Electricity providers in Texas are getting creative with ways to help you save. Many plans now include incentives like bill credits, free nights or weekends, smart devices, smart thermostat rebates, gift cards, and more. Some incentives help you get more out of your electricity plan, while others are fun extras. Let’s explore the most common incentives and some of the most popular Texas electricity plans with incentives.
Electricity incentives are added benefits that Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) offer to customers to make their plans more rewarding. They can help cut costs or add value by offering non-electricity-related rewards, like gift cards. Some incentives are tied to energy use, while others reward customer actions like enrolling in a plan or referring a friend.
These incentives exist because Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning consumers can choose their electricity provider. This open competition drives companies to create offers that set them apart and appeal to different types of customers. Understanding how these incentives work helps you see which offers are truly beneficial.
Below are some of the most common types of electricity plan incentives you’ll find in Texas, along with examples of how they work in practice.
Usage credits (also known as bill credits) are one of the simplest and most common types of electricity incentives. They reduce your total bill when you use a specific amount of electricity in a billing cycle. For instance, an electricity plan might offer a $50 credit each month if your usage surpasses a certain threshold (usually 1,000 or 2,000 kWh, depending on the plan). These credits can make a difference over time.
Some electricity plans offer free nights or weekends to encourage customers to shift energy use to off-peak hours. During these periods, the energy charge can drop to $0/kWh; however, Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) delivery fees, taxes, and other government charges still apply. For example, a plan might waive the energy charge on weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., provided you meet the plan’s usage and contract requirements.
Rewards and loyalty programs give you points, discounts, or other benefits for actions like renewing your contract, paying on time, or referring friends. Over time, these points can be redeemed for bill credits, products, gift cards, or even cash value. Some REPs may offer rewards every time you refer a new customer to them, rather than requiring you to build up points.
REPs often partner with manufacturers to offer discounts or rebates on smart home devices, not just thermostats, but also cameras, smart speakers like Alexa, and other energy-saving technology. These devices help you monitor and control your home’s energy use more efficiently, lowering waste and reducing costs. Some plans even include free smart devices when you enroll, adding upfront value and enabling long-term savings through smarter energy management.
Beyond bill-related incentives, some electricity providers offer unique rewards like airline miles, retail gift cards, or exclusive access to sporting events. These perks can make your electricity plan feel more personalized and fun. For example, a provider might partner with a local sports team to offer ticket giveaways or fan experiences as part of your plan.
| Incentive Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Usage/Bill Credits |
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| Free Nights & Weekends |
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| Rewards & Loyalty Programs |
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| Smart Thermostat & Smart Devices |
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| Airline Miles, Gift Cards & Sports Perks |
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Below are some examples of current incentive programs available across Texas. Each one highlights a different way providers are helping customers save, earn rewards, or take advantage of smarter energy technology.
This information is provided solely for comparison purposes. Some of the retail energy providers below are not a partner of and do not endorse, or are endorsed by Power Wizard. No reference to some of these retail energy providers is meant to imply or establish a relationship with some these retail energy providers.
| Electricity Provider | Incentive | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reliant Energy | Connect and Save | Earn a $25 bill credit and 0.5¢/kWh discount while enrolled in Reliant’s Degrees of Difference Smart Thermostat program |
| Gexa Energy | Up to 2 free smart thermostats | Get up to two free Sensi™ smart thermostats with a Gexa Energy Saver 12 or 24 plan |
| Direct Energy | Vivint® Smart Home Solutions | Receive a free Vivint® Doorbell Camera Pro (valued at ~$249) plus free installation when you purchase a qualifying Vivint® smart home system. |
| Amigo Energy | Stat Rewards Program | Get a one-time $50 bill credit plus a $0.005/kWh discount by enrolling your eligible smart thermostat in Amigo’s Stat Rewards program. |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus for Smart Thermostats | Get a lower energy rate every month when you allow Octopus Energy to make modest thermostat adjustments during peak periods |
| Electricity Provider | Incentive | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reliant Energy | AAdvantage® Miles | Earn 15,000 miles at signup plus 500 bonus miles each month during your contract term |
| Reliant Energy | Southwest Rapid Rewards Points | Earn 15,000 points at signup and 500 points each month during your contract term |
| Reliant Energy | United MileagePlus® Miles | Earn 15,000 miles at signup plus 500 bonus miles each month during your contract term |
| Electricity Provider | Incentive | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chariot Energy | Battery Rewards Program | Earn up to $60/month in bill credits by letting Chariot manage your home battery system’s charge and discharge |
| TXU Energy | Conservation Program | Get up to $150 in rewards when you enroll and allow TXU to make small temperature adjustments to your smart thermostat during peak demand events |
| TXU Energy | Battery Rewards Program | Receive a $100 digital reward card every six months for allowing TXU to dispatch your battery’s stored energy during high-demand events |
| TriEagle Energy | Connect & Conserve | Earn up to $150 in rewards or a $50 Visa gift card when you enroll and allow TriEagle Energy to make small temperature adjustments to your smart thermostat during peak demand events |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus for EVs | Get up to 30% off your rate when you allow Octopus Energy to optimize EV charging times based on grid demand |
| Octopus Energy | Intelligent Octopus for Home Batteries | Earn $20/month for every 5 kWh of battery storage when you allow Octopus Energy to dispatch stored energy during demand events |
Not all electricity incentives are about free nights or bill credits. Many Texas providers and agencies now reward customers for choosing clean energy. From solar buyback programs to tax credits and property tax exemptions, renewable incentives can provide both immediate and long-term savings.
