Energy Texas Offers 100% Renewable Energy Plans and Competitive Rates, but You Should Carefully Review Their Usage-Tier Credits and Solar Buyback Terms Before Signing Up
Key Takeaways
- Energy Texas is a brand subsidiary of Rhythm Energy, operating under PUCT License #10281 to provide 100% renewable electricity plans across deregulated Texas.
- You can secure valuable bill credits on their usage-tier plans, but you must hit precise energy consumption thresholds to lock in the advertised rates.
- The 30-day “Test Drive” lets you cancel penalty-free, but a strict early termination fee applies starting on day 31 if you break a fixed-rate contract.
Finding a reliable utility provider in the deregulated Texas market can feel overwhelming, but comparing your options ensures you secure the best rate for your household. Welcome to our comprehensive review of Energy Texas, a retail electric provider making waves with its community-focused branding and commitment to green energy. Whether you are moving into a newly built home in Houston or looking to switch providers in Dallas, understanding the fine print of an electricity contract is crucial for your budget. In this guide, we dive deep into Energy Texas electricity plans, analyze their actual customer reviews, break down their solar buyback program, and provide the objective data you need to decide if they are the right fit for your home.
About Energy Texas
Energy Texas is a retail electric provider (REP) that came onto the Texas energy scene in 2020 with a clear mission to offer green energy plans to residents across the state. They are based in Houston and operate under PUCT License Number #10281. While they market themselves as an independent, homegrown company with a highly localized Texan identity, it is important to note that Energy Texas is actually a brand and subsidiary of Rhythm Energy, another major player in the Texas renewable sector.
Their branding revolves around a simplified, “no-bull” approach to electricity. They aim to provide competitive pricing and dedicated customer support while stripping away the confusing gimmicks that often plague the deregulated market. By focusing heavily on localized charm and 100% renewable plans, they present themselves as proud Texans looking to shake up the energy game. While their marketing is certainly engaging, it’s their structural relationship with a larger corporate parent that provides the necessary financial stability to operate effectively within the Texas grid.
Energy Texas Electricity Plans and Current Rates
| Plan Name | Rate /kWH | Plan Term | Cancellation Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lone Saver Plus 12 | 7.7¢ | 12 Months | $20 / remaining month | Check Availability |
| The Lone Saver Plus 24 | 7.9¢ | 24 Months | $20 | Check Availability |
| No Bull 12 | 12.7¢ | 12 Months | $20 / remaining month | Check Availability |
| Come & Take It 12 | 12.8¢ | 12 Months | $20 | Check Availability |
| No Bull 24 | 13.2¢ | 24 Months | $20 / remaining month | Check Availability |
| No Bull 36 | 13.7¢ | 36 Months | $20 / remaining month | Check Availability |
| Bigger Than Texas 24 | 15.4¢ | 24 Months | $20 | Check Availability |
| Inflation Fix 36 | 15.6¢ | 36 Months | $20 | Check Availability |
| The Texas Two-K 12 | 18.8¢ | 12 Months | $20 | Check Availability |
*plans and pricing may vary by area. Plans based on Houston Centerpoint service area.
Energy Texas offers a variety of plans to fit different lifestyles and household sizes, primarily focusing on fixed-rate options that lock in your price for stability over terms ranging from 12 to 36 months. To make an informed decision, it helps to categorize their offerings into two distinct buckets: straightforward fixed rates and usage-tier credit plans.
- Straightforward Fixed Rates (e.g., Come & Take It 12): These plans are ideal for budget predictability. The price you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh) remains consistent regardless of how much power you use. This shields your household from seasonal price spikes during scorching summer afternoons or unexpected winter freezes. While the base rate might appear slightly higher at first glance, the predictable billing structure is usually the safest bet for apartments or smaller homes with fluctuating energy needs.
- Usage-Tier Credit Plans (e.g., The Lone Saver 12): These plans look incredibly attractive on the surface because they advertise a much lower average rate. However, that low rate is dependent on you hitting a specific energy consumption “sweet spot.” If your household consistently uses the exact amount of energy required to trigger the discount, you can save a substantial amount of money. If you fall short or go over, your effective rate per kWh can increase dramatically.
Ways to Save: Deals, Discounts, and Bill Credits
Understanding how discounts and bill credits work is the key to unlocking the true value of any Texas electricity provider. Energy Texas utilizes usage-tier incentive structures on several of their plans, which directly dictate your actual out-of-pocket costs at the end of the month.
- Specific kWh Threshold Credits: Many of their promotional plans offer a substantial bill credit (often between $50 and $100) if you hit specific usage marks. For instance, a plan might require you to use exactly 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh in a billing cycle to trigger the discount. If you use 999 kWh, you do not receive the credit, and your overall bill will be significantly higher than anticipated.
- Auto Pay and Paperless Discount: Energy Texas incentivizes digital account management. Customers who enroll in both Auto Pay and Paperless Billing typically receive a $5 monthly discount on their statements. Over a 24-month contract, this simple step saves you $120.
- The Rewards Program: They run an internal rewards program where you can earn points for taking everyday actions, such as paying your bill on time or referring a friend. You can redeem these points for tangible perks like bill credits, smart thermostats, or gift cards to local Texas businesses.
Energy Texas Service Areas and Coverage Map
Energy Texas operates across the majority of the deregulated regions within the state. Because Texas allows retail electric providers to compete in specific utility territories, you must always check your ZIP code to confirm your eligibility. Rather than maintaining the actual power lines, Energy Texas relies on the state’s major Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs) to deliver the electricity to your meter.
Their coverage area includes the following major TDU territories:
- CenterPoint Energy: Covering the greater Houston metropolitan area and surrounding coastal communities like Galveston.
