Compare Stream Energy Plans, Rates, and Reviews in Texas

Although Stream Energy strives to keep electricity plans affordable, their actual rates can vary by ZIP code, plan type, Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) delivery fees, usage level, taxes, and other built-in fees. Market demand and local weather conditions at the time of enrollment can also impact rates. Read a plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for all pricing information before signing up.

Stream Energy has offered electricity to residents and businesses in deregulated areas of Texas since 2005. The REP was acquired by NRG Energy in 2019, but it continues to operate as Stream Energy. This means that customers can enroll in an electricity plan and manage their accounts directly through Stream’s website.

Stream Energy offers the following plans:

• Fixed-rate
• Variable-price (rate)
• Renewable energy

Customers can add eco+ to qualifying conventional electricity plans. Stream purchases renewable energy certificates to match 1,000 kWh of monthly usage, so the add-on may offset all or part of a customer’s electricity use, depending on actual monthly usage. If you’re looking for more stable electricity bills, Stream Energy offers a budget billing plan for customers who have been enrolled with Stream for at least three months and have no outstanding balances.

Customers can enroll with Stream Energy via the REP’s website or call center, or through its network of independent associates.

Stream Energy’s EZ Start and EZ Pay Programs

Stream Energy offers two unique programs that help reduce upfront costs when switching electricity providers: EZ Start and EZ Pay.

EZ Start Program: eligible customers who enroll in a qualifying Stream Energy plan with a term longer than 12 months may receive assistance covering Early Termination Fees (ETFs) up to $150 from their current REP. This can help reduce the cost of switching providers for customers locked into an existing contract.

EZ Pay: eligible customers may be able to use a deposit alternative by making a one-time, nonrefundable payment instead of paying a traditional deposit. Availability, eligibility requirements, and program terms may vary.

Stream Energy as a Retail Electric Provider (REP)

Texas has a deregulated energy market, and there are multiple entities involved in getting electricity to your home or business. Power Wizard’s Energy experts have outlined them and their roles below to help you better understand your electricity service.

Stream Energy customers in Texas often highlight the REP’s straightforward enrollment and helpful customer service. However, some hope to see improvements in billing transparency and customer service response times. See how Power Wizard rates Stream Energy in terms of customer service, accessibility, and product variety below.

Before enrolling in a Stream Energy electricity plan, consider the following to determine whether it may be the right REP for you.

The Pros of Stream Energy

• Available in most deregulated TDUs in Texas
• Offers fixed-rate plans and other plan structures
• 100% renewable green energy plans
• eco+ allows customers to make any eligible plan green for an additional fee
• EZ Start and EZ Pay programs to make switching to Stream Energy easier
• Simple online account management with AutoPay and paperless billing options
• Offers business electricity plans
• Extended customer service hours on weekdays

The Cons of Stream Energy

• ETFs apply to most plans
• eco+ comes at an extra cost
• No short-term fixed-rate plans
• Some plans have minimum usage fees

Who Stream Energy Is Best For

Every household and business has different energy needs, preferences, and budgets. Stream Energy is often a good fit for:

• Residents and businesses looking for fixed-rate stability
• Eco-conscious consumers interested in renewable energy
• Customers facing an ETF from their current REP and are eligible for the EZ Start program
• Businesses needing electricity service in multiple locations served by Stream Energy
• Individuals who want more predictable monthly bills through Stream’s budget billing option

Stream Energy offers five main types of electricity plans in Texas: fixed-rate, tiered, variable-price, renewable energy, and budget billing. The REP also offers an eco+ add-on for eligible plans. Learn more about Stream’s offerings below, and be sure to read the EFL for plan-specific details before enrolling.

Fixed-Rate Electricity Plans

Fixed-rate plans offer a more predictable energy charge (the rate per kWh) throughout the contract term to make budgeting for electricity easier. Stream Energy’s fixed-rate plans have contracts ranging from 12 to 36 months. Keep in mind that every fixed-rate plan from this REP has an ETF of $150 to $395, depending on the length of the plan. Many also have a minimum usage fee of $10.95 if you use less than 1,000 kWh, meaning you may have to pay an additional fee if you don’t use enough electricity each month.

Tiered Plan

Tiered plans have energy charges that change based on how much electricity you use during your monthly billing cycle. Depending on the plan, reaching a specified usage threshold may qualify your entire month’s usage for a lower energy rate, while other plans charge a higher rate once you exceed the threshold. Stream Energy offers both types of tiered plans, so make sure you read the EFL.

Variable-Price Plans

Variable-price (also called variable-rate) plans don’t have a set energy charge or a long-term contract. They are month-to-month options with rates that can increase or decrease each month based on market conditions and other specified factors. There isn’t an ETF, but the plan is exclusively offered to new customers.

Stream Green: Renewable Energy Plans

Stream Energy offers fixed-rate renewable energy plans with 12 and 24-month contracts. With these plans, the REP purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which represent electricity generated from qualifying renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, or biomass facilities. They verify that an equivalent amount of renewable energy is produced and added to the power grid to match the plan’s renewable energy content and your usage.

Budget Billing

Stream Energy’s budget billing offering helps make monthly electricity costs more predictable by averaging your previous 12 months of usage into a consistent monthly payment. You’ll pay the estimated average rather than your actual monthly usage, which means you may pay more during lower-usage months and less during higher-usage months. To qualify, you must be a Stream customer for at least three months and have no outstanding balance.

Stream Energy provides electricity to small and medium-sized businesses across deregulated areas of Texas. They offer flexible contracts lasting up to 5 years, transparent, custom rates, online account management, and dedicated customer service for businesses.

Want to explore more commercial electricity options? Fill out the contact form on Power Wizard’s Business Electricity page to speak with an energy expert.

Before deciding whether Stream Energy is the best match for your Texas home or business, take a look at how it compares to two other popular REPs.

Stream Energy serves all deregulated TDUs in Texas, including:

• Oncor Electric Delivery: Covers most of North and Central Texas — Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Waco, Tyler, Wichita Falls, Midland, Odessa.
• CenterPoint Energy: Covers greater Houston metro — Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Sugar Land, Galveston, Katy.
• AEP Texas Central: Covers South Texas — Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Victoria, Harlingen.
• AEP Texas North: Covers West and Northwest Texas — Abilene, San Angelo, Midland..
• TNMP (Texas-New Mexico Power): Non-contiguous areas including Lewisville, Texas City, Alvin, Dickinson, Friendswood.

Stream Energy has a lot of benefits, but it might not be a strong fit for every home or business in Texas. You may want to consider this REP if:

• You want a fixed-rate plan
• You’re looking for a budget billing option
• You’re interested in renewable energy plans
• The REP you’re switching from charges an ETF, and you’re eligible for the EZ Start program
• Your business needs electricity in multiple Stream Energy service areas

Still undecided about Stream Energy? Enter your ZIP code into Power Wizard’s comparison tool to view plans, rates, and providers in your area side by side.