In Houston, you’ve got more than one option when it comes to electricity—and that’s a big deal. With the city’s hot, humid summers and unpredictable weather, finding the right plan can make a noticeable difference in both comfort and cost. Houston is part of Texas’s deregulated energy market, which means you can choose the electricity provider that works best for your home and usage habits. We’ve compared some of the city’s top-rated providers below to help you get started.
| Company | Best Known For | Rating Rating (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| 4Change Energy | 4Change Energy offers a great referral program and is known for charitable giving in Texas. | 4.58 |
| Chariot Energy | Chariot supports solar power plants and is known for their 100% renewable energy plans at great rates. | 4.42 |
| Veteran Energy | Veteran Energy is known for competitive rates and aiding Veteran Support organizations. | 4.67 |
| Gexa Energy | Gexa offers competitive, sustainable energy plans and exceptional customer service. | 4.28 |
| Express Energy | Express Energy offers competitive, transparent pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. | 4.67 |
| Frontier Utilities | Frontier is known for simple, low-rate plans and a 60-day happiness guarantee! | 4.92 |
| Rhythm | Rhythm Energy provides exceptional service and user-friendly technology with 100% renewable energy plans. | 4.83 |
| Payless Power | Payless Power offers affordable power and is known for prepaid electricity plans with no deposit. | 3.94 |
| APG&E | APG&E carries a wide range of energy plans with award-winning customer service. | 4.19 |
| TXU Energy | A leading REP known for their commitment to customer satisfaction and innovative energy solutions. | 4.92 |
| TriEagle Energy | Competitive electricity rates and straightforward, easy-to-understand plans. | 4.75 |
| CleanSky Energy | CleanSky offers both 100% renewable electricity from wind and solar, as well as 100% carbon-neutral energy. | 3.55 |
| BKV Energy | BKV Energy offers simple fixed-rate plans along with loyalty rewards and annual customer payouts tied to their profits. | 4.83 |
| Discount Power | Discount Power focuses on offering no-frills energy with transparency in pricing and easy switching. | 3.72 |
| Cirro Energy | Customer-centric approach, providing reliable energy service with a focus on simplicity and convenience. | 3.55 |
| Green Mountain Energy | Providing electricity sourced from renewable resources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power to promote environmental conservation. | 3.55 |
Looking to switch REPs in Houston? It’s easier than you might think! Just plug your ZIP code into Power Wizard’s tool to compare plans and rates in seconds. Your new provider takes care of the switch with no service interruption. Some even offer same-day electricity if you’re in a hurry, or contact your provider before 2:00 PM CST. Just keep an eye on your Electricity Facts Label (EFL) from your current retail electricity provider (REP) for any early termination fees (ETFs) before you make the leap. If you’re moving out of a premise, your provider may waive any ETFs.
Springtime, especially April, tends to bring some of the best rates due to lower demand, so it’s the perfect season to shop smart and save.
There’s a big difference between your electricity provider and your utility company. Your electricity provider sells you the plan, but the utility company delivers the power to your home. In Houston, the utility company is CenterPoint Energy — they maintain the lines, handle outages, and keep the energy flowing safely. You can pick your provider, but you can’t swap utilities because they’re assigned based on where you live. You’ll see CenterPoint’s fees (listed as TDU or TDSP charges) on your bill separately, so don’t be surprised by the additional charges.
Utility Charges include a base fee and a per kWh fee that can change multiple times a year. This may be a factor if you see an increase in your electricity bill.
If you experience a power outage in Houston, it’s important to remember: your electricity provider won’t be able to help you restore service — that job falls to CenterPoint Energy, the utility responsible for maintaining the power lines and infrastructure.
Instead of contacting your REP, contact CenterPoint by:
CenterPoint Energy’s teams are on call 24/7 to handle storms, downed lines, and grid repairs throughout the greater Houston area, from Sugar Land to Kingwood.
Getting the right electricity plan for your Houston home starts with knowing how much energy you use. You can check your past electric bills to get a clear idea of your typical usage. From there, use Power Wizard to compare key details side by side: price per kWh, term length, contract type, and provider reviews to find the best rates and plan. Here’s how it works:
With so many electricity providers in Houston, picking the right one can feel like sorting through a spellbook full of fine print. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here’s what to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting a plan that works for you (not one that just looks good).
A rock-bottom rate might look tempting on the surface, but it can have hidden costs. Some providers advertise promotional rates that only apply for a short time or require you to use a specific amount of electricity to qualify. If you go under or over that range, your bill could go up.
Many electricity plans come with long-term contracts, and breaking them early can cost you. Whether you’re a renter who might need flexibility or a homeowner looking to lock in a stable rate, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. Power Wizard makes it easy to compare contract lengths and cancellation terms so you can avoid expensive surprises down the line.
Cheap electricity isn’t worth it if you can’t get help when you need it. From billing issues to power outages, responsive customer service matters more than you think. Some companies are quick to pick up the phone, while others leave you stuck in a loop. Power Wizard’s score takes customer service into account so you know what you’re getting into ahead of time.
Free nights might sound like a great deal, but you could end up paying more during the day to make up for it. Unless you shift most of your energy use to overnight hours, these plans may not actually save you money. The same logic applies to free weekends.
Houston has a growing number of renewable energy plans, but not all of them are created equal. Some plans are 100% wind or solar, while others only include a small percentage. If going green is important to you, make sure you review each plan’s renewable energy content details.
It’s easy to get caught off guard by extra charges hiding in the fine print. From base fees and usage minimums to rate hikes after a promotional period ends, there’s a lot to look out for. Always read the EFL for full details before enrolling.
Variable-rate plans may start low but can change from month to month, especially during high-demand seasons. That unpredictability can lead to bill shock when summer heat sends rates soaring.
Flat-rate plans sound simple, but many of them only work to your advantage within a narrow usage range. Use too little or too much electricity, and you could end up overpaying.
With Power Wizard, you get a clear view of your options to make the best decision for your lifestyle. Whether you’re switching, saving, or just getting started, we’ll help you plug into a plan that works for you.
