Frontier Utilities has served Texans for over 17 years and is known for its cheap energy plans. It’s headquartered in Houston and offers electricity plans throughout deregulated areas in Texas.
Frontier earned a 4.5 out of 5 stars in our 2025 provider review, which we based on firsthand customer data from our February 2025 survey of 1,600 people living in deregulated areas of Texas. Frontier earned a perfect score for customer retention. However, its transparency and satisfaction scores fell below top competitors such as TXU Energy and Reliant Energy.
Our Frontier Utilities review covers the benefits, drawbacks, plan options and costs of choosing it as your electricity provider in Texas.
Our Take on Frontier Utilities
Frontier Utilities is a solid choice for Texans who want low electricity rates and flexible plan options. You can choose from a wide variety of fixed-rate, variable-rate, solar buyback and time-of-use energy plans. Plan variety means you can choose a plan that fits your usage habits and budget, whether you prefer predictable bills or free electricity on the weekends.
Customer loyalty is one of Frontier’s biggest strengths. It earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for retention in our customer survey, and 35% of respondents have been with the company for over three years. Many said they like Frontier for its low costs, customer service and provider communication.
Like many other popular Texas energy providers, you have to be careful which energy plan you pick. Frontier’s rates appear cheap, but added fees or bill credit restrictions may lead to higher-than-expected bills. Only 30% of respondents believe they pay a fair rate for electricity with Frontier, and 61% listed cost as one thing they don’t like about the company. We recommend reading the electricity facts label (EFL) to understand the costs for your usage and how the plan works.
Pros and Cons
Before choosing Frontier Utilities as your energy provider, consider its pros and cons.
Pros
- Strong customer loyalty
- Competitive low rates
- Offers plan variety
- Over 17 years in business
Cons
- Only 39% would refer Frontier to a friend
- Advertises low rates with gimmicky plans
- No 100% renewable plans
Frontier Utilities Plans
You can choose from several Frontier Utilities electricity plans with options for those who prefer bill credits, free energy periods, or straightforward pricing. Contracts range from month-to-month up to 36 months, offering both short and long-term energy plans.
Some plans include bill credits or discounts when you use a specific amount of electricity. These plans make sense when your monthly usage consistently fits within the specified range. Otherwise, you may end up paying a higher rate.
Consider the Frontier Budget Saver 12 and 24 or the Frontier 36 for a fixed price per kWh, regardless of usage. These plans offer more predictable bills, especially for those whose usage varies throughout the year. Households with high energy usage may benefit from the Saver Premier plans when you regularly use above 2,000 kWh each month.
Consider your usage habits and compare energy plans to find the best fit for your home.
| Plan | Type | Term | Average Rate | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Saver Plus 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 | 9.9 | $125 bill credit when you use 1000 kWh or more |
| Frontier Saver Plus 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 | 9.9 | $125 bill credit when you use 1000 kWh or more |
| Frontier Budget Saver 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 | 15.6 | Straightforward pricing |
| Frontier Budget Saver 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 | 15.9 | Straightforward pricing |
| Frontier 36 | Fixed-rate | 36 | 17.4 | Straightforward pricing |
| Frontier Saver Value 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 | 19.7 | $50 bill credit when you use 500 kWh or more |
| Frontier Saver Premier 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 | 20.1 | $150 bill credit when you use 2000 kWh or more |
| Frontier Saver Premier 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 | 20.3 | $150 bill credit when you use 2000 kWh or more |
Green Energy Options
While Frontier offers solar buyback and free nighttime electric vehicle (EV) charging plans, it doesn’t provide any 100% green energy options. Frontier plans typically have 30% renewable energy content, slightly below the 33% average in Texas. You may consider a different provider if a fully renewable energy plan is important to you. Options like Gexa Energy offer low-rate 100% green energy plans.
Frontier Utilities Plan and Pricing Structure
Most Frontier Utilities plans have fixed rates, so the price stays the same for the length of your contract. However, many options also include bill credits that reduce your total bill when your usage hits a specific threshold, such as 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh. These credits can help you get a cheap rate, but you may end up paying a higher rate if your usage doesn’t fit within the requirements.
