Ambit Energy is an energy company serving 15 states and Washington, D.C., with electricity plans and solar services. We rated Ambit a 4.7 out of 5 in our energy provider reviews. The company stands out with 5 out of 5 for customer retention but could improve its online experience.
Electricity rates vary by energy plan and location, but Ambit Energy doesn’t typically have the lowest energy prices in Texas. Rates tend to range from about 16 to 21 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). These prices land above the Texas average of 15.32 cents per kWh, according to October 2024 data by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Ambit uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model with energy consultants who earn benefits by enrolling and retaining customers. MLMs are not a common business model for energy companies in Texas. We recommend comparing energy plans and prices in your area to ensure you’re getting the best value and service.
Ambit Energy Plans and Rates in Texas
Ambit Energy offers a variety of fixed-rate, variable-rate and green energy plans. Learn more about each plan type to find one that best fits your needs.
- Fixed-rate: This plan type locks in a consistent rate for your contract term. Compare Ambit’s fixed rates to your average energy use to ensure it’s a good deal. Some fixed-rate plans vary significantly by usage level from 500 to 2,000 kWh.
- Variable rate: Your rates change monthly based on market conditions, which can lead to savings from a lower rate or unexpected price spikes.
- Time-of-use: This plan type charges a different rate based on the time of day or day of the week. Time-of-use plans typically have lower rates for nights or weekends. Ambit also offers a plan with a 50% discount on energy charges in the summer.
- Bill credit: These plans offer monthly credits on your bill for using a specific amount of energy. For example, Ambit’s Budget Relief plan provides a $50 credit each month you use 1,000 kWh or more.
- Solar buyback: Solar owners can sell excess generation to the grid and earn credits to offset their bills. Ambit Energy’s solar buyback plans allow you to offset your entire bill and roll over additional credits towards your next bill.
- Discounts: You can save 0.2 cents per kWh on qualified Ambit Energy plans by signing up for paperless billing and automatic payments.
Many energy companies let you switch plans within 30 to 60 days if you’re not happy or find a better price. Ambit doesn’t offer this option. Instead, they promise to pay your first month’s bill if your energy gets disconnected during the switch. However, this is generally a rare issue, as utility companies handle the delivery of electricity. As long as you schedule your new power service in advance, lapses in service tend to be uncommon.
Ambit Energy Rates and Plans in Houston
Ambit’s electricity rates in Houston typically cost more than the statewide average but could offer savings compared to your current energy plan.
| Plan Name | Term Length | Plan Type | Rate (Cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Solar Buyback | 12, 24 or 36 months | Fixed-rate | 15.4–15.7 cents |
| Budget Relief 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 15.6 cents |
| Lone Star Plus | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 17.6–17.7 cents |
| Secure Savings | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.2 cents |
| Lone Star Classic 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.7 cents |
| Free & Clear Nights 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 19.1 cents |
| Summer Break | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 19.5 cents |
| Ultimate Perks | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 19.7 cents |
| Lone Star Flex | month-to-month | Variable-rate | 20.3 cents |
Electricity plans and rates are accurate as of March 2025 for the 1,000 kWh usage level.
Ambit Energy Rates and Plans in Dallas
Dallas electricity rates for Ambit’s plans are generally a little more expensive than Houston, and also above the statewide average.
| Plan Name | Term Length | Plan Type | Rate (Cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Relief 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 15.7 cents |
| Total Solar Buyback | 12, 24 or 36 months | Fixed-rate | 15.9–16.3 cents |
| Lone Star Plus | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 17.6 cents |
| Lone Star Classic 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.8 cents |
| Secure Savings | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.9 cents |
| Free & Clear Nights 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 19.6 cents |
| Summer Break | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 19.6 cents |
| Ultimate Perks | 12 or 24 months | Fixed-rate | 19.9 cents |
| Lone Star Flex | month-to-month | Variable-rate | 20.4 cents |
Electricity plans and rates are accurate as of March 2025 for the 1,000 kWh usage level.
Our Take on Ambit Energy
Based on our research and customer surveys, we rated Ambit Energy 4.7 out of 5 in our Texas energy provider reviews. The company earned a perfect score for customer retention, with 84% of customers in our February 2025 survey of more than 1,000 Texans, saying they’ve been with Ambit for over a year. Plus, 36% said they definitely wouldn’t switch to another provider at the end of their contract.
Ambit Energy also scored above the Texas average for customer service and satisfaction. In our survey, 64% said they would recommend Ambit Energy to a friend. Those who reached out to customer support rated their issue resolution a 5 out of 5 experience.
