Meet Chariot Energy: Sunshine For Everyone
Key Takeaways
- Chariot Energy offers 100% solar power without requiring you to install expensive rooftop panels.
- They provide completely transparent fixed-rate options, including competitive solar buyback and free nights plans.
- Customers manage billing through a newly updated online portal, as Chariot does not currently offer a native app.
If you are searching for a clean electricity provider in Texas, Chariot Energy provides 100% solar power backed by its parent company, 174 Power Global, without requiring you to install a single rooftop panel. Based in Houston, this provider stands out by vertically integrating its energy supply, meaning it generates the solar electricity it sells directly to you. Whether you rent an apartment or own a home, switching to their renewable energy plans offers a straightforward way to reduce your carbon footprint while locking in competitive and predictable rates.
Is Chariot Energy Right For You?
Navigating the deregulated energy market can feel overwhelming, but looking at a straightforward breakdown of a provider’s strengths and weaknesses makes the decision easier. Here is a look at what Chariot Energy does well and where they might fall short for some customers.
- Pro: Solar Made Simple. You get 100% clean energy without the upfront cost, permits, or maintenance of physical solar panels.
- Pro: Backing You Can Trust. They are owned by a global energy giant (Hanwha Group). This financial stability means they aren’t likely to fold overnight like some smaller “fly-by-night” retail energy providers.
- Pro: Local Customer Service. Their support team is based right in Houston, meaning you speak directly to fellow Texans when you call for assistance.
- Con: No Mobile App. Unlike some top-tier competitors, there is no dedicated native application for iOS or Android, which forces users to rely on the mobile web portal.
- Con: Tiered Pricing Pitfalls. If your household doesn’t strictly follow the off-peak hours for their Free Nights plans, the daytime rates can drive your monthly bill significantly higher than a standard fixed plan.
Chariot Energy Plans And Rates

*Plans and pricing may vary by area. Plans based on Houston CenterPoint service area. Chariot Energy plans and pricing are designed to accommodate a wide variety of Texas lifestyles. We always advise reviewing a provider’s options closely to ensure you pick a plan that matches your specific household energy consumption. Checking out our top comparisons, like Chariot Energy vs. TXU Energy or Chariot Energy vs. Gexa Energy, can also help you feel confident in your choice.
| Plan Name | Rate /kWH | Plan Term | Cancellation Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GridPlus 24 | 6.9¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridPlus 12 | 7.2¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridPlus 36 | 7.5¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridPlus 15 | 7.6¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridPlus 18 | 8.3¢ | 18 Months | $15.00 | Check Availability |
| GridPlus 13 | 8.7¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Bright Nights 12 | 11.2¢ | 12 Months | $15 per remaining month | Check Availability |
| Bright Nights 10 | 11.8¢ | 10 Months | $15 per remaining month | Check Availability |
| Bright Nights 24 | 11.9¢ | 24 Months | $15 per remaining month | Check Availability |
| Bright Nights 6 | 11.9¢ | 6 Months | $15 per remaining month | Check Availability |
| Chariot Choice 24 | 12.4¢ | 24 Months | $99.00 | Check Availability |
| Chariot Choice 36 | 12.7¢ | 36 Months | $99.00 | Check Availability |
| Solarize 12 | 13.9¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Nights 36 | 14¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Days 18 | 14.1¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Chariot Freedom | 14.1¢ | Month to Month | $0.00 | Check Availability |
| Free Nights 24 | 14.1¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Nights 12 | 14.4¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Days 12 | 14.5¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Nights 18 | 14.6¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Bright Nights 36 | 14.8¢ | 36 Months | $15 per remaining month | Check Availability |
| Free Nights 15 | 14.9¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Days 36 | 15¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Days 15 | 15¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Free Days 24 | 15.1¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Solarize 36 | 15.1¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Solarize 24 | 15.2¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| FreeDays 36 | 16.1¢ | 36 Months | $15.00 | Check Availability |
| GridMax 24 | 19.1¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| PowerBank 24 | 19.4¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridMax 12 | 19.6¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridMax 36 | 20.5¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridMax 15 | 20.8¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| GridMax 18 | 21¢ | Month to Month | N/A | Check Availability |
| Plan Name | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Solarize | Standard households & renters | Simple, transparent fixed rate for 12, 24, or 36 months. |
| Shine | Homes with existing solar panels | Credits excess generated energy back to your account. |
| Free Nights | EV owners & night owls | Free usage from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. |
| Free Days | Remote workers & stay-at-home parents | Free electricity from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans
Most of the featured options from Chariot are fixed-rate contracts. The “Solarize” plan is their bread-and-butter offering, locking in a predictable rate for 12 to 36 months. This protects your household budget from the wild price spikes that frequently hit the Texas energy grid during summer heatwaves and winter freezes. While they do offer variable-rate, month-to-month options once a contract expires, we strongly suggest securing a fixed term to keep your Chariot Energy rates stable over the long haul.