For example, the Frontier Saver Plus 12 advertises a rate of 9.9 cents per kWh at 1,000 kWh of usage. This is because a $125 bill credit kicks in when your home consumes 1,000 kWh. However, if your usage drops to 999 kWh, your energy rate jumps to 22.0 cents per kWh. While you may save in seasons when your usage is high, you could end up seeing high bills during mild seasons, when usage typically drops.
We recommend choosing a straightforward plan instead. Options like the Budget Saver or Frontier 36 plans work well for those who want predictable bills and don’t use a consistent amount of energy each month. All Frontier plans include transmission and distribution utility (TDU) charges for power delivery. These fees are set by your local utility company and added to your total cost.
Here’s a look at how your monthly bill may vary by usage with the Budget Saver 12 plan. You can multiply your typical usage from a past energy bill by the rate to get a more accurate total for your needs.
| Usage | Rate (Cents per kWh) | Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | 16.8 | $84 |
| 1,000 kWh | 16.3 | $163 |
| 2,000 kWh | 16.1 | $322 |
Each energy plan in Texas comes with an EFL to outline the rate, contract length, fees, and other terms. This document helps you compare plans and understand how your total bill is calculated. Be sure to review the EFL before enrolling to avoid any surprises. Below is the EFL for Frontier’s Budget Saver 12 plan.
Frontier Utilities’ Customer Experience
Frontier Utilities earned mixed results in our 2025 customer survey. While it received high scores for customer retention and service, it scored below average for satisfaction. Many respondents liked the low rates and support, but others mentioned frustrations with pricing clarity and how rates are advertised.
One of the biggest concerns was rate fairness. Only 30% believe they’re paying a fair rate, and 61% listed price as something they don’t like about Frontier. While the company markets itself as an affordable provider, added fees or gimmicky pricing may lead to expensive bills.
Here’s how the company scored in our Frontier Utilities review.
| Category | Score (Out of 5) | Average of Providers in Our Review (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.0 | 4.4 |
| Customer Retention | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Online Experience | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 4.6 | 4.6 |
With over 17 years in business, Frontier has a strong customer base. It earned a 5 out of 5 for retention, and 35% of respondents have been with the company for over three years. While many are loyal to the brand, 18% probably will switch to another provider when the contract ends.
Frontier Utilities Customer Reviews
Frontier Utilities has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews with over 15,500 customer comments. Many praise Frontier’s customer service team, saying the agents are friendly, helpful, and clearly explain plans. Reviews often mention the agent by name and how their support made a difference.
Some customers like how easy it is to sign up or renew a plan.
“…From the very start of our conversation, Franco was not only friendly but also extremely knowledgeable and attentive. He patiently answered all my questions, provided helpful suggestions, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free,” said Jessica R.
One-star reviews report frustrations with plan terms and billing.
“They advertise plans where you have to meet a certain usage requirement to get a special credit. The agent who helped me sign up advised that if you are a few kilowatts above or under, that would not be an issue and that they would still honor the special credit. Turns out that is in fact not the case, and even if you are five over under, they are unwilling to help you out,” said Chris R.
One-star reviews emphasize the importance of reviewing the plan’s EFL and comparing it to your typical usage to ensure you enroll in a plan that meets your needs.
Frontier Utilities Online Experience
The company earned a 4.5 out of 5 for online experience, just above the 4.4 out of 5 average. The website is easy to use and simple to navigate, so it’s quick to sign up, check usage, or pay bills. The website works well, though the design could use an update. Some online reviews mention trouble registering online and having to call customer service for help with account access.
- Mobile App: Yes
- Online Bill Pay: Yes
- Usage Tracking: Yes
- Paperless Billing: Yes
- Support Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays
- Contact Methods: Phone, email, chat
Frontier Utilities vs. Competitors
Frontier Utilities is known for its low rates and plan option variety. The one arrow missing in its plan variety quiver is green energy. With all of its variety, Frontier doesn’t offer 100% green energy plans. That’s where providers like Gexa Energy outshine Frontier.
Gexa Energy matches Frontier’s low prices but adds extra value through 100% green energy across all of its plans. You must watch out for gimmicky pricing with bill credits, but you can secure low rates with either provider. However, you may choose Gexa over Frontier if you prioritize clean power.
