At Choose Texas Power, we aim to provide consistent, reliable information about energy plans. Our partners do not direct our editorial content, though we may reference their products in our posts. Read about how we make money to learn more.
Reliant Energy is well known across Texas for offering competitive energy plans to millions of homes and businesses. Whether you live in Houston, Lubbock, Laredo, or anywhere else in Reliant’s wide service area, our in-depth review can help you decide if a Reliant Energy plan is a good fit for you.
Choose Texas Power rates providers based on customer service, online accessibility, and plan options. The following table shows how our experts scored each component of our Reliant reviews:
Category |
Rating |
|---|---|
| Customer service | 4.9/5 |
| Online accessibility | 5/5 |
| Plan options | 3/5 |
| Overall score | 4.3/5 |
Overall, Reliant Energy scored a 4.3 out of 5 based on our rating methodology. Compared to other electric suppliers in Texas, Reliant’s rating is average. The following highlights each component of our Reliant Energy review.
Your energy provider handles billing questions and manages your electric account, so quality customer service matters when choosing a company. Our experts consider the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) complaint score, Google reviews, and TrustPilot reviews when rating providers.
Reliant scored a 4.9 out of 5 for customer service overall, though its score was brought down slightly by its 4.5 rating on Google.
ChooseTexasPower.org is not affiliated with Power to Choose, powertochoose.org, or the PUCT.
Easy-to-use online tools make managing your electricity plan and usage much simpler. That’s why energy companies with user-friendly online portals and transparent pricing receive higher Choose Texas Power ratings. Reliant Energy allows you to pay your bills online, receive alerts about usage trends, and access transparent pricing, all in one place. These features helped the provider earn a perfect 5 out of 5 for online accessibility in our Reliant electric reviews.
Finding an energy plan that fits your typical household usage and offers savings is a benefit of the deregulated energy market in Texas. We give higher ratings to energy companies that offer a wide range of plans, making it easier to match your usage, budget, and future needs.
Reliant Energy offers several fixed-rate plans with 12- and 24-month options. Each plan has different pricing based on usage levels, and some include benefits like bill credits or usage-based incentives. While these fixed-rate plans offer stability, the provider has a limited selection of other plan types, such as prepaid and variable-rate plans. Our experts scored this provider with a 3 out of 5 for plan options.
| Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 12 plan | 12 months | $0.139 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 24 plan | 24 months | $0.139 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Pure Power 24 plan | 24 months | $0.164 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Pure Power 12 plan | 12 months | $0.164 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Basic Power 12 plan | 12 months | $0.171 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Conservation 12 plan | 12 months | $0.175 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Conservation 24 plan | 24 months | $0.175 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Basic Power 24 plan | 24 months | $0.177 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 2,000 kWh 24 plan | 24 months | $0.217 / kWh |
| Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 2,000 kWh 12 plan | 12 months | $0.217 / kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 2/21/2026, 6:18:14 AM CST for ZIP Code 75001. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
We consult Google, TrustPilot, and the PUCT complaint score to understand real customers’ experiences with an energy provider. These Reliant Energy reviews highlight the provider’s customer service and convenient online features.
However, some customers also complain about expensive bills and high cancellation fees. If you sign up for an electricity plan from Reliant, be sure to review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to avoid any surprise fees. For example, if you cancel your energy plan before the term ends, you may pay an early termination fee (ETF) of up to $295. The EFL will also mention if your price can change during the contract period and list other fees to expect.
“I needed help with a payment not showing up on time. A customer service representative, Cintia, helped me quickly and thoroughly. It gave me great relief knowing she made it where I would not have a late payment. I was very happy with the service.” – Cheryl S., TrustPilot
“The representative I talked with, Miguel, was very helpful and exhibited five-star customer service. He was completely knowledgeable and answered all my questions. Kudos to Miguel!!!” -Jane, TrustPilot
“The company representative did not tell me about the cancellation fee. I just found out when I switched to another company. I was unable to return to Reliant when I tried to cancel the switch.” -Will, TrustPilot
“They double-charged my account and refused to refund me. I had to argue for over an hour to get my money back. After the refund was sent, I was advised that I would have to wait 7-10 business days for a mistake they made. They didn’t care about me as a customer.” -DaNaizah M., Google
The Reliant Pure Power 12 plan is the most popular option from this provider. It’s a 12-month energy plan with straightforward, easy-to-understand pricing that stays predictable month to month. If you prefer a simple rate without needing to meet a certain usage level to earn discounts, this plan may be a good fit.
