Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy are two of Texas’s most well-known and reputable electricity providers, each offering unique features to cater to different customer needs. NRG owns both companies.
Reliant Energy is known for its broad range of plans, strong customer service, and innovative features, including smart home integrations and energy-saving tools. On the other hand, Green Mountain Energy stands out for its commitment to renewable energy, specializing in 100% green energy plans, making it a great option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Reliant offers a range of energy plan types with perks and features that some customers may want to consider. Meanwhile, Green Mountain offers only 100% green energy, including both solar and wind-powered energy plans. Neither provider offers the cheapest energy rates. Each has rates ranging from around 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to above 19 cents per kWh.
Each offers a wide selection of plan types, but we generally recommend fixed-rate plans with straightforward prices for predictable energy costs.
The decision between the two comes down to whether you prioritize sustainability or cost flexibility and additional service features.
Reliant Energy vs. Green Mountain Energy Comparison
A comparison of Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy reveals two providers with distinct strengths that cater to different consumer preferences regarding pricing, service features, and plan types.
| Feature | Reliant Energy | Green Mountain Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Types | Fixed, variable and renewable | Fixed and renewable |
| Term Lengths | 12 and 24 months | 24 months |
| Renewable Energy Options | Yes | Yes |
| Our Rating | 4.9 out of 5 stars | 4.9 out of 5 stars |
| Same-day Service | Until 6 p.m. Mon–Sat | Until 5 p.m. Mon–Sat |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Cancellation Fees | $150–$295 | $295 |
| Sample EFL | Electricity Facts Label | Electricity Facts Label |
| Customer Service | 24/7 support | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST |
Which Is Better, Reliant Energy or Green Mountain Energy?
When comparing Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy, both providers have strong reputations in Texas, making choosing between them challenging. We’ve carefully evaluated both providers across key categories, including customer satisfaction, customer service, online experience and customer retention. We used first-hand customer data from our February 2025 interview of more than 1,500 Texans living in deregulated areas of the Lone Star State.
We also consider features such as the variety of plan types, renewable energy options and fee transparency to provide a comprehensive comparison. Below, we explain how Reliant and Green Mountain Energy measure up in each category, helping you decide which provider best aligns with your priorities and preferences.
Customer Satisfaction Winner: Green Mountain Energy
When comparing the two energy providers, both score extremely high in customer satisfaction. Based on customer reviews and surveys, Reliant Energy scored an impressive 4.8 out of 5 for the category. However, Green Mountain scored a perfect 5 out of 5, making it one of the best energy providers in Texas for providing a quality customer service experience.
Overall, customers are very satisfied with the service of each provider. According to our February 2025 survey, most Reliant and Green Mountain customers said they definitely wouldn’t switch providers when their contract expired. This shows that either provider is capable of providing a top-notch energy experience.
Customer Service Winner: Tie
Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy are virtually identical in customer service, each earning a perfect 5 out of 5 stars during our review, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality customer experiences.
In our survey, we asked real customers how Reliant Energy addressed their issues. On average, customers rated their issue resolution at 4.2 out of 5 stars, while Green Mountain customers rated theirs slightly lower, at 3.9 out of 5 stars.
ETFs and Hidden Fees: Green Mountain Energy
For this category, we analyzed the fees linked to energy plans from each provider. We reviewed electricity facts labels (EFLs) and examined both providers’ websites to break down the costs associated with their energy plans.
We also looked at survey results, as we asked real customer how satisfied they were with the transparency of plan fees and if they believe they are paying a fair rate for their energy plan.