Free Nights And Weekends Plans
Chariot Energy free nights plans are ideal for consumers who can drastically shift their energy usage to off-peak hours. Between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., your electricity usage is entirely free. This makes it an environmentally mindful choice for electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge overnight or households willing to run their dishwashers and laundry machines while they sleep. However, be cautious: the daytime rate on these plans is typically much higher than a standard fixed rate, so closely monitor your daytime air conditioning usage to ensure you actually save money.
Solar Buyback Programs
The Chariot Energy solar buyback program, known as the “Shine” plan, is explicitly designed for homeowners who have already installed physical solar panels. If your panels produce more energy than your house consumes, you become a “net exporter.” Chariot buys back that excess power, crediting your account. One of the biggest perks of this initiative is that your unused energy credits roll over from month to month and do not expire as long as you remain a loyal Chariot customer. This overarching commitment to 100% renewable energy sets them apart from providers who merely buy Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to “offset” dirty power.
Coverage Area In Texas
Chariot Energy Texas operations cover the vast majority of the state’s deregulated electricity market. If you live within an ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) zone and have the power to choose your electricity provider, there is a very high likelihood that you can sign up for their services.
Major Cities Served:
Utility Service Areas (TDUs):
- CenterPoint Energy: Covering the greater Houston metropolitan area and surrounding coastal communities.
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Servicing Dallas, Fort Worth, and vast portions of West and Central Texas.
- AEP Texas (North and Central): Handling Corpus Christi, Abilene, and much of South Texas.
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): Operating in scattered deregulated zones including parts of the Gulf Coast and North Texas.
- Lubbock Power & Light: Now fully integrated into the competitive ERCOT marketplace.
Ready to see the exact plans available for your home? Enter your ZIP code above to start comparing local rates today.
Deals, Discounts, And Promo Codes
If you are looking for a Chariot Energy promo code to lower your initial costs, your best bet is leveraging their “Sunny & Share” referral program. When a new customer signs up using an active referral code, both the new user and the referring customer receive a $50 bill credit applied directly to their accounts.
Because there is no limit to how many people can use a referral link, existing customers frequently share their codes on local community forums like Reddit. A quick search for a Chariot referral code online can usually yield an active string of letters and numbers (such as REF followed by a series of digits) that instantly grants you the $50 bonus upon a successful first-time payment.
How To Manage Your Account And Pay Your Bill
Efficiently managing your household utilities requires functional digital tools. Following a major platform upgrade in early 2026, the Chariot Energy login experience has migrated to a more robust, streamlined online portal. From this dashboard, you can view your real-time usage, set up AutoPay, manage your rolling solar buyback credits, and download past statements.
Many users actively search for a native mobile app in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store. Currently, Chariot does not offer a native mobile app. You must access the fully mobile-optimized 2026 web portal through your smartphone’s internet browser to check your usage or process payments on the go.
When it comes time to settle your monthly statement, you have several reliable payment methods:
- Online Portal: Log in via the website to make a one-time payment using a credit card or bank account.
- AutoPay: Link a payment method to automatically deduct your balance each month.
- Phone Payment: You can call the Chariot Energy customer service line to pay via the automated system or speak directly with a live agent.
If you have billing inquiries or wish to speak to an agent, dial the Chariot Energy phone number at 1-855-524-2746. Their customer service team operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST, and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST.
Fees, Deposits, And Cancellation Policies

Understanding the fine print is critical when choosing a new electricity provider. We value transparency, and knowing exactly what fees to expect will help you make a more confident decision before you finalize a contract.
- Early Termination Fees (ETFs): Breaking a fixed-rate contract before it expires incurs a penalty. Chariot charges an ETF of $15 for every month remaining on your 12, 24, or 36-month plan. If you cancel with 10 months left, you will pay a $150 fee. Fortunately, this fee is legally waived if you move to a new residence and provide forwarding proof.
- No-Deposit Options: A soft credit check is required at sign-up. If you meet the credit threshold, you skip the deposit entirely. If you don’t, you might be asked for a refundable deposit (often around $275). You can legally bypass this deposit if you are 65 or older, a victim of family violence, or can present a “Letter of Credit” from your previous energy company showing 12 months of on-time payments.
- The Fusion Program: This innovative perk rewards customers who own home battery energy storage systems (BESS). By enrolling, you allow Chariot to draw a tiny amount of your stored battery power during extreme grid emergencies, and in return, you earn financial rewards and bill credits.
What Customers Are Saying: Real Reviews And Ratings
Evaluating real Chariot Energy reviews across independent platforms is essential for getting a complete picture of the company. Their reputation features a mix of high praise for their eco-friendly focus and specific operational complaints regarding software transitions.
