Direct Energy is one of the largest electric companies offering Texas electricity rates. Their rates are not the cheapest, but are affordable and the company provides good service.
A subsidiary of NRG Energy, Direct is a sister company to Cirro Energy, Reliant Energy and Green Mountain Energy. They have competitive fixed-rate plans, “free” energy, and clean energy.
Compare Direct Energy rates to the cheap electricity rates below.
Compare Direct Energy to Other Energy Retailers
7 Gexa Energy Vetted Guaranteed Plans
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Gexa Eco Saver Plus 12 Plan | 12 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Plus 24 Plan | 24 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Energy Saver 24 | 24 Months | 16.4 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Lite 12 | 12 Months | 19.5 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Advantage 12 | 12 Months | 19.7 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Premier 12 | 12 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
| Gexa Eco Saver Premier 24 | 24 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
8 4Change Energy Plans & Rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4Change - Maxx Saver Select 12 | 12 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Maxx Saver Select 24 | 24 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Charitable Saver 12 | 12 Months | 13.7 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - One Rate 12 | 12 Months | 15.7 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - One Rate 24 | 24 Months | 15.9 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Cash Money 12 | 12 Months | 16.1 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Power Maxx Saver 12 | 12 Months | 18.2 ¢/kWh |
| 4Change - Power Maxx Saver 24 | 24 Months | 18.2 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
8 Frontier Energy Plans & Rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Frontier - Frontier Saver Plus 12 Plan | 12 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Saver Plus 24 Plan | 24 Months | 10.5 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Budget Saver 12 | 12 Months | 14 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Budget Saver 24 | 24 Months | 14.2 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier 36 | 36 Months | 15.7 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Saver Value 12 | 12 Months | 19.5 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Saver Premier 12 | 12 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
| Frontier - Frontier Saver Premier 24 | 24 Months | 20.6 ¢/kWh |
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh in Oncor zone. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
0 Reliant Energy Trusted Plans & Rates
| Plan Name | Plan Length | Rate |
|---|
- *Rates as of 11/20/2024 at 06:12 PM. Based on 1000 kWh. Enter your zip code above for rates in your area.
Reviews & Ratings
At Home Energy Club we gather customer reviews from independent review sites such as the State of Texas Public Utility Commission Complaints Stats, the Better Business Bureau and other sources.
We use this information with our staff’s expert opinions to score each energy provider.
HEC Direct Energy Rating Score: 4.1/5
Customer Ratings
Direct Energy shows fair ratings on the reviewed categories. They received a score of 4.0 or more on four out of five reviewed categories.
Customer Reviews
You can read more Direct Energy Reviews Page, but note that many people who submit reviews do so when they’ve had a negative experience. That said, seeing how the provider addresses the concerns of unhappy customers can be enlightening.
Rates & Plans in Texas
Direct Energy offers a wide range of Texas energy plans that come with different energy rates and contract lengths to suit the preferences of its customers.
Their plan types include fixed-rate plans for more predictable energy bills and variable-rate plans with no contract.
Some of their most popular plans include their Twelve Hour Power On Us plans and Live Brighter On Us plans.
Key features of these plans include:
- Fixed rates
- Transmission & Distribution Utility (TDU) fees
- Early Termination Fees (ETFs)
Their plans come in a range of term lengths, including variable-rate, month-to-month plans, and 1, 2 and 3-year fixed rate plans. They even offer 15 and 18-month terms.
Note that variable rate plans may advertise a low rate, but their prices change based on the commodity cost of gas and other fuel sources, as well as other factors, which can lead to bill surprises. For true price protection, we always recommend fixed-rate plans.
Free electricity
Direct also offers a range of “free” energy plans, or time-of-use plans that promise free energy during set time periods, like nights and weekends.
Key features of these plans include:
- Free energy on nights and/or weekends
- High rates during paid time periods
- Fixed rates
- Early Termination Fees (ETFs)
Be sure to read the Electricity Fact Label closely for “free electricity” plans. While the advertised rate may seem cheap, the rate they charge during paid hours is typically quite high.
If you end up consuming a large amount of electricity during paid hours, you may find yourself dealing with a hefty bill surprise.
Business energy
Direct also provides commercial energy for large and small businesses.
Business customers wanting to learn more about commercial energy rates should check out our business electricity rates page.
Renewable Energy
Direct offers many plans with 100% renewable energy. Some of their Green Texas plans actually have lower rates than their traditional fossil fuel-sourced plans.
That said, it’s important to note that their clean energy prices are still significantly higher than those of trustworthy, cheap competitors.
Does Direct Energy have a solar buyback program?
Yes, Direct Energy has a solar buyback program for their Direct Solar Unlimited plan.
Their solar buyback program allows you to get competitively priced solar energy while also getting bill credits for any excess energy generated by your solar panels. They sell the energy back to the grid without you having to do anything.
Green Energy Alternatives
Due to Direct’s higher rates, you may wish to consider plans from Green Mountain Energy, the pioneer in renewable electricity.
Gexa Energy also offers deep discounts on 100% clean energy, often costing less than most fossil-sourced plans. They also offer a 60-day Happiness Guarantee.
It’s important to note that the best light company may not necessarily have the cheapest rates due to the importance of quality of service.
That said, you can find high quality light companies that offer cheaper green energy by comparing here.
Other Services and Products
Direct Energy offers various smart technologies to encourage energy efficiency and help customers save money on electric bills.