Ambit’s scores for online experience and costs leave room for improvement. The lack of simple-priced plans and above-average prices can lead to unpredictable bills, a very common complaint in the provider’s one-star reviews. In our survey, 56% of customers said cost is one of the main aspects they dislike about Ambit Energy.
The satisfaction guarantee raises concerns as the company promises to pay your first energy bill if your power is disconnected after switching providers. Utility companies supply power, not Ambit, so you shouldn’t have any interruptions.
Compare Ambit Energy rates with other options in your area before choosing a plan.
Pros and Cons
Consider the benefits and drawbacks of choosing Ambit Energy as your Texas electricity supplier.
Pros
- With the E-Plan discounts, you can save 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour by signing up for paperless billing and automatic payments.
- Vistra Corp, a well-known company that also owns TXU Energy, owns Ambit Energy.
- It offers a variety of plan options to meet your needs.
- Ambit has a long business history of 19 years.
- The company offers incentives with the Ultimate Rewards and Free Energy programs.
Cons
- The MLM model could lead to higher prices.
- Ambit Energy is not a low-rate electricity provider.
- Ambit only offers one straightforward fixed-rate plan with a 24-month contract.
- The satisfaction guarantee raises questions since Ambit doesn’t control the power supply.
Ambit Energy vs. Other Energy Companies
Based on our Texas energy company rating methodology, Ambit Energy scores about 7% below the state average. Here’s how Ambit compares to other popular providers like TXU Energy and Gexa Energy.
| Factor | Ambit Energy | TXU | Gexa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Number of plans available | 15 | 8 | 17 |
| Top 12-month plan | Lone Star Plus 12 | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
| Best feature | Discounts and rewards | Brand reputation | Cheap prices |
Ambit Energy Overview
Ambit Energy began in 2006 and operates from its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. It provides residential energy plans throughout deregulated cities. Vistra Corp acquired Ambit Energy in 2019 and is known for owning popular brands like TXU Energy.
Ambit rewards customers through unique programs, such as Ultimate Perks and Free Energy. The Ultimate Perks program rewards you for participating in daily, weekly and monthly challenges or giveaways. You can earn gift cards to restaurants, shops and activities for participating. However, only those with the Ultimate Perks 12 or 24 plan can participate and it’s the most expensive Ambit plan option. Weigh your benefits and costs to determine if it’s a good fit.
The Free Energy program allows you to earn credits by referring friends and family to choose Ambut as the provider. You receive bill credits once you refer and maintain 15 qualified customers. This program is part of Ambit’s MLM model, and savings aren’t guaranteed. We don’t recommend choosing Ambit solely for the promise of free energy. Instead, compare your options and find a provider and plan that meets your energy needs and budget.
Contacting Ambit Energy
Here’s how to contact Ambit Energy if you have a question or need help picking a plan:
- Phone number: Call 877-282-6248
- Online customer portal: Log in to your Ambit account
- Mailing address: Ambit Energy, P.O. Box 6600462 Dallas, TX 75266
- Website: Compare Ambit Energy electricity rates
Report power outages directly to your electricity utility company. Utility companies maintain transmission lines and electrical infrastructure, which includes repairing the power grid during outages. Ambit Energy offers utility contact information on its website.
Where is Ambit Energy Available?
Ambit Energy serves most of the main transmission and distribution utility (TDU) service areas, except for Lubbock. Here’s a list of where Ambit operates by utility company.
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power: League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
Ambit Energy Reviews and Ratings
Ambit Energy is in good standing with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and has an A+ rating and accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, its 4.16 out of 5 star rating on BBB is suspiciously high compared to the 1.7 stars on Yelp and 3.1 on Google reviews.
A closer look at the BBB reviews showed many mentions of Ambit’s Ultimate Perks program. This suggests that leaving a review may have been a challenge to earn rewards. Consider reading customer reviews from multiple platforms to get a well-rounded idea of your potential experience before choosing an energy provider.
What Customers Like
“Very easy to work with, and I enjoy also having a rewards program! I have not had any issues with the company, and I can withdraw at any time without a penalty,” said Karen J. on BBB.
“Ambit has been a competitive electric supplier over the years, whether with direct pricing or through past rebate checks and now reward earnings. The new drawing entries and special ways to earn bonus rewards are nice new perks,” said Veronica S. on BBB.
“I have been with this company for a few years and have no complaints. I love the website and the app. They are both easy to use. I like that I can review my usage by day and week. I can see when I use the most energy to compare and make changes. The rates are the best, and I learned some energy-saving tips that work. They have a 30-day guarantee that allows me to change my plan without a fee. I live in a 3 br home, and my bill is always under $100 except for the hottest months. I conserve and follow the tips,” said Shantaca A. on Yelp.