On positive threads across Reddit and Trustpilot, customers frequently applaud Chariot’s transparent pricing. Their flat-rate “Solarize” plans usually match the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) exactly. This means there are rarely hidden fees or surprise usage thresholds that fail to trigger, giving consumers peace of mind. Additionally, many Texans appreciate their proactive communication and solid customer support response times during seasonal weather extremes.
Conversely, a look at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) highlights friction points primarily centered around the early 2026 billing portal migration. Several users reported brief discrepancies between the balance shown on their physical paper bills and the balance displayed inside the new online portal. Some customers also noted frustrations with failed AutoPay drafts immediately following the software update. While Chariot Energy customer service reps typically resolve these syncing issues quickly — maintaining their BBB accreditation — it remains a notable frustration for users who expect a flawless digital experience.
How To Report A Power Outage

During a storm or unexpected grid event, your first instinct might be to dial the Chariot Energy phone number. However, retail electric providers do not maintain the physical power lines or restore electricity. If your lights go out, you must contact your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) directly to report the issue.
Save your local TDU emergency contact number in your phone so you are prepared:
- CenterPoint Energy: 1-800-332-7143
- Oncor Electric Delivery: 1-888-313-4747
- AEP Texas: 1-866-223-8508
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): 1-888-866-7456
Making The Switch To Chariot Energy
Chariot Energy is an excellent choice for eco-conscious renters who want 100% solar power and electric vehicle owners looking to capitalize on true Free Nights plans. However, if you are an extreme budget shopper seeking the absolute cheapest non-renewable baseline rates on the market, you will likely find more aggressive pricing with traditional fossil fuel providers. Ultimately, this provider successfully merges the environmental benefits of green energy with the financial stability of fixed-rate contracts, making them a highly dependable option for the modern Texas household.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chariot Energy
Does Chariot Energy require a deposit?
It depends entirely on your credit history. When you enroll, they run a soft credit check that does not hurt your score. If you have good credit, no deposit is required. If you are still building credit, you may need to pay a refundable deposit, which is often around $275. You can waive this deposit if you are 65 or older, a victim of family violence, or can provide a “Letter of Credit” from your last energy provider showing you paid your bills on time for the past 12 months.
Who owns Chariot Energy?
Chariot Energy was founded in 2019 and is a direct subsidiary of 174 Power Global. 174 Power Global is, in turn, owned by the Hanwha Group, a massive international conglomerate known for its heavy investments in global solar manufacturing and renewable energy infrastructure.
How do I cancel my Chariot Energy plan?
If you need to cancel your service, you can do so by calling their customer support line or managing your transition through the online web portal. Keep in mind that if you are breaking a fixed-rate contract early just to switch to a new provider, you will likely face an Early Termination Fee (ETF) of $15 for every month remaining on your term. However, if you are physically moving to a new address, you can cancel without any penalty by simply providing proof of your move.
Does Chariot Energy really generate its own solar power?
Yes, and this is one of their biggest selling points. Most “green” energy companies simply buy certificates to offset the dirty energy you use. Chariot’s parent company actively builds, maintains, and owns massive solar farms in Texas, like the Oberon Solar Project. When you sign up, your money directly supports the company creating the clean energy.
Can I still sign up if I don’t have solar panels on my roof?
Absolutely. You do not need to own panels to use their services. Their standard “Solarize” and “Free Nights” plans are specifically designed for regular homes and apartments. They feed large-scale solar energy into the Texas grid on your behalf, and you pull power from your wall outlets just like normal.
Is the free nights plan actually free?
Yes, but strictly during the specified hours. You pay $0.00 for electricity used between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The catch is that the rate you pay during the daytime is usually noticeably higher than a standard fixed plan. If you work from home and run your air conditioner heavily at noon, this plan might actually end up costing you more overall.
How does the solar buyback work if I have panels?
If your personal rooftop panels produce more energy than your house consumes, the excess energy flows back into the grid. Under their “Shine” plan, Chariot gives you rolling bill credits for that excess generation. These credits roll over month-to-month and do not expire while you are an active customer, though you cannot cash them out for a physical check.
Is Chariot Energy a good company?
Yes, Chariot Energy is widely considered a reputable and reliable provider in the Texas market. Backed by the global Hanwha Group, they offer financially stable, 100% solar energy plans with transparent pricing, earning them a solid rating from the Better Business Bureau and high praise from eco-conscious consumers.
How do I pay my Chariot Energy bill?
You can pay your bill securely through the Chariot Energy online web portal, where you also have the option to set up AutoPay for automated monthly deductions. If you prefer to pay by phone, you can call their customer service line to use the automated system, though speaking directly to a live agent to process your payment will incur a $4.95 convenience fee.
Does Chariot Energy have a mobile app?
No, Chariot Energy does not currently offer a native mobile app for iOS or Android devices. However, their online dashboard is fully optimized for mobile browsers, allowing you to easily manage your account, check energy usage, and pay bills directly from your smartphone.
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.
