Written By: David Cosseboom | Updated On: January 23rd, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Transparency Wins in 2026: Providers like BKV Energy and Champion Energy top the charts by abandoning “gimmick” rates in favor of simple, predictable pricing that protects customers from bill shock during low-usage months.
- The “Bill Credit” Gamble: Budget brands like Gexa and Frontier offer the lowest advertised rates, but they require strict usage monitoring; missing a 1,000 kWh threshold can effectively double your rate for that month.
- Legacy Brands Offer Stability at a Premium: Giants like Reliant and TXU Energy charge 10-20% more than the market floor, but their scores remain high due to superior customer service, reliability, and app quality.
- Solar Buyback is Fading: With net metering largely replaced by wholesale rates, solar owners should pivot toward “Free Nights” plans (like those from Just Energy or Amigo) if they own battery storage to maximize savings.
The Texas electricity market is a landscape of extreme choice and complexity. With over 60 retail electric providers (REPs) competing for your business, finding the “best” plan often feels like navigating a minefield of hidden fees, tiered rates, and usage credits. For 2026, the market has shifted toward two distinct poles: highly transparent, flat-rate providers catering to long-term stability, and “gamified” plans that offer deep discounts only if specific usage targets are met. This guide cuts through the marketing noise to rank the top providers based on what matters most: pricing integrity, contract transparency, and verified customer sentiment.
Top 10 Texas Retail Electric Providers
#1 BKV Energy
BKV Energy claims the top spot for 2026 by aggressively countering the industry trend of “gotcha” pricing. They score nearly perfect in the Fees & Fine Print (15%) and Price & Value (35%) categories because their “Bluebonnet” plans are simple, fixed-rate products without predatory minimum usage fees. Their standout feature is the “Reduce Your Rate” pledge, where they proactively offer existing customers lower rates if market prices drop, a massive trust signal in an industry known for penalizing loyalty.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Reddit communities praise BKV as a relief from spreadsheet shopping. One user noted, “I’m now with BKV Energy because on my last renewal with TXU, they hiked up my price… In 2 years I’ve received 2 offers to lower my rate”. Others highlight the simplicity: “No base charges, no usage fees… It’s as simple as it gets”.
Best For: Homeowners and long-term renters wanting “set it and forget it” billing stability.
Detailed Scoring Analysis
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.9 | Consistently prices just below the utility market average. While not always the absolute cheapest “teaser” rate, the lack of base charges and usage fees makes the effective rate one of the best for real-world usage. |
| Fees (15%) | 5.0 | The “Bluebonnet” plan is the gold standard for simple EFLs. No minimum usage fees and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.7 | Backed by BKV Corporation, a major natural gas producer, providing vertical integration stability rare among retail-only providers. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.0 | Focuses heavily on fixed-rate plans. Lacks the niche variety (EV-specific, complex time-of-use) of larger competitors, but excels at what they do. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.9 | The “Reduce Your Rate” program (proactively lowering rates for existing customers) is a unique industry differentiator that builds immense trust. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.8 | Reddit sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently citing relief at escaping “gimmick” plans from other providers. |
#2 Rhythm Energy
Rhythm Energy is the highest-rated “digital native” provider. They excel in Plan Breadth (10%) and Customer Sentiment (10%) by offering 100% renewable energy plans backed by a top-tier mobile app and a 30-day “Test Drive” guarantee. Unlike many competitors, Rhythm does not hide behind confusing tiers; their “Simply Select” plans are straightforward. They have also successfully integrated customers from Energy Texas, maintaining high service standards during the transition.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding their interface and honesty. A user on r/TexasEnergyShopping shared, “Rhythm Energy was my best find after a full day of research… flat rate no matter how much or little we use, no gimmicks”. The referral program is also frequently cited as a major perk, with users verifying that “the $100 bill credits actually post to the account quickly”.
Best For: Eco-conscious consumers and data-savvy users who want 100% green energy.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.5 | Competitive for 100% renewable energy. They avoid “cliff” pricing, meaning you pay a fair rate even if you use less than 1,000 kWh. |
| Fees (15%) | 4.8 | Highly transparent terms. The 30-day “Test Drive” allows customers to leave without penalty if they are unhappy, a strong consumer protection. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.6 | Strong digital infrastructure and app performance. Recent acquisition of Energy Texas customers has tested support capacity but they have held up well. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.8 | Excellent variety including solar buyback, EV-specific TOU plans, and standard fixed options. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.7 | High ratings for their referral program and transparency regarding renewal rates. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.8 | Users rave about the app interface and data granularity. The “clean” billing experience is frequently mentioned on r/TexasEnergyShopping. |
#3 Champion Energy
A perennial favorite in J.D. Power rankings, Champion Energy secures a top spot due to its high scores in Reliability & Complaints (20%) and Independent Trust Signals (10%). Owned by Calpine, Champion avoids the “bait-and-switch” tactics of cheaper brands. Their “Champ Saver” plans are typically flat-rate, meaning you pay the same price per kWh regardless of usage, which prevents the bill spikes common with other providers during mild weather months.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Long-term customers are their biggest advocates. One review noted, “Been with them for years… bills are predictable and customer service actually picks up the phone”. While some users note their renewal rates can be slightly higher, the general consensus is that they are “solid and boring in a good way” compared to high-risk providers.
