Reliant Energy ranks first out of the 25 Texas electric companies we reviewed. Its overall score of 4.7 out of 5 reflects its plan variety, predictable energy bills and 24/7 highly rated customer service.
While Reliant offers one of the widest arrays of plan types, not to mention excellent customer service, it also includes a high price tag to match. Reliant Energy typically charges rates that are higher than the Texas average electricity of 15.61 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to October 2024 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Find the best prices for your home by comparing energy plans to your typical usage.
Reliant is known for its personalized energy plans tailored to your usage. You can choose from fixed rates, variable rates, bill credit plans, apartment plans, time-of-use rates and solar buyback plans. Learn more about the company’s prices and why it ranks first on our list in our Reliant Energy review.
Reliant Energy Plans
Reliant Energy offers a wide range of plans, including month-to-month and fixed rates with up to 36-month contracts. We recommend the Reliant Secure Advantage 12 for an entire year of predictable bills and affordable prices. You’ll waive the $9.95 usage fee when you use at least 800 kWh a month.
The provider offers an extensive list of other unique fixed-rate plans with bill credits and time-of-use benefits. For example, you’ll receive $200 worth of bill credits to use during months of your choice and two days of free electricity each week in the Flextra Credits plan. Reliant automatically applies the free electricity days to your highest usage days. We don’t typically recommend bill credit plans because the rates are not straightforward and make bills unpredictable.
Another plan option is the Reliant Connect and Save, which has a 24-month fixed contract. Customers with a smart thermostat can sign up for this plan and receive a .5-cent discount on the energy charge per kilowatt-hour when they also sign up for the Degrees of Difference program.
Apartment renters can take advantage of the Reliant Apartment plan with benefits for smaller spaces and rental living. The plan gives you a cheaper energy charge for the first 1,000 kWh, waives minimum usage fees and reduces the cancellation fee over time. This means you won’t have to pay as much in fees if you move apartments and cancel your plan early. However, you may get a cheaper rate with a regular fixed-rate plan, especially if you’re not planning to move.
Reliant Energy also offers multiple time-of-use plans, including the Truly Free Weekends or Nights for a time-of-use rate plan. You won’t pay for electricity during the designated free period, but your rate might be more expensive during the paid period. These plans may be a good fit for those who shift their usage schedules, but we don’t usually recommend time-of-use plans as the best option for savings or predictable bills.
Reliant also has a variable rate plan. However, we almost never recommend variable-rate plans for customers except as a short-term energy solution.
Our Thoughts on Reliant Energy
According to our electric company reviews, Reliant Energy is one of the best energy providers in Texas. Reliant scored 4.7 out of 5, with a perfect score for plan options and nearly perfect for customer satisfaction. We like the unique plan options, which allow Reliant to meet your changing energy needs.
Reliant offers many perks, like bill credits, time-of-use rates, discount programs and solar buyback plans. Its customer service is available 24/7, so you always have support when you need it. Thanks to Reliant’s 90-day satisfaction guarantee, you won’t have to worry about being stuck with the wrong plan.
While all of the plans can make choosing a challenge, Reliant’s marketplace offers filters to narrow down the options based on your typical usage, contract term and special features. The high-quality customer service and personalized plans come with a price tag. So, expect to pay higher rates compared to cheap energy providers in Texas, such as Gexa Energy or Frontier Utilities.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide variety of plan options
- 24/7 customer service
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Rates higher than the Texas average
- Expensive cancellation fees
- May require a deposit
How Does Reliant Energy Score in our Review?
Reliant Energy earned the top spot in our reviews of 25 Texas electricity providers and scored above average in each category. Here’s how Reliant Energy compares to the average of the 25 other providers we reviewed.
Plan Offerings
We rated Reliant a 5 out of 5 for plan offerings, which is nearly a full point above the 4.1 out of 5 average. This high score comes from Reliant's wide range of plan options, including different contract lengths, bonus features, time-of-use plans and renewable choices.
Customer Satisfaction
Reliant scored 4.7 out of 5 for customer satisfaction. We based this rating on customer surveys, business history, online reviews and other factors. TXU Energy and Champion Energy are the only providers scoring higher than Reliant in this category.
Bill Predictability
We gave Reliant a 4.5 out of 5 for bill predictability. The Secure Advantage 24 and 12-month plans provide simple price structures and a set energy charge for more predictable bills. Reliant could improve its score in this category with more straightforward plan offerings.
Reliant Energy Rates and Monthly Pricing
Reliant typically charges higher electricity rates than the state’s average but remains competitive in the marketplace. The provider earned a 4.5 out of 5, still above the industry average, making it a solid option for energy plans in Texas.
How Does Reliant Energy Rank Against the Competition?
Reliant Energy’s overall score outranks the competition, including popular companies like TXU and Gexa Energy.
| Factor | Reliant Energy | TXU | Gexa |
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Number of plans available | 7 | 10 | 16 |
| Top 12-month plan | Reliant Secure Advantage 12 | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
| Best feature | Personalized plans | Time-of-use plans | Cheap prices |
Where Is Reliant Energy Available?
You can find Reliant Energy plans throughout each main transmission and distribution utility (TDU) service area.
Deregulated Cities | ||
|---|---|---|
Houston | Dallas | Fort Worth |
Katy | Laredo | Waco |
Midland | Corpus Christi | Frisco |
McAllen | Galveston | Irving |
What Customers Say About Reliant Energy?
Reliant’s 4.5 out of 5 on Google Reviews speaks to its thousands of happy customers who report helpful customer service and competitive offerings.