Green Mountain scored a 4 out of 5 stars for fee transparency. In our survey, 87% of Green Mountain customer respondents said they believe they pay a fair rate for their electricity. For comparison, Reliant scored a 4 out of 5 for fee transparency. However, in our survey, just 72% of respondents said they believe they pay a fair rate. Based on that, Green Mountain has a slight edge in this category.
| Fee | Reliant Energy | Green Mountain Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Early Termination Fee (ETF) | $150–$395 | $150–$200 |
| Late Payment | 5% of bill | $5–$15 |
| Base Charges | $5–$6.95 per month | $5–$10 per month |
| Usage Charges | 15.5 cents per kWh on average | 15 cents per kWh on average |
| Disconnection charges | $20–$30 | $25–$50 |
| Agent Assist charges | $5 (call for exact rates) | $5–$10 (call for exact rates) |
| Insufficient Funds | $25 | $30 average (call for exact rates) |
| Document Processing | $5 (call for exact rates) | $5–$10 (call for exact rates) |
| Serial Payment | $5 (call for exact rates) | $5–$15 (call for exact rates) |
Renewable Energy: Green Mountain Energy
Green Mountain Energy is famous for its renewable energy plans sourced from green energy, including solar power and wind power. Green Mountain specializes in these plans, while Reliant only offers three 100% renewable energy plans. Many incorporate time-of-use rates or bill credits, making these plans unpredictable.
In our survey, when asked which elements they like most about their current electricity company, only 13% of Reliant Energy customers said they liked the availability of green or renewable energy plans. Meanwhile, 65% of Green Mountain survey respondents said the availability and range of renewable energy plans was the best feature overall.
Online Experience Winner: Reliant Energy
Reliant scored a perfect 5 out of 5 stars for online experience, while Green Mountain scored 4.8 stars out of 5 for the same category. Reliant customers praise the companies’ easy-to-use website and mobile app, which enhances their overall experience. Overall, both providers offer a satisfactory online experience to customers.
Does It Matter Which Provider You Choose?
The truth is, the electricity delivered to your home is the same, regardless of which energy provider you pick. But that doesn’t mean choosing your light company doesn’t matter. While your transmission and distribution utility (TDU) determines your electricity reliability, your electricity company provides customer service and bills you for your usage. Choosing the right energy company can help ensure that you pay fair rates and enjoy top-quality customer service.
When choosing an energy provider, don’t just look at the advertised rates. These can often be a trap designed to lure you in with ultra-cheap rates that don’t always match up with what you really pay, meaning your effective energy rate. Bill credit plans and time-of-use plans are common culprits for this issue.
Finally, make sure to switch energy providers or sign up for a new plan before your current contract ends. If you fail to sign up for a new plan, your energy provider will automatically switch you to a holdover rate at the end of your contract. This is a variable-rate plan type with notoriously high prices per kilowatt-hour that change monthly.
Compare Plans with Home Energy Club
At Home Energy Club, we make it easy to compare electricity plans from providers, including Green Mountain Energy and Reliant Energy. Simply enter your ZIP code to view a selection of plans available in your area, complete with information on rates, contract terms and special features. This streamlined process allows you to compare plans side by side, helping you choose the one that best fits your energy needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reliany and Green Mountain
What’s the difference between Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy?
The primary difference between Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy is their focus: Reliant offers a broad range of flexible plans with a strong emphasis on customer service and energy-saving tools, while Green Mountain Energy specializes in providing 100% renewable energy from sources like wind and solar.
Is Reliant Energy a good energy provider?
Based on our research and survey results, Reliant Energy is a good company known for its wide variety of plan options, strong customer service, and innovative features like smart home integrations and energy-saving tools. It offers flexible pricing plans, including fixed and variable-rate options, which suit various consumer needs. However, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions, as some plans may include higher rates or additional fees.
Is Green Mountain Energy a good energy provider?
Green Mountain Energy is a good energy provider — especially for those prioritizing sustainability. It offers 100% renewable energy plans sourced from wind and solar power, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers. While its rates may be slightly higher than some non-renewable options, its commitment to clean energy plans makes it a good fit for customers who want to reduce their homes’ carbon footprint.
What is the price difference between Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy?
The price difference between Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy can vary depending on the specific plan and term. Green Mountain Energy may have slightly higher rates, but only just. Both light companies tend to charge higher rates than competitors, such as TriEagle Energy or Rhythm Energy.
How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies
Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming with dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market. 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 thousands of 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%)