Best For: Conservative shoppers who prioritize billing accuracy and support over the absolute lowest teaser rate.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.3 | Rates are “mid-pack”—rarely the cheapest, but never the most expensive. The value comes from the lack of volatility and hidden fees. |
| Fees (15%) | 4.7 | Contracts are clean and easy to understand. They avoid the complex “usage credit” structures that confuse customers. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.9 | Consistently ranks near the top of J.D. Power studies. Backed by Calpine, a major power generator, ensuring long-term stability. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.2 | Solid core offerings (12/24 month fixed), but fewer niche products than Rhythm or TXU. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.9 | One of the most trusted brands in the ERCOT market. A+ BBB rating and long history of fair dealings. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.5 | Viewed as the “safe” choice. Users rarely report billing disputes, though some note renewal offers can be high. |
#4 TXU Energy
As a legacy giant, TXU Energy commands high marks for Reliability & Complaints (20%) and Plan Breadth (10%). They offer the widest array of plans, including “Free Nights & Solar Days” which can be lucrative for customers with Powerwalls. However, their Price & Value score is lower because their standard rates often carry a “brand tax,” pricing them 15-20% higher than the market floor to fund their massive support infrastructure.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Opinions are polarized between “expensive” and “reliable.” Solar owners are increasingly vocal about specific plans: “When I modeled the TXU free nights plan I found its per KW hour rate was lower [than competitors]… This can be covered easily by your battery”. Conversely, regular users warn, “TXU definitely got the better of me… they work if you need stability but you pay for it”.
Best For: Solar/Battery owners (Free Nights plans) and risk-averse homeowners.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 3.5 | Carries a significant “brand premium.” You are paying for the name and the 24/7 support. Not for budget shoppers. |
| Fees (15%) | 4.0 | EFLs are generally clear, but many plans rely on base charges and specific time-of-use windows that can be costly if misunderstood. |
| Reliability (20%) | 5.0 | The most robust infrastructure in the state. Massive call centers and financial resilience against market shocks. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 5.0 | Unmatched variety: Free Nights, Solar Days, Season Pass, EV plans. If there’s a plan type, TXU has it. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.6 | High trust for stability (“too big to fail”), but lower trust on pricing competitiveness. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.2 | Polarized. Solar/Battery owners love the arbitrage opportunities; standard users often feel they are overpaying. |
#5 4Change Energy
4Change Energy is a “value” brand owned by Vistra (TXU’s parent company). They rank highly for Price & Value (35%) specifically for high-usage households. Their “Maxx Saver” plans use bill credits (e.g., $125 off at 1,000 kWh) to drive the effective rate down to under 10¢/kWh. They also donate 4% of profits to charity, boosting their Trust Signals.
Warning: These plans are poor choices for apartments due to the usage threshold.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Users appreciate the low rates when they hit the targets but warn about the “cliff.” A Reddit user explained, “4Change is great if you use a lot of power, but the hidden fee [missing the credit] makes it impossible for apartments”. Positive reviews highlight simple renewals and the charitable aspect.
Best For: Families in large homes (2,000+ sq ft) who consistently use over 1,000 kWh.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.7 | Excellent if you hit the 1,000 kWh usage mark. The effective rate drops significantly due to the $100+ bill credits. |
| Fees (15%) | 3.5 | Penalized here due to the “cliff” pricing structure. Missing the usage target results in a massive effective rate hike. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.5 | Supported by Vistra Corp (same parent as TXU), providing strong operational backing. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.0 | Focuses primarily on fixed-rate value plans. Less variety in green/tech specific offerings. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.6 | The charitable donation model (4% of profits) resonates well with consumers and builds brand loyalty. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.2 | Positive for homeowners; negative for renters who get trapped by the minimum usage requirements. |
#6 Reliant Energy
Reliant (an NRG company) mirrors TXU with a focus on premium service. They score top marks in Reliability & Complaints (20%) and Trust Signals (10%). Their app is widely considered the best in the industry, offering granular usage tracking and integration with smart thermostats. However, like TXU, they lose points on Price due to higher premiums and renewal offers that often require negotiation.
