4Change Energy is a Texas electricity company with years of experience in the deregulated market. Owned by Value Based Brands, it’s sister companies with Veteran Energy and Express Energy. 4Change Energy offers a wide range of energy plans, including some of the cheapest advertised rates in Texas. You can find 4Change Energy plans throughout deregulated cities in Texas, from Houston and Dallas to Lubbock.
The company earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars in our review and stands out with a perfect score for customer service.
In our February 2025 survey of 1,600 Texans living in deregulated areas of the state, 60% of 4Change customer respondents stated that they would recommend the provider to a friend. However, 28% of respondents said they pay $200 or more per month, which is above average for the providers we rated.
Our Take on 4Change Energy
4Change Energy earned high marks in our review, showcasing strong customer service and low prices from a company that gives back to charitable causes. It earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for service, matching top-rated companies like TXU Energy and Reliant Energy.
Its 4.7 out of 5 overall rating sits well above the 4.5 average rating of Texas electricity providers we reviewed.
Each 4Change Energy plan has fixed rates, so your price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) stays the same for the length of your contract. Most plans also include bill credits or a discount when you use a specific amount of energy.
Bill credit plans offer ultra-low rates when your usage fits the requirements, but you might pay more than expected when it doesn’t. We suggest carefully reviewing your energy usage and ensuring it aligns with the discount requirements before signing up for such a plan.
We generally recommend choosing the One Rate plan. It charges the same rate per kilowatt-hour no matter how much electricity you use, making it easier to budget for your energy costs. You can find a wider variety of plans with time-of-use rates or solar buyback options from providers such as Gexa Energy or TXU.
You can secure cheap electricity rates with a bill credit plan, but the One Rate 12 offers predictable bills with rates slightly above the 14.89 cents per kWh Texas average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). However, this plan is still cheaper than other providers with straightforward plans, such as TXU’s Simple Rate 12 plan.
Pros and Cons
4Change Energy offers strong customer service and competitive energy rates, but its bill credit plans and limited green energy options may not work for every Texas household.
Pros
- Earned an above-average rating of 4.7 out of 5
- Offers some of the lowest rates with bill credit plans
- Provides fixed-rate energy plans to lock in your rate
- Offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Bill credit plans can lead to unpredictable bills
- 100% green energy costs extra
- Fewer plan type options than other providers
4Change Energy Plans
4Change Energy offers 8 fixed-rate plans with 12 or 24-month terms. Several of its plans include a bill credit of $45 or $100 when your usage hits a set level, such as 1,000 kWh or 2,000 kWh. These bill credit plans may suit your needs if your usage regularly meets the bill credit requirements, but otherwise can lead to confusion.
The Maxx Saver Select 12 and 24 don’t have a base charge, but you’ll pay $4.95 per month for the One Rate 12 and Power Maxx Saver plans. The Cash Money 12 offers a $100 Visa Gift Card after you pay your first month’s bill. This is a unique perk, but we recommend reviewing the electricity facts label (EFL) to understand what goes into your total bill.
Each 4Change Energy plan has an early termination fee (ETF) that you’ll pay if you cancel a plan before its contract ends. Most companies charge a flat fee from $99 to $395, but 4Change charges $20 per remaining month on the contract.
| Plan | Type | Term | Rate (Cents per kWh) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxx Saver Select 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 10.6 | $100 bill credit at 1,000 kWh, $0 base charge |
| Maxx Saver Select 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 months | 10.7 | $100 bill credit at 1,000 kWh, $0 base charge |
| Charitable Saver 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 13.2 | |
| One Rate 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 16.1 | Simple pricing, $4.95/month base charge |
| One Rate 24 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 16.4 | |
| Power Maxx Saver 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 18.0 | $100 bill credit at 2,000 kWh, $4.95/month base charge |
| Power Maxx Saver 24 | Fixed-rate | 24 months | 18.6 | $100 bill credit at 2,000 kWh, $4.95/month base charge |
| Cash Money 12 | Fixed-rate | 12 months | 15.9 | $100 Visa gift card, $45 bill credit at 1,000 kWh, $9.95/month base charge |
Green Energy Options
4Change Energy doesn’t offer 100% renewable energy plans by default. Its standard plans are 11% renewable, but you can upgrade your plan to 100% green at any time for $6.95 per month.