TXU Energy is one of the best energy companies in Texas and earned a 4.9 out of 5 overall rating in our reviews. While it offers more expensive rates than Frontier, you get high-quality customer service, user-friendly online tools and more plan transparency. TXU might be worth the extra cost if you value 24/7 customer service and a smoother digital experience.
Compare our recommended Frontier Utilities energy plan and its competitors below.
| Provider | Overall Rating (Out of 5) | Recommended Plan | Plan Features | Average Rate (Cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frontier Utilities | 4.5 | Frontier Budget Saver 12 | Fixed-rate plan with simple pricing | 15.6 |
| Gexa Energy | 4.6 | Gexa 12 | 100% renewable fixed-rate plan with simple pricing | 16.3 |
| TXU Energy | 4.9 | Simple Rate 12 | Fixed-rate plan with simple pricing | 18.6 |
Is Frontier Utilities Right for You?
Frontier Utilities is a good match for those with consistent usage who can take advantage of bill credit plans. These plans offer the cheapest prices when your usage meets the set threshold, such as 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh.
Its straightforward, predictable fixed-rate plans cost slightly more per kWh than the statewide average, which is 15.30 cents per kWh, according to the EIA. That said, they may offer savings compared to your current plan from other popular providers without compromising predictable budgeting.
Consider Frontier Utilities if:
- You prioritize competitive rates
- Your typical usage fits common bill credit thresholds
- You’re looking for a fixed-rate plan with various term lengths
Consider alternatives if:
- You need a 100% renewable plan
- Your household uses less energy and won’t qualify for discounts
- You prioritize high customer satisfaction
How To Sign Up for Frontier Utilities
You can sign up for a Frontier Utilities plan online or by phone in just a few minutes. Start by entering your ZIP code to find the available plans in your area. Then, compare your options and review EFLs to help you choose the best fit. We recommend using a trusted marketplace site, like Home Energy Club, to compare rates in one place.
As with other Texas electricity companies, Frontier runs a soft credit check during enrollment. This check won’t hurt your credit score, but it might mean you owe a deposit to begin service. But don’t worry, you get the deposit back after 12 months of consistent and timely payments.
Gather the following for a smooth enrollment process:
What You’ll Need
- Valid ID
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Service address
- Payment information
- Service start date
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frontier Utilities require a deposit?
Frontier may require a deposit based on your credit score and payment history. Generally, those with low credit or inconsistent payments will owe a deposit. You can waive the deposit if you provide a credit reference letter from your previous provider, are 65 or older or are a victim of family violence.
What is Frontier Utilities’ cancellation policy?
Fixed-rate energy plans have an early termination fee (ETF), which applies if you cancel the energy plan before it ends. You won’t pay this fee if you cancel due to moving outside Frontier’s service area. Frontier charges between $150 and $295, depending on your plan type and contract length.
How does Frontier Utilities handle bill credits?
Energy plans such as the Saver Plus, Saver Premier and Saver Value include bill credit discounts when you use a specific amount. For example, you’ll receive a $150 credit when you use above 2,000 kWh on the Saver Premier plan or a $50 credit for usage above 500 kWh on the Saver Value plan. You won’t receive the credit if your usage doesn’t reach the threshold, so review the EFL to understand how the rate varies and impacts your monthly bill.
What areas does Frontier Utilities serve?
Frontier provides electricity plans throughout the deregulated areas of Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock and Wichita Falls. Energy plan options and rates vary by location. Enter your ZIP code on Home Energy Club or Frontier’s website to compare today’s electricity rates in your area.
How do I contact Frontier Utilities’ customer service?
You can call Frontier’s customer service at 866-926-8192 or chat online with an agent. Both options are available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can access your online account or self-service chat anytime.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team supports our energy provider ratings and recommendations with a transparent, research-backed provider review methodology. Our process includes surveying electricity customers in deregulated markets like Texas, analyzing customer review trends, conducting mystery shopping, and consulting with energy experts. Each provider is scored based on performance in customer satisfaction, loyalty, digital experience, and service quality to produce a final rating on a 5-point scale.