Reliant Energy has served Texans for 25 years and consistently ranks among the best electricity companies in the state. It’s owned by NRG Energy, one of the largest power producers in the U.S., and offers electricity plans through deregulated areas in Texas.
The provider earned a strong 4.9 out of 5 rating in our 2025 provider review, placing it in the top two of all the Texas electricity companies we evaluated. Customers rate Reliant highly for its dependable service, plan variety, and excellent customer support.
According to our February 2025 survey of 1,600 Texans living in deregulated areas, Reliant performs well in customer retention, with 44% of respondents saying they’ve been with the provider for 5 years or more. Additionally, 61% of respondents said they likely won’t switch providers when their contract ends.
Read on to learn more about this top-rated energy provider in Texas.
Our Take on Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy is a great choice for homes searching for top-notch service, plan variety and a provider you can stick with long term. It earned 5 out of 5 scores in our 2025 customer survey for customer service, online experience and customer retention. These ratings ranked it in the top two companies out of the dozens we reviewed.
The company has a vast stable of plan types, offering fixed-rate, variable-rate, time-of-use, and other plan types. With so many options, you can choose the plan that fits your needs now and switch plans under the same provider in the future when your needs change.
Higher quality providers come with a higher price tag. You can expect to pay above the statewide average energy rate, which is 15.30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). You may find that the added cost is worth it for peace of mind, but it might not be a good fit if you prioritize the cheapest rate.
Pros and Cons
Here’s what we found in our 2025 Reliant Energy review and customer survey about what they like most and what could be improved.
Pros
- Perfect scores for customer service, retention and online experience
- 71% of respondents would recommend Reliant
- Over 25 years in business with strong brand trust
Cons
- Rates tend to exceed the state average
- 45% of respondents dislike the pricing
- 34% were unhappy with cancellation fees
Reliant Energy Plans
Reliant Energy offers a wide variety of electricity plan types with lengths ranging from month-to-month to 36 months. Most options are fixed-rate plans, giving you a stable price per kWh and more consistent monthly bills. Some plans include bill credits based on how much energy you use, but these can lead to higher costs if your usage doesn’t meet the set thresholds.
We recommend reading the plan details closely before signing up. A plan that looks cheap initially could cost you more later if your usage doesn’t align with the discount requirements. Consider a straightforward fixed-rate plan for simple and predictable bills.
Here are a few top Reliant Energy plans to consider:
| Plan | Type | Term (Months) | Average Rate (Cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Power Savings 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 months | 13.9 |
| Reliant Get More, Save More 36 | Fixed-rate | 36 months | 18.1 |
| Reliant Secure Advantage 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 18.8 |
| Reliant Apartment 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 18.9 |
| Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 19.8 |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 19.8 |
| Reliant Clear Flex | Variable-rate | Month-to-month | 19.2 |
| Reliant Prepaid Power | Variable-rate | Month-to-month | 19.3 |
Green Energy Options
You can choose from renewable energy plans, such as the Truly Free Nights 100% Solar plan, which gives you free electricity at night and offsets your usage with solar power. Reliant Energy also offers the option to make any plan 100% renewable with the Make It Solar program for a $9.99 monthly fee. Choosing a green energy plan is a great way to support clean power initiatives without installing solar panels on your home.
Reliant Energy Plan and Pricing Structure
Reliant Energy plans usually include fixed rates, meaning your energy charge stays the same throughout the contract term. These plans are usually easier to budget for, especially compared to time-of-use or variable-rate plans.
However, some fixed-rate options come with bill credits, time-of-use discounts and tiered rates, which only apply if you hit a specific usage level. When you don’t meet the usage requirements for these discounts, you’ll pay a steep energy rate.
You’ll also see transmission and distribution utility (TDU) fees on your monthly bill. These fees come from your local utility and vary based on where you live. Reliant includes these charges in the advertised rate on your electricity facts label (EFL), so you get a more accurate estimate of your monthly costs.
Here’s a sample breakdown of what you might pay with the Basic Power 12 plan:
| Usage | Rate | Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | 20.2¢/kWh | $101 |
| 1,000 kWh | 17.8¢/kWh | $178 |
| 2,000 kWh | 17.5¢/kWh | $350 |
The EFL is a standardized document that breaks down your electricity plan’s pricing details, fees and key terms, so you can easily compare options before signing up. Reviewing the EFL can help you prevent surprises on your energy bill by learning how your plan works and what to expect.
Reliant Energy’s Customer Experience
In our 2025 Reliant Energy review, the provider earned a 4.9 out of 5 overall and perfect scores for customer retention, service and online experience. The only category below a 5 out of 5 is customer satisfaction. But still, Reliant scored about 9% above the Texas average in this category.
Here’s the breakdown of our Reliant Energy review:
| Category | Score (Out of 5) | Average of Providers We Reviewed (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| Customer Retention | 5.0 | 4.5 |
| Online Experience | 5.0 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 5.0 | 4.6 |
Most survey respondents gave positive reviews for Reliant Energy. About 71% said they would recommend Reliant to a friend, and 99% said it is easy to see your monthly bill and make payments. Almost half have been with Reliant for five years or longer, and only 5% plan to switch energy companies when their contract ends. These results show that customers truly trust Reliant Energy for dependable service and transparent plans.
Reliant Energy Customer Reviews
Reliant Energy has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews from more than 6,000 responses. Many customers praise the company’s helpful support team, simple online tools, and overall reliability. In our 2025 survey, Reliant also received praise for issue resolution and easy payments.
Many reviewers spoke about their experience with customer service.