4Change Energy Plan and Pricing Structure
4Change Energy plans have a fixed-rate pricing structure, but your total bill will vary based on how much energy you use. Most options include a bill credit when your usage hits a certain level. These credits can lower your average rate only if your usage falls in the right range.
Your usage impacts which energy plan is best for you. Plans like the Maxx Saver Select 12 and 24 may benefit those who use at least 1,000 kWh every month, while the Power Maxx plans might better fit higher usage homes, as the bill credit kicks in at 2,000 kWh.
We generally recommend the One Rate 12 or 24, because the straightforward plan structure is more likely to yield predictable monthly energy costs.
All plans include an EFL explaining pricing, contract term and fees for your energy plan. You can use the EFL to estimate your monthly bill and see how the pricing shifts based on your energy habits. Here’s an example using the One Rate 12 energy plan for the 500 kWh, 1,000 kWh, and 2,000 kWh usage levels.
| Usage | Rate (Cents per kWh) | Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | 17.1 | $85.50 |
| 1,000 kWh | 16.1 | $161 |
| 2,000 kWh | 15.6 | $312 |
For the full details, check out the EFL below. When reviewing the EFL, don’t just look at the advertised prices. Check for the base charge, the energy charge and the utility delivery fees. One note: 4Change passes through the delivery fees but doesn’t list them in the EFL.
4Change Energy’s Customer Experience
Many Texas homeowners reported positive experiences with 4Change Energy based on our 2025 customer survey. For each category we reviewed, 4Change scored above the average for all other providers we rated. Nearly half of the respondents believe they’re paying a fair rate, and the majority reported paying between $100 and $200 per month.
Most customers said they would stay with 4Change when their contract ends, and 60% said they would recommend the provider to a friend. Several mentioned liking 4Change’s low rates and customer service, while 12% wish the provider’s communication and online experience would improve.
| Category | Score (Out of 5) | Average of Providers We Rated (Out of 5) |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Satisfaction | 4.8 | 4.4 |
| Customer Retention | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Online Experience | 4.5 | 4.4 |
| Customer Service | 5.0 | 4.6 |
Most respondents have been with 4Change for under a year, and 20% have stayed for at least five years. About 60% said they likely won’t switch when their contract comes up for renewal, showing strong overall loyalty. Plus, 73% said they’d still be able to afford their monthly bill with a $50 increase. This shows that most customers feel their current rate is affordable and don’t need to switch for cost savings.
4Change Energy Customer Reviews
Many customers shared positive feedback about 4Change Energy in our survey and online reviews. Respondents seem to appreciate low rates, helpful customer service and usage reports. When we asked real customers how well 4Change handles their issues, they gave the company a 4.4 out of 5 stars for resolution.
The company has an overall 4.4 out of 5-star rating on Google with over 14,000 customer reviews. “Never had a problem with my bill and always easy to pay online,” Jesse Z. said.
Other reviewers praised the clear pricing and communication. “The weekly usage reports help me control my energy use before the bill arrives,” said Sandra C. These comments reflect what many customers told us, that they feel informed and supported throughout their energy service.
Some customers expressed frustration with bill credit plans, especially when their usage fell below the required amount.
“My $220 monthly bill hit $505, so I emailed and told them I could only pay half at this time,”Audrey F. shared, but still faced disconnection. Others were surprised by the ETF and other charges.
Always check the EFL to avoid being surprised by fees like this.
