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With over 20 years in the energy industry, Direct Energy is one of the largest retail electricity providers (REPs) in North America and a well-known supplier in Texas. At Choose Texas Power, we review deregulated energy providers based on three categories: customer service, online accessibility, and plan options. The following table displays Direct Energy’s ratings.
Category |
Rating |
| Customer service | 3.0 |
| Online accessibility | 5.0 |
| Plan options | 2.3 |
| Overall score | 3.7 |
Based on our provider rating methodology, Direct Energy scored 3.7 out of 5. While the company scored 5.0 on online accessibility, the customer service and plan options categories lowered its overall score. The following explains each category of our review methodology.
Customer service is important with every purchase, but especially when shopping for an energy company in Texas. If you have an issue with your bill or questions about your plan, having dedicated support ready to help you improves your experience. When reviewing Direct Energy’s customer service, we considered its Power to Choose complaint score, Google reviews, satisfaction guarantee, service options, and years in business.
For customer service, Direct Energy scored a 3 out of 5. The two factors impacting the score include the satisfaction guarantee and service options. Direct Energy does not have a satisfaction guarantee, so if you are unhappy with your service and want to switch or cancel, you will incur an early termination fee (ETF). You also do not have the option to change your plan after enrollment.
ChooseTexasPower.org is not affiliated with Power to Choose, powertochoose.org, or the PUCT.
An easy-to-use online platform streamlines your customer experience by having everything you need in one place. Direct Energy scored highest in this section, with a 5 out of 5. Direct Energy’s user-friendly online interface includes convenient features such as online bill pay, real-time usage alerts, and transparent pricing information. These tools empower customers to manage their energy usage effectively and make informed decisions about their plans.
Energy deregulation in Texas gives customers the power to select an energy plan and provider based on their usage and preferences. Over time, your usage habits may change as your lifestyle changes — a provider with multiple plan options can offer long-term flexibility. We rated Direct Energy a 2.3 out of 5 for plan options due to limited plan variety.
For plan options, we review contract length, renewable plans, serviceability, variable-rate plans, and low-credit options. Direct Energy offers two plan lengths, including 12 and 24 months. While there is more than one option for each contract term, customers may want more or less commitment, such as a 6-month or 36-month plan. Direct Energy offers a 100% green energy plan, including Amazon Prime membership benefits. Direct Energy doesn’t offer variable-rate, no deposit, or prepaid energy plan options, which brought down its overall score.
Pros |
Cons |
| 100% renewable plan option | Limited to 12 or 24-month plan lengths |
| User-friendly online tools | No satisfaction guarantee |
| Serves all utilities in Texas | Service quality varies by customer |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 12 | 12 months | $0.155 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 months | $0.155 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 1K+ 24 | 24 months | $0.168 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 12 | 12 months | $0.220 / kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 1/21/2025, 5:54:45 PM CST for ZIP Code 79707. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
Whether Direct Energy is the provider for you depends on your needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the range of plans, pricing structure, customer service reputation, and any additional benefits. If you want a 100% renewable plan, Direct Energy has one available option. If you want different choices, consider a provider specializing in green energy plans, like Gexa Energy. Looking for a provider with the highest quality customer service? TXU Energy is a top-rated energy supplier — learn more about how we ranked the company in our TXU review. Choose Texas Power can quickly help you find the best provider in your area by comparing energy companies, plans, and rates in a few simple steps.
Signing up or switching energy plans is simple with Choose Texas Power. Use the following steps.
Direct Energy offers competitive options to fit your energy needs. Learn more about available Direct Energy plans on the Choose Texas Power marketplace.
You can lock in a fixed rate for 24 months, which is a great option if you plan to stay in the same location for two years. This plan is also a good option for low usage because Direct Energy waives the usage fee when you consume less than 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh). However, when you use less than 1,000 kWh, your rate might be slightly more expensive. You can find the exact rate for each usage tier listed on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL).
If you typically use over 1,000 kWh monthly, consider the Live Brighter 1K+24 plan. You’ll lock in your rate for 24 months and pay a lower price for high electricity use. This plan is a great option for large households who prefer long-term plans.
Electricity rates vary by location, but you can use the following tables to estimate what Direct Energy rates could cost in your area. Each table includes the Direct Energy plans found on our marketplace, contract length, and rate per kWh.
Plan |
Contract length |
Rate for 1000 kWh |
| Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 months | 15.5 cents/kWh |
| Live Brighter 1K+24 | 24 months | 16.8 cents/kWh |
Electricity rates are accurate for the 77077 Houston ZIP code at the time of writing.
Plan |
Contract length |
Rate for 1000 kWh |
| Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 months | 15.5 cents/kWh |
| Live Brighter 1K+24 | 24 months | 16.8 cents/kWh |
Electricity rates are accurate for the 75001 Dallas ZIP code at the time of writing.
Direct Energy rates vary based on location and plan type. Compare rates for your home by entering your ZIP code. If you want to secure the lowest rates, consider other providers such as Discount Power or Frontier Utilities.
Direct Energy serves many cities in Texas, such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Lubbock. The company also provides electricity services in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington, D.C.
You can call Direct Energy’s customer service by dialing 855-461-1926 or contact its team online. Direct Energy’s agents are available 24/7.
Yes. Based on our review, Direct Energy is a reputable provider in Texas. We scored the company a 3.7 out of 5, with high ratings for online accessibility. While the total score is lower than other providers, the company’s
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