Since it has a fixed rate, your energy charge remains the same for 12 months. It also comes with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, so you have added flexibility if you decide early on that it’s not a good fit. Keep in mind you may owe a $150 ETF after that period if you cancel before the contract ends.
Before signing up for an energy plan with any provider, it’s important to review its Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to make sure you understand its pricing. Reliant Energy’s pricing structure is similar to many other suppliers, with the most important part to understand being the electricity price section.
This section contains an average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) according to monthly usage and accounts for your base charge (if applicable), energy charge, usage credits (if applicable), and utility delivery fees. Keep in mind that this average price does not include local and state taxes, which are also included on your monthly bill.
Many customers assume that usage/bill credits apply to everyone, but bill credits come with usage requirements. To get the credit, you must use a specific amount of electricity during your bill cycle. If you don’t meet the threshold, you won’t receive the credit, and your bill might be higher than expected.
If you don’t understand a plan’s pricing structure or you have any questions about an estimated monthly bill, feel free to call our team to clear up any confusion.
A great way to exercise your power to choose is to compare multiple energy providers to find the best fit. Each company has benefits and drawbacks depending on your preferences. For example, Reliant Energy may be the best fit for one household, whereas TXU Energy or Direct Energy may work better for another customer.
Since Reliant Energy scores a 5 out of 5 for online accessibility, it may be a good choice if you want easy bill pay, clear pricing, and helpful digital tools. On the other hand, TXU Energy received top scores from our experts in the plan variety category and might appeal to someone who wants more options for contract length, renewable plans, and pricing. Direct Energy delivers a great online experience and excellent customer service. Weighing the pros and cons of each provider can help you choose the company that best fits your budget and preferences. Evaluate these top providers side by side with our in-depth Reliant vs. TXU and Reliant vs. Direct Energy comparison guides.
The following table compares the cheapest electricity rate and monthly bill estimate in kWh for Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, and Direct Energy. Keep in mind that rates vary by location and monthly usage.
Provider and plan |
Rate (cents/kWh) |
Monthly bill estimate (1,000 kWh) |
Additional pricing information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Power Savings 12 | 13.9 cents | $139 | Receive a $50 bill credit if you use 1,000 kWh or more. |
| TXU Smart Edge 12 | 14.5 cents | $145 | Earn a $50 bill credit every month you use 800 kWh or more. |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 12 | 15.9 cents | $159 | Get your usage charge waived for usage below 1,000 kWh. |
These prices are current as of this writing for the 77077 ZIP code. Prices are not guaranteed. Enter your ZIP code to check today’s rates.
Reliant Energy ratings are generally positive, and the company may be a good fit if you value customer service and an easy digital experience. Reliant offers a variety of fixed-rate energy plans that offer price stability for 12 or 24 months. You can compare Reliant Energy plans in your area by entering your ZIP code on our marketplace and filtering by provider.
At the time of writing, Reliant Energy offers cheaper rates than TXU Energy. However, prices shift often and vary by location in Texas’ deregulated market. Enter your ZIP code to browse the latest rates and find out which provider offers the lowest rates in your area.
Yes. If you cancel your fixed-rate electricity plan before the end of the contract, you will be charged an ETF unless you move outside the provider’s service area. The cost varies by contract length, ranging from $150 to $295. You can find the ETF cost on each plan’s EFL.
Whether you are moving to a Reliant service area or switching to a different Reliant plan, Choose Texas Power makes the process easy. Quickly sign up online by entering your ZIP code or calling the number on your screen for more assistance from our agents. Either way, you can explore Reliant Energy plans and rates and sign up in minutes.
Let us put the power in your hands with a new electricity plan.