The provider doesn’t have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and has a 1 out of 5-star customer review score, but low BBB scores are pretty common among electric companies in Texas. Plus, the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) scorecard gave Reliant a 5 out of 5, meaning they had the lowest number of customer complaints per 1,000 customers.
Positive reviews report great customer service experiences with knowledgeable representatives who cater to their needs. “Excellent customer service, both in English and Spanish. Multiple service plan options to choose from. The customer service agent guided me through the whole process with patience and kindness, with no undue pressure to contract service options I didn't want or need. I recommend Reliant as a great service provider,” said Ricardo F.
Negative reviews express frustration with prices and expensive cancellation fees. “My first bill came out as $225, which was high for my family as I have never paid over $180,” said Allen C. However, Reliant replied to negative reviews, offering to look into the cause of high balances to identify and resolve issues.
Reliant Energy’s Electricity Facts Label
The Energy Facts Label (EFL) explains your costs and contract terms. You can use this document when comparing plans to fully understand which best fits your budget and usage. Here’s an example of the Reliant Secure Advantage 12 plan.
- Average price per kWh: The average prices include base fees, energy charges and TDU fees to give an idea of your rate by usage level. Your actual costs depend on the energy charge and kilowatt-hour used.
- Usage charge: This is a flat monthly fee that varies by provider and plan. Reliant will waive the $9.95 usage charge when your usage exceeds 800 kilowatt-hours per month.
- Energy charge: This is the rate you’ll pay per kilowatt-hour. When choosing your plan, we recommend comparing energy charges directly instead of focusing on the average price per kilowatt-hour.
- TDU delivery charges: Your utility company charges a delivery fee, which usually includes a flat charge plus a rate based on your kilowatt-hour usage.
- Type of product: This section lists if your plan has fixed or variable rates.
- Contract term: This section shows your contract’s length, such as month-to-month, 12 or 24 months.
- Early termination fee: Canceling a fixed-rate contract before it ends may result in an early termination fee (ETF). You’ll find the ETF cost listed in this section.
- Renewable content: This section displays how much of your energy plan is offset by renewable power. The average green energy percentage in Texas is 33%.
- Other disclosures: The disclosures explain if and how your costs change during your contract term.
Review the usage charge and energy charge to see what you’ll owe Reliant Energy each month. Note that you’ll also owe the delivery charges detailed below these fees. All of these fees comprise the “average price per kWh” section. We captured this EFL on January 17, 2025.
What Is the Best Way To Contact Reliant Energy?
You can contact Reliant’s customer service 24/7 by phone, online chat or email.
- Phone: Call 1-866-222-7100
- Website: Chat online
- E-mail: Send a message
Reliant Energy offers electricity plans but doesn’t deliver energy. During a power outage, contact your utility company. Your TDU maintains the power lines and can restore power.
How Do You Move or Transfer Service With Reliant Energy?
Reliant makes transferring service easy. Just have your account number, the end date for your current home and the start date for your new address ready. You can start the transfer in the Reliant app, online or by calling customer service. Reliant offers same-day electricity or you can schedule your transfer up to 60 days in advance.
Final Take: Reliant Energy Offers Personalized Plans, Predictable Bills and High Rates
Reliant Energy earned the number one spot in our review of 25 energy companies in Texas. This NRG Energy company offers a wide range of personalized plans and excellent customer service. You can choose from a long list of options to secure the best rate for your usage. The Secure Advantage 12 is our top pick for predictable bills, but you can also choose from a fixed-rate, variable-rate, time-of-use, bill credit or solar buyback plan.
Some customer reviews mention high prices and costly ETFs. If your budget is top of mind, other providers offer cheaper energy rates. However, Reliant gives you 90 days to decide if your plan is the right fit, allowing you to switch without paying an ETF if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Overall, Reliant scored 4.7 out of 5, making it a top choice for electricity in Texas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reliant Energy
Will Reliant Energy charge me a cancellation fee?
Reliant Energy charges an ETF when you cancel a fixed-rate plan before it's over. The cost depends on which plan you have. The Reliant Apartment 12 charges $10 per remaining month on your contract, while the Reliant Connect and Save charges a $295 fee. You won’t pay cancellation fees with a variable rate plan or when you move outside of Reliant’s service area.
Do the Reliant Energy rates shown include everything?
Reliant’s advertised rates include your energy charge, TDU fees and base charges. The average estimates may include bill credits or assume discounts, making the advertised price misleading. It's generally best to check the energy charge and compare your usage for an accurate estimate of your home’s energy needs.
Does Reliant Energy run a credit check?
Yes, you can expect a credit check from Reliant Energy and most other Texas electricity providers. This soft credit check won’t impact your score, but you may owe an enrollment deposit depending on your payment and credit history.
What is the best Reliant Energy electricity plan?
We recommend the Secure Advantage 12 for a fixed-rate plan without bill credits or time-of-use pricing. This plan type offers simple and predictable bills, making budgeting easier. Reliant may offer a plan that better fits your usage, such as the Reliant apartment or Free Weekends plans.
How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies
With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We created a comprehensive rating methodology to help you cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for your needs, whether you’re moving to Texas or looking to switch providers.
We’ve researched dozens of Texas electricity providers and scored them out of 5 stars based on cost, bill predictability, customer satisfaction, brand trust, and plan features. Here’s how those core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Plan features (33%)
- Customer satisfaction and brand trust (27%)
- Plan rates and pricing (20%)
- Energy bill predictability (20%)