Several retail electricity providers (REPs) in Texas now offer solar buyback or net metering incentives, which credit you for excess electricity your solar panels send back to the grid.
These programs effectively function like green energy bill credits, rewarding you for participation and energy contribution, similar in structure to traditional electricity incentives.
Texas adds its own layer of incentives to encourage renewable participation:
These state-level benefits pair well with plan-based renewable incentives, reducing both monthly bills and long-term costs.
To make the most of renewable and solar-related incentives in Texas:
Together, these federal, state, and provider-based programs can make clean energy participation one of the most valuable electricity incentives in Texas—combining bill credits, rebates, and long-term savings for homes and businesses.
Want to learn how to choose the best solar-backed plans? Use Power Wizard’s comparison tool to find the best provider for your situation.
Smart home technology is changing the way Texans manage energy use and save money. Devices like smart thermostats, plugs, and home batteries can automatically adjust how and when electricity is used, helping reduce demand during peak hours. Many providers now offer incentives or bill credits for customers who connect these devices to eligible energy plans.
Device eligibility varies by plan and provider. However, they typically include:
When these devices are linked to approved energy programs, providers can make small, temporary adjustments during high-demand periods. You stay in control, but the connection helps improve grid efficiency — and you get rewarded for participating.
Finding the right incentive plan starts with understanding your energy habits and knowing how to compare offers accurately. Incentives can add real value, but only if they align with how you use electricity. Follow these simple steps to make a smart, informed choice:
The Electricity Facts Label is your key to understanding what a plan really costs. Every Texas electricity plan must include one. It outlines:
Always review the EFL before enrolling. It helps you see whether the plan’s incentives apply to your actual usage and ensures there are no surprises on your bill.
Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) fees are fixed delivery charges determined by your local utility company. These fees cover the cost of maintaining power lines, delivering electricity to your home, and responding to outages, and they apply no matter which Retail Electric Provider (REP) you choose.
Because TDSPs vary by region, available electricity plans and incentives also differ by location. Once you enter your zip code in a comparison site, like Power Wizard, or in a REPs site, you will see plans and incentives tailored to your location.
Incentive-based plans can be great for getting extra perks that matter to you and at times save on your electricity bill, but not every offer delivers long-term value. Some plans include hidden terms or conditions that reduce your benefits down the road. Before enrolling, take a closer look at the fine print to make sure the incentives work in your favor.
Some electricity plans only apply bill credits or discounts if your monthly usage stays within a specific range. For example, you might see a $50 bill credit advertised, but it only applies if you use between 1,000 and 2,000 kWh. Go above or below that range, and the credit disappears.
Some incentive plans come with steep cancellation fees or short-term rewards that disappear after a few months. For example, a $100 sign-up bonus might seem appealing, but canceling early could cost you more in termination fees than you earned in rewards. Look for plans that balance fair incentives with transparent terms, and focus on overall value rather than one-time perks.
Electricity incentives can turn a good plan into a great one if they align with your energy habits and long-term goals. Whether it’s bill credits, smart thermostat programs, or renewable energy rewards, the best plan is one that provides consistent value and fits the way you use electricity every day.
With so many options available across Texas, comparing plans on your own can take time and effort. That’s where Power Wizard comes in. Our smart comparison tool allows you to see available electricity plans side by side so you can make the right choice for your household. Enter your ZIP code to get started!
Reliant Energy leads this category with multiple airline reward plans, including:
These plans are ideal for frequent travelers, but note that they often come with higher base electricity rates, meaning you’re effectively paying for the rewards over time.
Bill credit plans reward you with a fixed discount (usually $50 to $100 per billing cycle) when your electricity usage hits a specific threshold. Commonly 1,000 or 2,000 kWh per month. If you use slightly less, you lose the credit and pay the higher standard rate.
Because Texas weather and air conditioning demand can vary widely, most households find it difficult to consistently stay in the qualifying range. In many cases, a simple fixed-rate plan can provide more predictable savings.
Yes. Many Texans can pair standard electricity incentives with renewable energy rewards:
These programs work separately from your electricity plan but can significantly boost your overall savings when combined.
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