Compare Direct Energy Rates and Plans

Author:
Michael Roberts
Editor:
Tim Wasson
Last Updated:
8-23-2023
cheapest Direct Energy Electricity rates and plans in Texas
12 Month Fixed Rate
15.8 ¢ effective rate per kWh

Live Brighter Lite 12

call (866) 645-2643
  • 12
  • monthsmo.
  • Avg. BillAvg.
  • $158
Plan Details
Live Brighter Lite 12 Details
  • Early Termination Fee: $150
  • Monthly Recurring Charge: $9.95
  • fixed-rate
  • 12 Months
(Note: The Early Termination Fee will not be charged if you end your contract early because you are moving out.)
Pricing Details
Monthly Usage 500 kWh 1000 kWh 2000 kWh
Estimated Bill $82 $158 $322
Average Price Per kWh 16.300¢ 15.800¢ 16.100¢
or call (866) 645-2643
Rates as of May 10, 2025 at 08:15 PM

Our Take on Direct Energy

Our Rating:
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How We Rate

We aggregate data from multiple sources, including our customer reviews, rates, Public Utility Commission statistics, JD Power ratings, Better Business Bureau, and surveys.

Direct Energy was another of the original competitive retail energy providers. NRG purchased Direct Energy in 2021. Our view is that Direct Energy serves as a flank brand with great brand equity, an established customer base of over half a million Texas customers and competitive rates. If it aint broke. . .

Direct Energy offers competitive rates, and some cool incentives, including Amazon Prime and Green energy options. Rates are good - not great.

Direct Energy has never made it to our Best in Texas list. They tick most of the boxes - except we've never seen their prices come down to where they are competitive.

Based on customer reviews from 2009-2024, Direct Energy has a mixed reputation. Common complaints include unexpected rate increases, billing errors, poor customer service with long hold times and unhelpful representatives, difficulty canceling service, and aggressive collection practices including fees for late payments. While some customers praise competitive initial rates and reliable service, many report feeling misled by promotional offers and experiencing frustration with the company's billing practices and customer support.
Pros
  • thumb_upLarge Stable Provider
  • thumb_upCompetitive Rates
  • thumb_upModern Account Management tools
Cons
  • thumb_downAmazon Plan - Not worth it
  • thumb_down"Free" Nights/Weekend Plans are not "Free"
  • thumb_downHit or Miss Customer Support

Direct Energy Customer Reviews

Direct Energy Ratings
Overall Rating
Average Rating
2.9/5 of 401 Reviews
Plans & Pricing
Order Experience
Customer Service
Account Management
Likely to Recommend
No problems for 13 years...knock on wood.
Overall Rating:
Plans & Pricing
Order Experience
Customer Service
Account Management
Likely to Recommend

I've had Direct Energy at my apartment for nearly 13 years and have had no problems whatsoever with them. I had a contract with them when they were Houston-based, but when a Canadian firm bought them out, they refunded my $250.00 deposit with credits during the summer of 2012 and have been month to month since. My rates have been ok, around 11 cents/kwh, maybe 14 during the summer add Centerpoint carrying charges and taxes and it comes to around 21 cents/kwh on a monthly basis. They try to get me to go for "free nights" but there's no such thing as free electricity. All in all, Direct Energy is one of the best deals out there, with very little interruptions and great service.

— Scotty C. from Houston, TX on July 7th, 2022

Hello Scotty. We are super honored and grateful to have your trust and loyalty for nearly 13 years! That is so fabulous, there are not enough words to express how happy this makes us! We will work as hard as we can to continue as your trusted electricity supplier for many more years. Thank you for choosing Direct Energy. We love serving you! All the best! - Marta / Digital Care

— Direct Energy on July 7th, 2022

Customer Reviews

Direct Energy Electricity Plans

Houston - Centerpoint Service Area Plans

Plan Term Rate
Live Brighter Lite 24 24/months 14.9¢/kWh
Live Brighter Lite 12 12/months 15.8¢/kWh
Live Brighter 1K+ 24 24/months 17.1¢/kWh
Live Brighter 12 12/months 22.0¢/kWh
Twelve Hour Power 12 12/months 22.5¢/kWh
Rates as of May 10, 2025 at 08:15 PM

Dallas - Oncor Service Area Plans

Plan Term Rate
Live Brighter Lite 12 12/months 16.6¢/kWh
Live Brighter Lite 24 24/months 16.6¢/kWh
Live Brighter 1K+ 24 24/months 17.9¢/kWh
Live Brighter 12 12/months 22.1¢/kWh
Twelve Hour Power 12 12/months 22.6¢/kWh
Rates as of May 10, 2025 at 08:15 PM

Lubbock - LPL Service Area Plans

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Electricity

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