Direct Energy Rates and Plans

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of the largest retail electricity providers (REP) in North America with more than four million customers across the U.S. and Canada. This company offers month-to-month and long-term energy plans, as well as green energy options.

Based in Houston, Direct Energy provides deregulated energy plans to residents and businesses across the Lone Star State. Enter your ZIP code above to see Direct Energy plans available in your area.

Direct Energy plans

Below you will see some popular plans from Direct Energy offered on the SaveOnEnergy marketplace. It is important to note that not all plans are available in all areas. To see energy plans in your area, enter your ZIP code above.

Live Brighter 36 plan

With this plan, customers will have a fixed rate for the duration of their 36-month contract. This fixed rate plan will provide customers with protection from price fluctuations in the energy market.

Live Brighter 12 plan

The Live Brighter 12 plan offers the same protected fixed rate as the Live Brighter 36 plan, but with a shorter contract length.

Twelve Hour Power 12 plan

This year-long plan is fixed rate, meaning you will enjoy a steady rate throughout your contrac.t You will also benefit from free electricity every night from 9pm to 9am.

Direct Energy reviews

SaveOnEnergy score: 4.0 out of 5

• Customer service: 4.5
• Online accessibility: 5.0
• Business history: 2.5

We’ve broken down our scoring model into three main categories: customer service, online accessibility and business history. These categories contain the following items:

Customer service: 4.5 out of 5

• Power to Choose complaint score
• Satisfaction guarantee

Online accessibility: 5.0 out of 5

• Online bill pay
• Online chat
• Access to usage alerts & trends

Business history: 2.5 out of 5

• Number of years in business
• Accreditation by the Better Business Bureau

Direct Energy has been in business for 35 years and scored a 5 out of 5 for its online accessibility features. That said, Direct Energy is not accredited by the BBB and its P2C complaint score is low. For more information on SaveOnEnergy.com reviews, see the full list here.

(ratings updated 6/25/2020)

Direct Energy main energy services

Direct Energy for residential customers

With a variety of contract lengths and plan options, Direct Energy is known throughout Texas for its residential energy plans. Some plans include free energy during nights or weekends, while others can power your home using green energy. Direct Energy also offers a 30-day satisfaction guarantee for new customers.

Direct Energy for business customers

Direct Energy offers individualized energy plans for small and large businesses. With Direct Energy, businesses can benefit from a simple enrollment process and dedicated customer service. Direct Energy provides energy plans to more than 180,000 businesses of all sizes.

Green energy options with Direct Energy

Direct Energy offers several green energy plans powered through renewable resources. The company purchases Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset the customer’s usage with electricity powered through green energy sources including wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal. Customers can also opt for the “Make It Green” option when choosing a regular energy plan.

Other Direct Energy initiatives

Refer A Friend program

For every new referral you make, Direct Energy will give a $50 bill credit to you and a $50 bill credit to the person you referred. Your referral must sign up for a Direct Energy plan in order to qualify.

Home protection plans

Direct Energy allows customers the option to protect their household appliances and HVAC systems with several home protection plan options. Plans include plumbing repairs, heating and cooling maintenance, and appliance rentals.

Charitable partnerships

Direct Energy with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, including the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Through its DE in Motion Miracle Challenge, Direct Energy makes a donation for every mile an employee walks, runs, bikes, or swims.

Direct Energy service areas

• AEP Texas North: This service area covers much of northern Texas, including Abilene and San Angelo.
• AEP Texas Central: This service area includes Corpus Christi, Laredo, and McAllen.
• CenterPoint Energy: This service area covers approximately two million residents and businesses in the Houston metropolitan area.
• Texas-New Mexico Power: This service area covers cities such as Houston, Midland, and Dallas–Fort-Worth.
• Oncor Electric Delivery: This service area spans across Texas, including cities such as Dallas, Plano, and many other areas.

Texas energy plan FAQ

What is a fixed rate energy plan?

Fixed rate energy plans set the rate you pay for electricity for the duration of your contract and this rate will not change regardless of fluctuations in the energy market. These plans are best for stable energy rates.

What is a variable rate energy plan?

Variable rate energy plans fluctuate as the energy market changes. With variable rate plans, the rate you pay will vary from month to month. This allows you to benefit from market lows but could leave you paying a higher rate during periods of high demand.

Will I need to pay a deposit?

Possibly. Many providers require customers pay a deposit in order to secure lower rates. You may be exempt from a deposit based on your credit or if you choose a no deposit option. See our deposit page to learn more about no deposit plans.

Will SaveOnEnergy run a credit check?

Credit checks are a normal part of the energy buying process. Many energy providers require a credit check before they can offer you service. If you want to avoid a credit check, a prepaid electricity plan is a good option. Enter your ZIP code above to see prepaid energy plans in your area.

What happens if I move?

If you move to a new address, you will not be charged an early termination fee. This means you can stay with your current provider or switch to a new one. You can shop for a new plan up to 90 days before your move. Most homes have smart meters installed, so you shouldn’t need a technician to visit in order to begin service.

What if I want to switch providers?

If you sign up for a variable rate plan, you can switch at any time without an early termination fee.  If you have a fixed rate plan, you can switch up to 14 days before the end of your contract with no early termination fee. Switching to a new provider is easy. Enter your ZIP code above and we’ll help you find available plans in your area. When you sign up, your new provider will coordinate with your old provider to complete the switch.

A few things to remember

• Don’t forget to read your plan’s Electricity Facts Label before signing up. It contains important information including:
  • Price per kilowatt-hour based on usage
  • % renewable energy sourcing
  • Early termination fees
• Enjoy hassle-free supplier setup.Once your order has been confirmed, your new supplier will set up service with your utility, or transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) – but don’t worry, there shouldn’t be any interruption to your power during the switch.
• Understanding your electricity bill.Your local TDSP will still deliver your electricity and maintain electric infrastructure including meters and power lines. Your utility fees can be found as TDU or TDSP charges on your monthly bill. They are independent of your supplier rate.

Contact Direct Energy

• Headquarters: Houston, Texas
• Bill pay: Log into your Direct Energy account to pay your bill online
• Customer service: Power to Go Prepaid customers can call 1-877-866-6601 and all other customers can call  1-888-305-3828
• Outages: Contact your utility company

Updated: 6/17/2020