TXU Energy, one of the largest energy providers in Texas, is one of our top-rated energy companies earning a 4.4 out of 5 stars in our energy provider review. TXU has excellent customer service and a variety of plan options to fit your needs. Its plan features include seasonal discounts, time-of-use savings and green energy.
However, TXU also has a high price tag to match its prestige offerings. Most of its plans charge rates well over 18 cents per kWh at 1,000 kWh. TXU may be a great fit for customers who regularly use over 2,000 kWh and prize customer service above savings.
Despite its expensive electricity rates, customers rave about TXU Energy’s customer service. According to our July 2024 survey of the 133 TXU customers, 72% of customers are extremely or satisfied with the company. TXU Energy also offers a wide range of plans. If you have a question about your bill or need help picking a plan, TXU’s customer service is available 24/7.
Pros and Cons
TXU Energy offers some of the best customer service and one of the biggest plan selections.
Pros:
- Supportive 24/7 customer service
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- Fixed and variable plan plans
Cons
- Expensive energy rates
- Few straightforward plans
- Cancellation fees cost $150–$395
TXU Energy Plans
TXU Energy offers a variety of energy plans to fit your needs, including fixed-rate and variable-rate options.
| Plan Name | Term Length |
| Season Pass 12 | 12 months |
| Live Your Free 12 | 12 months |
| Clear Deal 12 | 12 months |
| Solar Saver 12 | 12 months |
| Free Nights & Solar Days 12 | 12 months |
| Simple Rate 12 | 12 months |
| Saver’s Choice 12 | 12 months |
| Saver’s Discount 24 | 24 months |
| Clear Deal 24 | 24 months |
| Flex Forward | month-to-month |
| Solar Buyback Match 36 | 36 months |
| Solar Buyback Match 12 | 12 months |
Based on our research, the Simple Rate 12 is the best plan TXU offers. This straightforward energy plan makes your monthly bill more predictable because rates are similar across usage tiers.
TXU Energy has an extensive list of other fixed-rate options that include bill credits or time-of-use benefits. For example, you’ll earn a $30 bill credit when you use at least 1,200 kWh per month when you’re signed up for the Saver’s Choice 12 plan.
According to TXU’s website, its GreenUp offering allows you to upgrade any plan to 100% renewable energy.
In the past, TXU Energy has also offered tiered rates in its Clear Deal plans. However, at the time of writing, that plan is no longer on the TXU website. TXU also offers several time-of-use plans, including its Free Nights & Solar Day plan and its Live Your Free plan. While the Free Nights & Solar Days plan offers standard free energy during off-peak hours, the Live Your Free plan promises $0 energy rates on your days of highest energy usage.
However, time-of-use plans typically charge very high rates during paid periods to offset the free electricity, removing any value from the “free” periods.
TXU Energy also offers variable-rate plans, but we don’t recommend this plan type except as a short-term energy solution. The rates change on a monthly basis, which can cause serious bill surprises.
Our Thoughts on TXU Energy
TXU is a great option for Texans whose top priority is customer service. TXU scored 5 out of 5 for customer satisfaction, tying for the top score in this category. We also like TXU Energy for its plan variety. You can choose options ranging from month-to-month plans or lock in your rate for a longer term, like two years.
TXU offers perks like bill credits and free nights or weekends, making it a great fit if your energy consumption matches those price structures. Their customer service is available around the clock, so you can get help whenever you need it. If you’re unsatisfied with your plan, TXU’s satisfaction guarantee allows you to switch retail energy providers (REPs) or cancel within 60 days without any fees, giving you peace of mind to try out their electricity service with fewer risks.
However, if you cancel a fixed-rate plan outside the 60-day window, you’ll pay a $150–$395 early termination fee (ETF), depending on the plan.
TXU plans with benefits like free nights or weekends can be confusing if your energy doesn’t fit in specific ranges, making your bill higher than expected. Instead, a straightforward plan with a consistent rate can take out the guesswork and prevent surprises on your bill.
