Provider comparison

Reliant vs TXU Energy

Reliant and TXU are the two biggest legacy electricity brands in Texas, and they are more alike than different. Reliant comes out slightly ahead because its plans are easier to compare, but neither is the best value if you want a low, predictable bill.

Last reviewed November 2, 2026

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Reliant vs TXU at a Glance

Both charge above-market prices, both offer one of the broadest plan catalogs in the state, and both deliver an excellent app and customer experience. The difference is in the plans: TXU offers more unusual plans, such as Season Pass, that can be confusing and may cost more than they first appear to.

Both providers are graded on the same four criteria. The higher grade in each row is shown in purple.

CriterionReliantTXU
Overall grade
C+ (higher grade)
C
Price Competitiveness
C
C
Pricing Transparency
C+ (higher grade)
C-
Customer Experience
A-
A-
Renewal Practices
B-
B-
Our award
—
—
Lowest 12-month fixed rate
14.9¢/kWh
18.0¢/kWh
Contract lengths
8 to 24 months
12 months
Customer service
866-222-7100
800-242-9113

Grades last reviewed November 3, 2026. Rates are each provider's lowest 12-month fixed-rate plan at 1,000 kWh in the Houston (CenterPoint) area, excluding bill-credit and prepaid plans, refreshed daily. How we grade

Our four criteria

How Reliant and TXU Compare

  1. Price Competitiveness

    Reliant CTXU C

    Both price above the market average. With either one, you pay for the brand, the product range and the service, not the lowest bill. Shoppers who compare carefully can usually find the same electricity for less from another provider.

  2. Pricing Transparency

    Reliant C+TXU C-

    Both catalogs are broad, which makes the true cost harder to judge. TXU goes further with more unusual plans, such as Season Pass. Plans like these can be confusing and may cost more than they first appear to at your actual usage. Reliant also sells bill-credit and time-of-use plans, but its lineup is easier to compare. Read the Electricity Facts Label for either one.

  3. Customer Experience

    Reliant A-TXU A-

    This is where both providers stand out, and they are evenly matched. Each has one of the best mobile apps in Texas, polished account tools, and clear billing and outage communication. TXU adds customer guarantees and 24/7 support.

  4. Renewal Practices

    Reliant B-TXU B-

    Both renew customers at prices that are usually less competitive than current market offers. Neither is a good provider to stay with on autopilot. Compare renewal pricing with today's market before you extend a contract with either one.

Other Differences

  • Extras beyond electricity

    Reliant leans into the home: smart home technology through Vivint, home protection plans and solar programs. TXU leans into usage programs: Connected Conservation, Battery Rewards, Solar Buyback, smart thermostat offers and EV charging programs.

  • Prepaid and home battery plans

    Reliant offers prepaid plans and TXU does not. TXU offers a home battery program and Reliant does not.

  • Reliability is the same

    Neither provider delivers more reliable power. Your local utility owns the poles and wires and handles outages, whichever provider you choose.

Plan options

Plan Types Each Provider Offers

Which of the major Texas plan categories each provider currently offers. Availability varies by service area, so confirm during enrollment.

Plan typeReliantTXU
  • Fixed-Rate PlansOfferedOffered
  • Bill Credit PlansOfferedOffered
  • Time-of-Use PlansOfferedOffered
  • EV PlansOfferedOffered
  • Solar Buyback PlansOfferedOffered
  • 100% Renewable PlansOfferedOffered
  • Home Battery Programs—Not offeredOffered
  • Prepaid PlansOffered—Not offered

Not sure which plan type fits your home? Explore Texas electricity plan types

Current plans

Reliant and TXU Plans and Rates

Each provider's lowest-priced current plans at 1,000 kWh, refreshed daily. Compare plans at your own usage, not the advertised rate, and check the Electricity Facts Label before you enroll. Prices shown for the Houston (CenterPoint Energy) service area.

Reliant Energy Plans

  • Reliant Power On 8 Plan

    View EFL

    Term: 8 months

    Features: Fixed · 22% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 14.0¢/kWh

  • Reliant Power On 13

    View EFL

    Term: 13 months

    Features: Fixed · 22% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 14.8¢/kWh

  • Reliant Power On 18

    View EFL

    Term: 18 months

    Features: Fixed · 22% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 14.8¢/kWh

  • Reliant Power On 12 Plan

    View EFL

    Term: 12 months

    Features: Fixed · 22% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 14.9¢/kWh

  • Reliant Power On 24 Plan

    View EFL

    Term: 24 months

    Features: Fixed · 22% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 15.3¢/kWh

TXU Energy Plans

  • Free Nights & Cool Summer 12

    View EFL

    Term: 12 months

    Features: Fixed · Bill credit · Time-of-use · 3% Renewable · New customers only

    Price at 1,000 kWh: 18.5¢/kWh

Our recommendation

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Reliant if

  • You want a premium brand and excellent service with simpler pricing
  • You'd like smart home, home protection or solar services from the same company
  • You want a prepaid plan from a major brand
Read our Reliant Energy review

Choose TXU if

  • You want a specialty plan, such as Solar Buyback, EV charging or a home battery program
  • You're willing to check seasonal and bill-credit terms against your actual usage
  • Customer guarantees and 24/7 support matter to you
Read our TXU Energy review

Still deciding between Reliant and TXU? Tell us about your home and we'll recommend the plan that fits your usage, even if it's from another provider.

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Our picks

What We Recommend Instead

We rarely recommend Reliant or TXU. Other providers offer similar service at a lower price, so most households can do better. These are our picks.

  • Best for Maximum Savings

    Rhythm Energy

    B+

    For the lowest bill. Rhythm competes aggressively on price and pairs it with one of the best digital experiences in Texas.

    Read our Rhythm Energy review

  • Best at the Basics

    Champion Energy

    A-

    For service and stability. Straightforward fixed-rate plans, reliable customer service and fair treatment at renewal.

    Read our Champion Energy review

See every graded provider in our Best Electricity Providers in Texas rankings.

Questions

Reliant vs TXU: Common Questions

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