For example, the provider offers electricity plans that bundle smart technology with energy to help you lower your monthly electricity bills and maintain a comfortable environment at home. Learn more about how energy efficiency can help you reduce your usage, cut your bills, and lower CO2 emissions.
They also currently offer bundled plans that feature up to two years of Amazon Prime with their Twelve Hour Power On Us for 24 months.
Requirements to Start Service
It’s easy and fast to sign up for energy service online or over the phone, if you prefer operator service.
Like most electric companies, they may require some form of identification, like a driver’s license or social security number.
Based on your personal credit score, light companies in Texas may require a security deposit before executing your home services request. You can qualify for no-deposit if:
- You’re medically indigent
- You’re a victim of domestic violence
- You’re aged 65 or older
- You have a letter of credit from another energy retailer
Customer Service
If you need customer support, you can call customer service from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm weekdays, and 7 am to 4 pm Saturdays CDT. There’s no operator service on Sundays.
Direct Energy Bill Pay
Direct makes it easy to pay your monthly energy bill with a variety of payment options, including:
- Pay online through your account login
- Pay by phone with their 24/7 automated system, 365 days a year, by calling 888-305-3828
- Pay automatically by setting up Auto Pay in your account
- Pre-pay for Power-to-go by calling toll-free number 877-866-6601
- Make a one-time payment for postpaid and prepaid plans without logging in
- Pay by mail by sending payments to PO Box 660896, Dallas, TX 75266
- Pay in person at various authorized payment locations
- Pay via mobile app by downloading the Direct Energy Mobile Wallet for desktops, Android, or iOS devices
Before making a payment, it’s important to understand how to read your monthly energy bill so that you can track your energy consumption every month.
Typically, electricity bills include the amount of energy you use for the month in kWhs, your rate, base charges, Transmission & Distribution Utility ( TDU) fees, taxes, and other nonrecurring charges. Some plans have bill credits applied against the costs.
Switching, Moving, Cancellation Fees
Considering switching energy plans or providers? Or maybe you’re moving and need a new energy plan? Whether you’re switching, moving, or canceling your current plan, make sure your energy provider matches your family’s needs.
You can use our guide to help you choose the best energy plan for your home. But first, start with your Texas EFL.
Using your EFL
When you’re switching electric plans or providers, your Electricity Fact Label (EFL) can help you compare plans based on average kWh usage levels. This helps you get an apples-to-apples comparison of rates and plans from various providers.
To get your home’s exact historic kWh usage levels, check out Smart Meter Texas. For easy tips on getting the most out of your advanced meter tech, check out our Smart Meter Guide.
Transferring your plan
If you’re simply moving into a new home, you can transfer your Direct Energy service to your new address with ease. Simply notify the company online or over the phone. And be sure to give them a minimum of 30 days notice to ensure your energy service remains uninterrupted.
Does Direct Energy have a cancellation fee?
You can easily cancel your home services online or over the phone, but keep in mind that Direct Energy does have cancellation fees, or Early Termination Fees (ETFs).
The amount of your ETF will vary based on your term length. Currently, ETFs vary from $150 to $295.
Reporting Power Outages
In case of a Direct Energy power outage, the fastest way to report it is to directly contact the Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) in your area.
Here are the phone numbers for current Texas TDUs:
- Oncor: 888-313-4747
- AEP: 866-223-8508
- Centerpoint Energy: 800-332-7143
- Texas New Mexico Power (TNMP): 888-866-7456
- Sharyland Utilities: 800-545-4513
You can also click here to look up the outage number to call in your area.
About Direct Energy
Direct Energy is one of the biggest electric companies in Texas and North America. A subsidiary of NRG, they offer residential electricity and business energy.
The company was founded in 1986 and now has more than 5 million customers. They’re known for their technology, data, and energy innovations, as well as their customer insights that help reduce energy consumption for lower energy bills.
Business Information
Their business headquarters in Texas are located at 12 E Greenway Plaza #250, Houston, TX 77046, United States.
You can reach their corporate headquarters at 888-305-3828.
Deregulated Cities | ||
|---|---|---|
Houston | Dallas | Fort Worth |
Katy | Laredo | Waco |
Midland | Corpus Christi | Frisco |
McAllen | Galveston | Irving |
See all deregulated cities in Texas.
Top Zip Codes Serviced
Direct Energy Frequently Asked Questions
Is Direct Energy a good company?
With over 5 million customers in North America, Direct Energy services homes across the US. They’re a subsidiary of NRG Energy and have the reputation of being a good, reliable electric company.
While they used to have fairly mixed reviews on third-party websites like Yelp and Google, their Google rating has steadily improved and is now at a 4-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews.
They’re affordable and provide quality service for residential and business energy customers. While their prices may be higher than average, many customers like Direct because their plans are straightforward and they don’t have hidden fees.
To get a good feel for their reputation, check out their verified customer reviews and compare them to reviews from other top electric companies.
Is Direct’s free weekends plan worth it?
Direct Energy offers time-of-use plans, also known as “free energy” plans over nights and weekends. Depending on your energy usage needs, they may be worth it for you.
Time-of-use plans generally have far higher average rates than regular plans during their paid hours. But if most of your energy usage falls during those “free” periods of time, you may end up saving money on your energy bills.
Always review the Electricity Facts Label for each energy plan to determine if the plan is a good fit for your usage patterns. You can reduce your bill with free energy plans if the brunt of your usage falls during those free time periods, like nights or weekends.
Where does Direct Energy get their energy from?
Direct Energy gets electricity from coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources such as wind and solar. They also provide clean energy by purchasing RECs (Renewable Energy Credits or Certificates).