What People in Texas Are Saying: The sentiment is “expensive but safe.” Users frequently complain about renewal offers: “Reliant rips people off… Just renewed for 24 months @ $0.137… much higher than competitors”. However, others defend them: “I’ve used Reliant for years… their app helps me track everything and no billing surprises”.
Best For: Tech enthusiasts and seniors who want premium support and app features.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 3.2 | Consistently 15-20% higher than the market floor. You pay a premium for the brand and app. |
| Fees (15%) | 4.0 | Transparent regarding fees, but base charges and high early termination fees ($295+) are common. |
| Reliability (20%) | 5.0 | Top-tier app, Google/Alexa integration, and massive support infrastructure. Excellent outage communication. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.8 | Extensive options including “Truly Free” nights and robust solar buyback (though rates vary). |
| Trust (10%) | 4.5 | NRG ownership provides stability. High BBB activity (both complaints and resolutions). |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.0 | Users love the app but hate the renewal pricing. “Reliant rips people off” is a common sentiment regarding renewal offers. |
#7 TriEagle Energy
TriEagle is a “no-nonsense” provider that scores well in Fees & Fine Print (15%). They are known for “Silver Eagle” and “Sure Value” plans that typically lack hidden minimum usage fees. While they rarely offer the absolute lowest rate on the market, their pricing is consistent and fair, making them a safe middle-ground choice between the expensive legacy brands and the risky discount ones.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Reviews are generally quiet, which is positive in this industry. Users often recommend them as a safe alternative: “Go to TriEagle… Just renewed for 24 months… simple rate with no hidden fees compared to Reliant”.
Best For: Shoppers who want a fair price without “gimmicks” but don’t need a premium brand.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.2 | Good “middle of the road” pricing. Not the cheapest, but avoids the predatory pricing of discount brands. |
| Fees (15%) | 4.7 | Known for “No Gimmick” plans. EFLs are usually clean without hidden usage penalties. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.3 | Solid operational history. Part of Vistra Corp, ensuring financial stability. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.0 | Standard fixed-rate plans. Less innovation in TOU or smart home bundles. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.5 | High BBB rating and generally low complaint volume for a mid-major. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.2 | Often recommended by brokers and savvy shoppers as a safe, boring alternative to Reliant/TXU. |
#8 Gexa Energy
Gexa is a high-risk, high-reward provider. They score incredibly high on potential Price (35%) but very low on Fees & Fine Print (15%). Their “Eco Saver” plans often show rates as low as 8-9¢/kWh on comparison sites, but this rate is dependent on hitting a narrow usage window (e.g., 1,000-2,000 kWh). If you miss the window, the rate can skyrocket to 20¢/kWh+, making them dangerous for variable-usage households.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Sentiment is heated. Some call them a “scam” due to the bill credits: “AVOID GEXA… my bill went from $700 with Gexa to $110 with Rhythm”. Others who understand the math love them: “I just checked Gexa… cheapest plan is $0.112 if you use exactly 1000kWh”.
Best For: “Spreadsheet shoppers” who meticulously track usage to hit bill credit targets.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.8 | Potentially the cheapest on the market if you hit the usage credits perfectly (1000-2000 kWh). |
| Fees (15%) | 2.5 | Heavily penalized for “usage cliffs.” The rate effectively doubles if you use less than 1000 kWh on many plans. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.0 | Owned by NextEra Energy (Fortune 200), so they are financially stable despite the aggressive pricing. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.5 | Strong green energy options and EV plans. |
| Trust (10%) | 3.5 | Frequent complaints about “bait and switch” pricing due to the strict credit requirements. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 3.0 | Highly polarized. Users who understand the math love them; those who don’t call them a “scam.” |
#9 Payless Power
Payless Power fills a critical niche. They score high on Plan Breadth (10%) for serving the underbanked. While their effective rates are higher (often 18-20¢/kWh), they offer daily billing transparency and no credit checks. They have improved their fee structure recently, reducing some of the “nickel and diming” associated with prepaid plans.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Reviews acknowledge the higher cost as the price of convenience. “Used them the last year because they were so much less than the next closest [prepaid option]… but you have to deposit $150+ to avoid fees”. Their text-message balance alerts are frequently praised for helping users manage daily costs.
