can take 4-6 hours.
- Enjoy your day as you begin to start saving up to 20% on your energy bills!
CHOOSE PAYLESS POWER TODAY
When you choose Payless Power over Direct Energy as your Texas power company, you’ll join a community of residents who get a better energy rate and save money on their average electric bill, regardless of income or credit history. Payless Power provides the best prepaid electric plans with no cancelation fees and no deposit in Texas. As a family-owned, top-five electric provider, we take great pride in serving our customers with care and respect. Choose Payless Power today.
