Direct Energy Rates, Reviews & Plans

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy serves 12 states, plus the District of Columbia. The company is one of the largest retail electricity providers (REP) in North America, with more than four million customers in the U.S. and Canada. In 2021, Direct Energy was acquired by Houston-based NRG Energy, which serves all 50 states.

Direct Energy electric rates are available to residents and businesses across Texas and other states, including Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. With Direct Energy’s satisfaction guarantee, new customers can switch plans within 30 days, limiting the risk of choosing a new energy rate or long-term plan.

Enter your ZIP code above to explore the best Direct Energy plans in your area.

Direct Energy at-a-glance

• Offers electricity, natural gas, and home protection plans to individuals and businesses.
• Offers a variety of plan types, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, and green energy.
• Acquired by the major energy provider NRG in early 2021.

Direct Energy plans

The SaveOnEnergy marketplace has several energy plans available to customers who want to explore Direct Energy. It is important to note that not all plans are available in all areas. Direct Energy charges a $135 early termination fee on all its plans, no matter the term length. This differentiates them from other electric companies that charge higher early termination fees on plans longer than 12 months. Consider Direct Energy if you want to try a 24- or 36-month plan but are wary of high cancellation fees.

Live Brighter 12

With this plan, customers will have a fixed rate for the duration of their 12-month contract. This fixed-rate plan will provide customers with protection from price fluctuations in the energy market. This is a good plan for all customers levels because pricing is relatively equal across all usage levels.

Live Brighter 36

The Live Brighter 36 plan offers the same protected fixed rate as the Live Brighter 12 plan but with a longer contract length. We recommend this plan to all customers who want a simple, straightforward rate locked in for three years.

Twelve Hour Power 12

This year-long plan is also fixed-rate. In addition to the safety of a protected rate, this plan has the added benefit of free electricity every night from 9 p.m. to 8:59 a.m. We recommend this plan to customers who use most of their electricity during the evening. More information on how the average price per kWh is determined can be found in the electricity facts label (EFL).

Services offered by Direct Energy

Direct Energy for residential customers

Direct Energy offers a variety of energy solutions, including fixed-rate, no-deposit, and prepaid plans for residential customers throughout Texas and in many other states. Residential customers can also enjoy a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Direct Energy for business customers

Direct Energy helps businesses receive affordable energy rates with an easy enrollment process. They also deliver personalized service every step of the way, ensuring you find the right business energy plan for your needs. 

Green energy options with Direct Energy

Direct Energy offers various green energy plans powered by renewable resources like solar energy. The company purchases Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset the customer’s electricity-powered usage through green energy sources, including wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal.

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

• 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 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 simple to set up your energy service when you move within Texas. You can find more information about contacting the energy supplier at the bottom of this page. Be sure to give Direct Energy a two-week notice, or at least 48 hours, for the provider to transfer your service without interruption. If you move to a region outside of Direct Energy’s service area, you can use the SaveOnEnergy marketplace to discover electricity plans available near you.

Direct Energy electric rates in my area

Electricity rates can vary from one area to another, primarily because of different utility transmission charges. The rate someone pays in one part of the state could be different from what you pay, even with the same plan. As a result, it’s important to get quotes specifically for your area.

Enter your ZIP code above to see rates and plans for your specific area on the SaveOnEnergy marketplace.

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