Best For: Customers with low credit or those moving temporarily who want to avoid deposits.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 3.0 | Prepaid electricity carries a premium. Rates are typically 18¢+ compared to 13¢ for postpaid. |
| Fees (15%) | 3.5 | Includes daily fees and transaction costs, though they are transparent about them. |
| Reliability (20%) | 4.0 | Excellent notification system (daily texts) helps users avoid disconnection. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 5.0 | The undisputed leader in the “No Deposit / Prepaid” niche. |
| Trust (10%) | 4.0 | They are honest about what they are—a premium service for flexibility/no credit check. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 4.0 | Customers generally understand the trade-off. Praise for helping those with bad credit get power quickly. |
#10 Frontier Utilities
Frontier (owned by NextEra, same as Gexa) competes on price. They make the top 10 for offering very low introductory rates and flexible short-term contracts. However, they are penalized heavily in Reliability & Complaints (20%) due to aggressive billing practices and strict bill credit requirements that often catch customers off guard.
What People in Texas Are Saying: Mixed reviews dominate. “Frontier is the only one that my bill is very close to what it should be” says one user who tracks usage carefully. Others report issues with usage tracking: “I think they’re lying about my kWh usage… missed the credit by 5 kWh”.
Best For: Renters needing 3-6 month contracts.
Detailed Scoring Analysis:
| Criterion | Score | Analysis |
| Price (35%) | 4.2 | Very low introductory rates, often beating Gexa on short-term (3-6 month) plans. |
| Fees (15%) | 2.5 | Notorious for strict usage credits and high variance between advertised and actual rates if usage is missed. |
| Reliability (20%) | 3.5 | Higher volume of billing complaints relative to top-tier providers. |
| Plan Breadth (10%) | 4.5 | Excellent options for short-term leases (3, 6, 9 months) which many providers ignore. |
| Trust (10%) | 3.0 | Low trust scores due to aggressive sales tactics and confusing EFLs. |
| Sentiment (10%) | 3.0 | Frequent complaints about billing accuracy (“I think they’re lying about my usage”). |
Shopping Tips for Texas
- Ignore the “Average Price”: The big number (e.g., 10.4¢) you see on shopping sites is often a mirage based on exactly 1,000 kWh usage. If you live in an apartment and use 600 kWh, your real rate could be 16¢ or higher. Always check the EFL (Electricity Facts Label) for the “500 kWh” rate if you are in an apartment.
- Know Your TDU Charges: In 2026, delivery charges (paid to Oncor/CenterPoint) are approximately 4-5¢ per kWh + $4.00/month. This is a non-negotiable base cost. Any plan advertising a rate lower than 6¢ is virtually guaranteed to rely on a conditional bill credit.
- The “Free Nights” Trap: These plans are excellent only if you have a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall) or an EV. If you do not have storage, your daytime rate (often 20¢+) will likely wipe out any savings from the free nights. Learn more about Free Nights and Weekend Plans
Read more about Shopping for an Electric Plan
Methodology: How We Rate
Our ratings are not influenced by advertising commissions. We use a weighted scoring system designed to penalize “gimmick” plans and reward transparency.
Unlike standard comparison sites that often prioritize sponsored listings, this analysis treats the “Electricity Facts Label” (EFL) as the primary source of truth. The ratings penalize providers that engage in “bait-and-switch” tactics, such as offering a 9¢ rate that only exists if the customer uses exactly 1000 kWh, and rewards those offering linear, predictable pricing. Furthermore, the inclusion of “Reddit Sentiment” acts as a counterweight to curated testimonials, exposing operational failures that only emerge after a contract is signed.
- Price & Value (35%): We calculate the “Effective Rate” across usage curves (500, 1000, 2000 kWh), penalizing plans where the rate spikes by >20% if a usage threshold is missed.
- Reliability & Complaints (20%): Based on the ratio of formal complaints filed with the PUCT relative to customer size.
- Fees & Fine Print (15%): Analysis of Early Termination Fees (ETFs), base charges, and the clarity of the EFL.
- Plan Breadth (10%): Availability of green energy, solar buyback, and no-deposit options.
- Independent Trust Signals (10%): Years in business, financial stability of parent company, and BBB rating.
- Customer Sentiment (10%): Derived from filtered sentiment analysis of r/TexasEnergyShopping, r/Houston, and r/Dallas to identify recurring operational issues not caught by official metrics.
Read our Full Methodology for Rating Electric Providers
FAQs About REPs in Texas
Why are “legacy” companies like Reliant and TXU so much more expensive?
Who is the best provider for apartments in Texas?
Is “100% Renewable” actually better for the grid?
Can I trust the “Power to Choose” website?
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.