Also, TXU Energy is not a low-rate provider. You can expect to pay a few cents more per kWh than you would with budget-friendly companies like Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities. But, if you value great customer service and flexible plans with extra perks, TXU’s higher prices might be worth it.
How Does TXU Energy Score in Our Review?
TXU Energy earned 4.4 out of 5 stars in our review, [8th] out of the 25 Texas energy providers we reviewed. Learn how TXU compares to the dozens of other retail electric providers we reviewed.
Plan Offerings
TXU scored 4.6 out of 5 for its plan offerings due to the wide selection of perks and features in its repertoire. This high rating reflects offerings that include fixed-rate, variable-rate, time-of-use and renewable energy plans. TXU even offers Texans solar buyback plans. TXU also delivers a variety of term lengths, from month-to-month to 36-month contracts.
Customer Satisfaction
We rated TXU Energy an impressive 5.0 out of 5 for customer satisfaction, significantly higher than the average of 4.4 out of 5. This high score reflects its excellent standing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), its 24/7 customer service availability and over 20 years of industry experience. TXU Energy also earns high marks on independent review websites, including a 4.7 out of 5 on Google Reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot, with over 8,400 customers sharing their experience.
“The chat is a convenient and effective way to communicate when you are busy yet need to handle business regarding your bill. I appreciate the service I received, and my concerns were addressed in a short time,” Crystal A. wrote in September 2024.
TXU’s high prices are a common thread in negative reviews. Aminata O’Dell shared her dissatisfaction with the company when their bill increased by $100 after being a loyal customer for four yea
TXU’s rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) isn’t as positive, but our research indicates that this is a common trend for energy companies on the BBB.
Bill Predictability
With a 4.1 out of 5, TXU scored slightly lower than average for bill predictability. This rating reflects how your monthly payment will vary based on usage. TXU doesn’t rank as well in this category because most of its plans feature times of use or bill credits, which tend to cause unpredictable energy bills. Meanwhile, it currently only offers one straightforward plan with predictable rates.
Cost
TXU’s lowest-performing category is cost, with a 3.5 out of 5. Despite being one of the largest energy providers in Texas with a solid brand reputation, TXU tends to charge a high rate per kilowatt-hour, regardless of which energy plan you pick. Its best rates at 1,000 kWh come from its solar buyback plan, which is only for homes currently outfitted with solar panels.
How Does TXU Energy Rank Against the Competition?
TXU Energy earns a spot in the top 10 of all providers we reviewed with a 4.4 out of 5. It ranks well compared to most light companies, falling between other popular providers, such as Gexa Energy and TriEagle Energy.
| Factor | TXU Energy | TriEagle Energy | Gexa Energy |
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.4 | 4.7 | 4.2 |
| Number of plans available | 8 | 8 | 17 |
| Top 12-month plan | Simple Rate 12 | Simple Savings 12 | Energy Saver 24 |
| Best feature | Best brand reputation | Best bill credit plans | Best for cheap advertised rates |
We researched rates using 1,000 kWh per month in the ZIP code 77077 for the CenterPoint TDU. Rates are accurate as of November 20, 2024.
Where Is TXU Energy Available?
TXU Energy offers plans throughout deregulated cities in Texas. Here’s a breakdown of where TXU operates based on the utility company.
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Alpine, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L): Lubbock
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angletoncor
What Does TXU Energy Charge in Your City?
Your electricity rate varies by location and energy usage. Generally, the farther you live from power sources, the higher you’ll pay in transmission and distribution utility (TDU) fees. You’ll find the TDU that serves your area listed on your energy bill or plan’s electricity facts label (EFL).
Deregulated Cities | ||
|---|---|---|
Houston | Dallas | Fort Worth |
Katy | Laredo | Waco |
Midland | Corpus Christi | Frisco |
McAllen | Galveston | Irving |
TXU Energy’s Electricity Facts Label
The Electricity Facts Label (EFL) — a document required by the Public Utility Commission (PUC) — details everything you need to know about your energy plan, including the rate, base charges, TDU fees and other important contract terms.