“Had a very pleasant call with Reliant Energy yesterday. The first representative was very nice and professional. However, he wasn’t able to help with everything that I needed done. So he transferred me to another person who took care of all my needs very pleasantly. Will always do business with Reliant,” said Judy H.
However, a few customers expressed frustration with unexpected billing issues or high prices.
“My final bill was $140 more than my average bill. Ridiculous. Glad I’m done with this company,” said Bria.
Still, most Reliant Energy reviews are from happy customers who appreciate reliable service from a trusted provider.
Reliant Energy Online Experience
Reliant makes it easy to manage your online account through its mobile app or online portal. You can track your electricity use, compare historical usage and pay bills with a few clicks. The website is simple to navigate and offers a variety of resources to understand your plan, how to set up service, and save money on energy.
- Mobile App: Yes
- Online Bill Pay: Yes
- Usage Tracking: Yes
- Paperless Billing: Yes
- Support Hours: 2/7
- Contact Methods: Phone, Email, Chat
Reliant Energy vs. Competitors
Reliant Energy is one of the highest-rated electricity providers in Texas. It earned a 4.9 out of 5 in our review and ties with competitors, such as TXU Energy and Green Mountain Energy. All three have strong customer loyalty, digital tools and many plan options.
Reliant has stronger customer loyalty and higher satisfaction across categories than TXU. About 71% of Reliant customers said they would recommend the company to a friend, while only 63% of TXU customers said the same. While both providers are backed by decades of experience and wide service areas, Reliant’s pricing and better communication ratings might be a better fit depending on your preferences.
Green Mountain is the most eco-friendly of the three and only offers 100% renewable energy plans. It scored highest in customer satisfaction with a 5 out of 5, and 70% of respondents would recommend it to a friend. For those who want a greener option and don’t mind a simpler digital setup, it may be a better fit.
But if you want well-rounded service, solid digital tools and consistent communication, Reliant offers the most balance. Regardless of the plan or provider you pick, you have to check the EFL to ensure you’ll save money based on your usage.
| Provider | Overall Rating (Out of 5) | Recommended Plan | Plan Features | Rate (Cents per kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Energy | 4.9 | Basic Power 12 | Fixed-rate and waives usage fee when you use at least 1,000 kWh | 17.8 |
| TXU Energy | 4.9 | Simple Rate 12 | Simple fixed-rate | 18.6 |
| Green Mountain Energy | 4.9 | Pollution Free e-Plus 12 | 100% renewable, no base charge | 17.1 |
Is Reliant Energy Right for You?
Reliant Energy is a great fit if you’re looking for a provider with top-rated customer service, flexible plan options and a strong reputation for quality. It’s a great choice for households that care more about long-term value than the cheapest electricity rate. Reliant makes it simple to stay on top of your energy use and avoid surprises with its mobile app and online portal.
That said, you may consider other providers if you want the lowest possible rate or straightforward renewable plans. Reliant offers 100% green energy plans, but your options include bill credits or time-of-use rates. Providers like Green Mountain Energy focus on renewable plans. But for most Texans searching for a trusted provider with great service, Reliant is tough to beat.
Consider Reliant Energy if:
- You prioritize helpful customer support
- Your typical usage is over 1,000 kWh per month, and you want to avoid usage fees
- You’re looking for a plan option variety from a provider you can stay with long-term
Consider alternatives if:
- You need the cheapest rate possible
- Your household prefers a variety of variable-rate options
- You prioritize straightforward 100% renewable plans
How To Sign Up for Reliant Energy
You can sign up for a Reliant Energy plan in just a few minutes online or over the phone. Start by entering your ZIP code to compare energy plans and find the best fit for your home. We recommend using a marketplace site, such as Home Energy Club, to compare all of your options in one place.
Unless you choose a prepaid energy plan, you’ll need to pass a credit check and may owe a deposit based on your credit history. Once enrolled, Reliant will handle the transition from your previous provider, and you can enjoy reliable power.
What You’ll Need
- Valid ID
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Service address
- Payment information
- A letter of credit from a previous provider to waive deposit fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reliant Energy require a deposit?
Reliant may require a deposit based on your credit score and payment history. You can qualify for a deposit waiver by meeting certain criteria set by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUCT) or by providing a letter from your previous energy company showing 12 months of on-time payments.
What is Reliant Energy’s cancellation policy?
Reliant Energy’s fixed rate plans include a cancellation fee when you end the contract before it’s over. The cost varies by plan, but generally costs $150 for a 12-month plan, $295 for 24 months, and $395 for 36 months. You won’t have to pay the fee if you’re moving outside Reliant’s service area.
How does Reliant Energy handle bill credits?
Some plans offer bill credits where you pay a cheaper rate when you use a specific amount of energy each month. You won’t receive the credit if your usage doesn’t meet the threshold, and your effective rate may be higher. Be sure to check your plan’s EFL to understand the credit structure and avoid surprises on your bill.
Does Reliant Energy offer renewable energy plans?
Yes, Reliant offers 100% solar plans such as the Truly Free Nights 100% Solar plan, and you can also add the Make It Solar option to any plan for $9.99 per month. This feature purchases renewable energy certificates (RECs) to match your usage, helping reduce your carbon footprint without needing solar panels at home.
What areas does Reliant Energy serve?
Reliant operates throughout deregulated areas in Texas. This includes cities like Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi and Galveston. Enter your ZIP code on Reliant’s website or a marketplace like Home Energy Club to find available plans in your area.
How do I contact Reliant Energy’s customer service?
You can reach Reliant’s customer service 24/7 by phone, live chat or email. You can also manage your account, view your bill or request support through the Reliant mobile app or online portal.
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.