4Change Energy Online Experience
We rated the online experience with 4Change Energy slightly above average, with a 4.5 out of 5 overall. The site is easy to navigate and has the tools you need to manage your account, such as bill pay and usage tracking. You can log into your account online or with the company’s mobile app.
- Mobile App: Yes
- Online Bill Pay: Yes
- Usage Tracking: Yes
- Paperless Billing: Yes
- Support Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays
- Contact Methods: Phone, Email, and Chat
4Change Energy vs. Competitors
4Change Energy is competitive with top-rated companies such as Green Mountain Energy and TXU Energy. It earned a 4.7 out of 5, slightly lower than major competitors. 4Change offers some of the lowest rates on the market, along with Frontier Utilities and Gexa Energy. But these rates are with bill credit plans and can be unpredictable when your usage varies month-to-month.
If you prioritize green energy plans, 4Change Energy probably isn’t your go-to company. Green Mountain Energy, Gexa Energy and Rhythm Energy all offer 100% renewable energy plans without an extra monthly fee. However, 4Change’s monthly fee for clean energy is a relatively small fee to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.
TXU Energy offers a wide variety of plans, including free electricity, bill credit options, solar buyback and time-of-use rates. These choices go beyond standard fixed-rate plans and may appeal to homeowners who want more variety.
Compares 4Change to other top light companies in the table below.
| Provider | Overall Rating | Recommended Plan | Plan Features | Rate (Cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4Change Energy | 4.7/5.0 | One Rate 12 | Simple pricing, $4.95/month base charge | 16.1 |
| Green Mountain Energy | 4.9/5.0 | Pollution Free e-Plus 12 | 100% renewable, no base charge | 17.1 |
| TXU Energy | 4.9/5.0 | Simple Rate 12 | Simple fixed-rate | 18.6 |
Is 4Change Energy Right for You?
4Change Energy is a good choice if you’re searching for low rates, clear pricing, and dependable service. It’s best if you want fixed rates and don’t mind tracking your usage to make sure you earn the monthly bill credit discounts. Homes consistently using more than 1,000 or 2,000 kWh may receive some of the lowest rates on the market.
Check past energy bills to see how your usage changes throughout the year. If it varies from season to season, the One Rate 12 plan offers more predictable pricing. You may find a lower rate with another provider, so compare all your options before signing up.
Consider 4Change Energy if:
- You prioritize low rates and helpful customer service
- Your typical usage is consistently above 1,000 or 2,000 kWh per month
- You’re looking for fixed-rate plans with bill credit discounts
Consider alternatives if:
- You need 100% renewable plans without added fees
- Your household usage changes often
- You prioritize plan variety
How To Sign Up for 4Change Energy
You can sign up online or over the phone on the company’s website or an energy plan marketplace, such as our partners at Home Energy Club, in just a few minutes. If you sign up before 2 p.m, you can get same-day service through 4Change.
Just enter your ZIP code, filter the results by 4Change Energy and review the plan offerings. Then, sign up for the right plan for your needs. The provider will run a soft credit check to determine if you owe a deposit. They’ll ask for the information below.
- Valid ID
- Social Security Number or Tax ID
- Service address
- Payment information
- Past energy bills
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 4Change Energy require a deposit?
4Change Energy may require a deposit depending on the results of a soft credit check. This check won’t impact your credit score. Typically, most people will owe a small deposit. However, you may qualify for a deposit waiver if you meet certain criteria or can provide proof of timely payments with your current provider.
Read more: No-deposit energy plans
What is 4Change Energy’s cancellation policy?
You’ll pay $20 per remaining month on your contract if you cancel a plan before the contract ends. That means you’ll owe $240 if you cancel a 24-month plan halfway through.
What areas does 4Change Energy serve?
4Change operates in deregulated areas of Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi and more. You can enter your ZIP code on the provider’s website to see the plan options in your area.
How do I contact 4Change Energy’s customer service?
You can call 855-784-2426 for 4Change’s customer care team or email service@4ChangeEnergy.com. The company’s website lists the best times to call.
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.