Reading the EFL can help you avoid surprises on your bill. Here’s an EFL for TXU’s Simple Rate 12 plan and key terms.
- Average price per kWh: This is the rate you will pay based on your electricity use and other charges. The average helps you understand how the rate varies across usage levels, but the energy charge is more important for knowing your specific costs.
- Base charge: This is a monthly fee charged by TXU for electricity.
- Energy charge: This is the actual rate you’ll pay per kWh without any assumed discounts or credits.
- TDU delivery charges: These are the monthly charges levied by your local utility company to cover the cost of delivering electricity to your home. Utility companies typically use a flat charge and a fee per kWh consumed. Note that even during “free” periods, you’ll still owe a delivery fee.
- Type of product: This section shows the plan structure, such as fixed or variable rates.
- Contract term: This section shows how long your contract lasts, typically 12 or 24 months.
- Early termination fee (ETF): Cancelling your plan before the end of your contract may result in a fee. You’ll find the cost of the ETF in this section.
- Renewable content: This section shows how much of your energy plan is powered by green energy sources, like wind or solar. The average renewable content in Texas is 33%.
- Other disclosures: These explain how your price can vary throughout the contract. For a fixed-rate plan, your energy rate will remain the same, but delivery fees are still subject to change based on PUCT updates.
What Is the Best Way To Contact TXU Energy?
TXU customer support is available 24/7 at the phone number or email address below.
- Call: 866-278-4898
- Website: txu.com
- Email: Send an email
Outage reporting: Contact your utility company directly to report a power outage. Local utility companies manage the power lines and electrical infrastructure. As an electricity company, TXU can’t repair outages and doesn’t manage the local grid.
How Do You Move or Transfer Service With TXU Energy?
If you’re moving to a new address within TXU Energy’s service area, you can transfer your service to your new address free of charge. Use the online portal or call customer support to transfer service to your new home.
Moving outside of TXU’s service area means you’ll need to find a new provider. You can use our comparison tool to compare multiple energy companies at once. Simply enter your ZIP code and compare available plans in your area. When you sign up, your new provider will handle starting your new service.
Final take: TXU Energy Offers Excellent Customer Service with Steep Energy Rates
TXU Energy stands out for its rave customer reviews and excellent customer service. The electricity company also offers a wide range of plan features and perks, making it a top choice for those who like options and aren’t overly concerned with their budget when energy shopping.
You’ll find more competitive energy rates from providers such as TriEagle Energy or Rhythm Energy. However, you’ll be hard-pressed to get better customer service from any other electricity company, based on our research.
Frequently Asked Questions About TXU Energy
Will TXU Energy charge me a cancellation fee?
If you cancel your fixed-rate energy plan before the contract ends, you’ll likely owe $150–$395 in cancellation fees. But, if you cancel the plan because you’re moving outside TXU’s service area, you won’t have to pay the fee. Some TXU Energy reviews mentioned customer support helped waive the fee, so it’s worth asking if you qualify for a waiver. You won’t pay an ETF with a variable-rate plan because there is no contract.
Do the TXU Energy rates shown include everything?
Yes, the advertised rate includes utility delivery fees. However, these advertised rates also assume qualification for discounts, which can make them misleading. Review the average rates at all usage levels to see what rate you may pay depending on how your energy usage varies from month to month.
Does TXU Energy run a credit check?
Yes, TXU Energy typically runs a soft credit check to see your credit score and payment history. This check won’t ding your credit. Depending on the results of your credit report, you might have to pay a deposit to secure your plan. Typically, after 12 months of paying your bills on time, you’ll get a refund. You can avoid a deposit if you have a strong credit score or seek out a prepaid energy plan with no deposit requirements. Payless Power is our top pick for prepaid energy.
What is the best TXU Energy electricity plan?
Our pick for the best TXU Energy electricity plan is the Simple Rate 12, which offers a reasonable rate and predictable energy bills.
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%)