What Customers Don’t Like
“I promise, you’re better off with most other providers in Texas, especially TXU. Customer service might as well be nonexistent; switching to Ambit has been nothing but an extremely costly inconvenience,” said Casey M. on Google.
“The worst light company ever. Stay far away from them, they overcharge and their customer service is the worst. Go with any other company you find but don’t use Ambit,” said Felicia N. on BBB.
Who Should Pick Ambit Energy?
Ambit Energy might be a good fit for those prioritizing plan option variety and rewards opportunities over customer service quality and low prices. We typically recommend choosing a 12-month plan with straightforward pricing for predictable bills. The Lone Star Classic 24 is Ambit’s simplest plan, but you’re locked into the rate for two years unless you pay $200 to cancel.
Learn more about which Ambit Energy plan is a good fit for your energy needs and budget.
- Solar owner: Consider Ambit’s solar buyback plan, which offers 12, 24 and 36-month terms. If you have solar panels, you can maximize your solar investment and reduce energy bills. However, other light companies may offer more competitive buyback rates than Ambit.
- Perk lover: The Ultimate Perks 12 or 24 plans offer a perk program that some customers may enjoy.
- Summer homebody: Summer Break 12 and 24 offers a 50% discount on energy charges from June through September. However, note that we generally don’t recommend time-of-use savings, even those based on seasonal demand.
- Night owl: The Free and Clear Nights offers free electricity from 9 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. However, this plan type generally only helps you save if you can significantly adjust how and when you use electricity.
How To Get Started with Ambit Energy
Signing up with Ambit Energy is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Enter your ZIP code to review rates and plan options for your home. Then, filter the options based on your energy needs and plan type preference. Once you select a plan, you’ll enter information about your service address, contact details and billing preferences.
You can choose from added services for surge protection and heating and cooling maintenance and repairs. These services could benefit those experiencing frequent lightning storms or HVAC repairs, but it adds $3.99 to $19.99 to your monthly bill.
After you sign the agreement and confirm payment, Ambit handles the transition from your previous energy provider. We recommend notifying your previous electric supplier that you cancel, just in case you have a remaining balance or have to pay an early termination fee (ETF) for ending the contract early.
Moving or Transferring Service with Ambit Energy
You can transfer your energy plan to your new address if it’s within the provider’s service area. Contact Ambit Energy’s customer care team to ask about your options and begin the transfer. You won’t have to pay an ETF if you cancel the plan because you move outside Ambit’s service area.
Is Ambit Energy Right For You?
Ambit Energy’s 19 years of service have earned the company a reputation for offering a variety of plans and competitive perks. However, mixed customer reviews highlight concerns about bill transparency and a lack of helpful customer service. Ambit’s higher-than-average electric rates may not be a good fit for budget-conscious households.
Those who value unique perks and are willing to pay a premium for them might benefit from Ambit’s energy plans. You may consider other energy providers for low-rate electricity plans, such as Gexa Energy and Frontier Utilities. Consider your energy needs and budget to find the best energy provider for you.
Alternatives to Ambit Energy
Light companies such as TriEagle Energy, Rhythm Energy and Green Mountain Energy offer competitive energy rates and predictable energy costs. These providers also earned very high marks in our review of top Texas light companies.
Check out some of the other top alternatives to Ambit Energy in the table below.
Retail Energy Provider | Our Rating | Customer Satisfaction Score | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
4.9 | 4.7 | A+ | |
4.9 | 5 | A+ | |
4.9 | 4.8 | NR | |
4.8 | 4.6 | A+ | |
4.8 | 5 | A+ | |
4.7 | 4.8 | A+ | |
4.7 | 4.5 | NR | |
4.6 | 4.2 | C | |
4.6 | 4.5 | NR | |
4.5 | 4 | NR |
Frequently Asked Questions about Ambit Energy
How much does it cost to cancel an Ambit Energy contract?
Ambit charges a $199 ETF if you cancel your fixed-rate contract early. The fee doesn’t apply if you have to cancel the plan because you’re moving outside of Ambit Energy’s service area.
Does Ambit Energy require a deposit?
To determine if you’ll owe an energy deposit, Ambit Energy runs a soft credit check. Don’t worry; it won’t impact your score. Ambit offers options to pay the deposit in two installments or the entire cost within 30 days of the order. You can avoid a deposit with prepaid energy plans from providers like Payless Power.
Why is Ambit Energy so expensive?
Your electricity bill consists of the energy charge, TDU fees, and a base charge. Ambit Energy doesn’t offer many plans with straightforward pricing, which means your bill could be higher due to varying rates by usage level. Rate details are listed in the EFL. Additionally, Ambit operates on an MLM business model, which may result in higher overall costs due to energy consultant commission payments.
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%)
