Direct Energy Rates, Reviews & Plans

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the United States, serving customers across Texas, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and more. Direct Energy serves more than four million customers and is owned by NRG Energy. Direct Energy offers a variety of energy services to both residential and business customers.

Thanks to energy deregulation in Texas, customers can choose their electricity providers from a variety of available options. There are many providers to choose from, including Direct Energy. Enter your ZIP code above to discover Direct Energy plans and rates in your area.

Direct Energy at-a-glance

• Offers electricity, natural gas, and home protection plans across a dozen U.S. states
• Owned by NRG Energy, a leading energy provider that serves all 50 states
• Plans include fixed-rate, variable-rate, and green energy plans.

Direct Energy plans

Direct Energy offers several different energy plans so that customers can choose the one that best fits their needs. You can learn more about some of Direct Energy’s most popular plans below. Each plan has an early termination fee (ETF) of $135 for fixed-rate plans.

Live Brighter 12, 24, or 36

The Live Brighter plan is a no-frills, fixed-rate energy plan that allows customers to lock in their energy rate for one, two, or three years.

Twelve Hour Power 12

Twelve Hour Power 12 is a fixed-rate energy plan that allows customers to lock in their rate for one year. This plan offers free electricity every night from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m.

Green Texas 12

Green Texas 12 is a fixed-rate energy plan that allows customers to lock in their rate for one year. Unlike other Direct Energy plans, this plan is powered by 100% renewable energy. 

Free Power Weekends 12

Free Power Weekends 12 is a fixed-rate energy plan that allows customers to lock in their rate for 12 months. This plan offers free electricity every weekend from 6 p.m. on Fridays to 11:59 p.m. on Sundays.

Bright Choice

Bright Choice is Direct Energy’s variable-rate plan, meaning you aren’t locked into a contract. The rate you pay for electricity can change each month based on the energy market. Because it’s month-to-month, you have more flexibility and won’t be charged an early termination fee to switch to another plan.

Services offered by Direct Energy

Direct Energy for residential customers

Direct Energy offers a variety of plan options for residential customers. Consumers can choose between fixed-rate and variable-rate plans, green energy, free nights or weekends, and more. Direct Energy also provides a range of contract lengths, so you can choose the right one for your situation.

Direct Energy for business customers

In addition to its residential plans, Direct Energy also offers flexible business energy plans. It offers affordable rates and an easy enrollment process so everyone can build the right plan for their business needs.

Green energy options with Direct Energy

Each energy plan in Texas includes a percentage of green energy, and Direct Energy’s plans are no exception. Most of Direct Energy’s plans include 20% renewable energy, which is slightly below the statewide average. However, the company also offers 100% green energy plans for customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint.

Other Direct Energy initiatives

Direct Energy doesn’t just offer energy plans. It also has other initiatives for its customers, including:

• Refer-A-Friend program: Direct Energy allows customers to get a $50 credit on their bill — as well as a $50 credit to their friend — when you refer a friend.
• Home protection plans: Direct Energy offers home protection plans for customers to protect their household appliances and HVAC systems. Plans cover plumbing repairs, heating and cooling maintenance, and appliance rentals.

Direct Energy services areas

Direct Energy is one of the leading electric providers in Texas and serves customers across much of the state. Below are some of the utility service areas and cities that Direct Energy serves:

• AEP Texas: This service area covers much of northern Texas, including Abilene, San Angelo, 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 more.

SaveOnEnergy’s tips for easy electricity service setup

• 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.

How to move or transfer service with Direct Energy

Direct Energy makes it easy to transfer your energy service if you’re moving to a new home. It’s important to inform Direct Energy of your move at least 48 hours before, though two weeks is customary. The company will handle all the logistics on its end. If you’re moving outside of Direct Energy’s service area and have a fixed-rate energy plan, the company will waive the early termination fee to end your contract early.

Direct Energy electric rates in my area

Utility transmission rates vary across the state of Texas. As a result, the amount you pay for a plan in one part of Texas could be entirely different from what someone pays in another part of Texas, even for the same Direct Energy plan. It’s important to shop for electricity rates that are specific to your location. 

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace offers the most accurate rates. Enter your ZIP code to check energy rates and plans available near you.

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