Reliant Energy ranks first out of the 25 Texas electric companies we reviewed. Its overall score of 4.9 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 several specialized fixed-rate plans, including options with bill credits, free electricity periods, and smart thermostat integration. Notable offerings include the Flextra Credits plan with $200 in bill credits and two free electricity days weekly, and the Connect and Save plan which provides a 0.5¢/kWh discount for smart thermostat users. There’s also an Apartment plan with benefits for smaller spaces and reduced early termination fees, as well as time-of-use plans, such as Truly Free Nights, offering free nights or weekends.
While these plans feature unique benefits, they often come with complex rate structures that can make bills unpredictable. Time-of-use and variable-rate plans typically aren’t recommended for customers seeking consistent billing, and bill credit plans may not provide the best value despite their attractive features. Standard fixed-rate plans often remain the most straightforward and economical choice for most customers, particularly those who want predictable monthly costs.
Reliant Energy Plans and Rates Houston
| Plan | Rate (¢ @ 2,000 kWh) | Term Length | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Secure Advantage® 12 | 17.5 | 12 | Straightforward, gimmick-free plan |
| Reliant Power Savings 2,000 kWh 36 | 13.9 | 36 | Bill credit for monthly usage of 2,000 kWh or more |
| Reliant Get More, Save More 36 | 15.9 | 36 | Lower rate after 1,000 kWh |
| Reliant Get More, Save More 12 | 16.5 | 12 | Lower rate after 1,000 kWh |
| Reliant Connect and Save 24 | 16.5 | 24 | Enroll your smart thermostat in Degrees of Difference with Smart Thermostats to get a discounted energy charge |
| Reliant Flextra Credits 24 | 17.9 | 24 | 2 highest-usage days a week free + 100% solar |
| Reliant Secure Advantage® 24 | 16.9 | 24 | Straightforward, gimmick-free plan |
| Reliant Clear Flex | 17.9 | Month-to-month | No commitment, variable rate plan |
| Reliant Apartment 12 | 18.4 | 12 | Best for apartments |
| Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 | 18.5 | 12 | Free electricity from 8 p.m to 6 a.m + 100% solar |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 | 17.5 | 12 | Free from 8 p.m Friday to 12 a.m Monday |
| Reliant Choose to Give 12 | 17.9 | 12 | $100 donation to American Heart Association |
| Reliant Solar Payback Plus 12 | 17 | 12 | Solar panel required, 5.9¢ payback rate |
Rates accurate as of February 2025 for Houston zip code 77077
Our Thoughts on Reliant Energy
According to our electric company reviews, Reliant Energy is one of the best energy providers in Texas. Reliant scored 4.9 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.
Reliant Energy Offers Personalized Plans, Predictable Bills and High Rates
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.
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
Our Reliant Energy Review
Reliant Energy earned the top spot in our reviews of 25 Texas electricity providers and scored above average in each category. Reliant Energy offers an impressive variety of plans, from different contract lengths to time-of-use options and renewable choices.
It delivers strong customer satisfaction and fairly predictable billing with its straightforward price structures, particularly in plans like Secure Advantage 24. While its rates run higher than the state average, it remains a competitive choice in the Texas market.
Here’s how Reliant Energy compares to the average of the 25 other providers we reviewed.
Reliant Customer Reviews
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 it 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 vs. Other Top Energy Companies
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) | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| 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. Enter your zip code below to compare Reliant plans
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.
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 results from our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 Texans, scoring providers on customer satisfaction, experience and retention. Here's how these core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Customer satisfaction (30%)
- Customer retention (30%)
- Online experience (20%)
- Customer experience (20%)