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Servicing a massive footprint that includes Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Waco, and Midland.
- AEP Texas (North and Central): Supplying power to regions ranging from Abilene down to Corpus Christi and Laredo.
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): Covering various smaller municipalities and suburban pockets spread throughout the state, including parts of League City and Lewisville.
Sustainability and the Solar Buyback Program
Energy Texas places a strong emphasis on green power, loudly proclaiming that environmentally mindful choices are the future of the state’s grid. Every residential plan they sell is backed by 100% certified renewable energy. When you enroll, the company purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset your household’s specific usage. While the physical electrons flowing into your outlets still come from the shared Texas grid, your financial contribution ensures that wind and solar generation is continually added to the overall supply.
For homeowners who generate their own power, the Energy Texas solar buyback program is a notable feature. If your rooftop solar panels produce more electricity than your home consumes, this program allows you to sell that excess power back to the grid in exchange for bill credits. However, it is essential to monitor the terms of these buyback contracts closely. Some recent industry shifts have seen providers move from 1-to-1 retail rate buybacks to Real-Time Wholesale rate buybacks, meaning the credit you receive per kWh fluctuates based on current market demands rather than a fixed price.
Managing Your Account: The Energy Texas Mobile App
A modern, intuitive digital experience is practically a necessity when selecting a utility provider today. To capture this need, the company offers the dedicated Energy Texas mobile app, available on both iOS and Android platforms. The app serves as a centralized dashboard for managing your household utilities without needing to log in through a web browser.
Through the app, you can seamlessly view and pay your monthly bills, update your payment methods, and monitor your current reward points balance. Most importantly, the app includes robust usage tracking features. You can monitor your weekly and daily consumption patterns, which is an invaluable tool for customers on usage-tier credit plans who need to ensure they hit their required 1,000 or 2,000 kWh thresholds before the billing cycle ends.
How to Report a Power Outage
During severe weather events or grid strain, power outages are an unfortunate reality for many residents. It is a common misconception that you should call your retail provider when the lights go out. Energy Texas does not maintain the power lines, poles, or meters, and they cannot restore your electricity.
If you experience a power outage, you must contact your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) directly. Your TDU is responsible for dispatching crews and repairing the physical infrastructure. Keep these numbers handy based on your service area:
- 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
Fees, Guarantees, and Cancellation Policies
When shopping for a new electricity provider, understanding the exit strategies and associated fees is just as important as the introductory rate. Energy Texas provides a straightforward policy designed to reduce the initial anxiety of switching.
- The 30-Day Test Drive: They offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. This means you can try out their service, and if you are unhappy for any reason, you can cancel or switch providers within the first 30 days of your contract without paying an early termination penalty.
- Standard Cancellation Fees: Once you reach day 31, the safety net expires. If you are enrolled in a fixed-term contract (such as a 12-, 24-, or 36-month plan) and decide to leave early, you will be hit with an early termination fee. Energy Texas charges a strict $20 per remaining month on your contract. If you cancel with 10 months left, you will owe $200.
- Variable-Rate Exceptions: If you value complete flexibility and enroll in a month-to-month, variable-rate plan, there are no cancellation fees. You are free to leave at any time, though variable rates expose you to unpredictable market pricing.
Energy Texas Reviews, Ratings, and Complaints
To provide an objective perspective, it is vital to look beyond marketing claims and examine real customer sentiment. Overall, Energy Texas reviews indicate a generally positive reception, but digging into the data reveals some nuanced feedback.
On third-party platforms like Google, the provider maintains strong ratings, with many customers praising the ease of enrollment and the helpfulness of the mobile app. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also reflects a responsive customer service team that actively attempts to resolve billing disputes. When comparing their Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) complaint ratio against the industry average, Energy Texas generally performs well, registering fewer official regulatory complaints per capita than many legacy providers.
However, discussions on local forums like r/TexasSolar and r/Dallas paint a slightly more complex picture, specifically regarding the solar buyback program. Some early adopters have voiced frustration over recent changes to contract renewals. Specifically, customers have noted shifts from fixed-rate 1-to-1 buyback credits to Real-Time Wholesale rates, which drastically reduces the monetary value of the excess solar energy they send back to the grid. While this policy shift aligns with broader industry trends in Texas, it remains a common point of friction for eco-conscious homeowners.
Determining If Energy Texas Is the Right Fit for Your Home
If you value environmental stewardship and want an electricity provider that avoids the typical corporate jargon, Energy Texas is a compelling option. Their straightforward app and 30-day guarantee make them highly accessible for first-time buyers in the deregulated market. However, their reliance on usage-tier credits means they aren’t the perfect solution for every single residence.
Who This Provider Is Best For:
- Homeowners with highly predictable, consistent monthly energy usage who can easily hit the required bill credit thresholds.
- Eco-conscious consumers specifically seeking 100% renewable energy plans backed by verified RECs.
- Users who prefer managing their utilities digitally through a well-designed mobile app to earn rewards points.
Reasons to Look Elsewhere:
- Apartment renters or owners of small homes who do not use enough electricity to trigger the 1,000 kWh usage discounts.
- Solar panel owners seeking guaranteed, fixed-rate 1-to-1 retail buyback credits for their excess generation.
- Customers who want the absolute lowest base rate without having to worry about hitting specific consumption tiers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Energy Texas
Is Energy Texas the same company as Rhythm Energy?
How do I pay my Energy Texas bill online?
What happens when my Energy Texas contract expires?
Is their “no-bull” approach just a marketing slogan, or is it real?
What is the best Energy Texas plan for me if I live in an apartment and do not use much electricity?
How reliable is their solar buyback program given that some companies change the terms?
What is the catch with the 30-day test drive that sounds almost too good to be true?
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.