Category: Reviews

Texas energy plans reviewed. Find out if a company energy plan is right for you.

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Twelve-Hour Power by Direct Energy

Twelve Hour Power is one of two offers from Direct Energy that advertise free electricity during certain times of the week. 

If you’re reading this, you probably heard or saw an ad from Direct Energy promoting this plan and wonder if it suits your home. 

We broke down the details and have some tips to help you make an informed energy decision for your household. 

Is Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power right for me?

Most “free-time” electricity plans don’t make sense because they cost more yearly than standard fixed-rate plans.

With energy costs at high levels, Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power could save you money by shifting your usage.

If you can hold off until 9 p.m. for things like laundry that consumes a lot of electricity, this plan is designed to save you money each week.

Important: Direct Energy includes the free nighttime usage discount in the advertised rate for this plan. You will NOT see an added discount on your electricity usage and MUST shift at least 45% of your usage to the night to get the advertised rate.

Free electricity could help with your bills, but you need to shop with your home’s electricity usage to make sure Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power is a good choice.

Before buying into the advertising hype, input your electricity usage here on ComparePower, and we’ll show you a detailed pricing breakdown for every plan.

Compare Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power pricing with fixed-rate plans to determine which plan will help you save the most on electricity throughout the year.

The number one rule in finding the right power plan is to understand your usage.

This 2-minute video that explains everything you need to know ⤵️
Note: The easiest way to get 12 months of usage history is to log into your provider dashboard. You can also create an account with Smart Meter Texas to get usage readings for your home in 15-minute intervals. 

Quickly determine if Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power is right for your home with your kilowatt-hour usage ⤵️

What is Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power?

Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power is a “time-of-use” plan. With time-of-use plans, you get a discount, or even free electricity, during certain times of the day or year.

These discounts can stack up to actual savings, but only if you can shift your usage to when you get a discount.

With Twelve Hour Power, Direct Energy offers free electricity during the night. From 9 p.m. to 8:59 a.m., the energy charge on your bill is discounted to zero.

You can use as much electricity as you want, without worrying about a high electric bill at the end of the month.

Direct Energy offers a 12-month and 24-month contract to get free electricity at night for an extended period.

With the 12-month contract, Direct Energy discounts your energy charge if you sign up for autopay.

How does Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power work?

Direct Twelve Hour Power is a time-of-use plan, meaning you get discount electricity during certain times throughout the year.

Twelve Hour Power was created to provide free electricity at night, helping you budget for electricity and reduce your bills.

Night discount

Direct Energy discounts your electricity from 9 pm until 8:59 am daily. 

Important: This discount only applies to the energy charge on your bill. 

During the night, Direct Energy cuts the energy charge of your bill to zero, and the TDU charges are not passed on to you. 

How much does Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power cost?

At the time of writing, Direct Energy listed Twelve Hour Power at 26.3 cents per kWh at 1000 kWh monthly usage in the Oncor service area, which includes the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

This price includes a 0.5 cent per kWh discount for signing up for autopay. Direct Energy advertises Free Power Twelve Hour Power at 26.5 cents per kWh at 1000 kWh monthly usage if you do not sign up for autopay.

A base fee of $9.95 is charged each month regardless of the amount of electricity you use.

Important: Direct Energy includes the discounts in the advertised 26.3 cents per kWh price for the Oncor area. You will NOT see an additional discount on your electricity usage.

No one uses 1000 kWh every month, and your usage will vary, affecting the rate you pay.

If you are considering signing up for Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power, make sure you shop with your home’s actual usage to see if you will benefit from the discount. 

Average Texan 

Are you similar to the average Texan? According to eia.gov, the average Texan paid 12.8 cents per kWh for electricity in 2021. 

With an average monthly usage of 1,132 kWh, the average Texas electricity bill would be around $144.90. 

With the weather in Texas swinging each season, your usage and electricity bill can change as quickly as the weather. 

Remember that these average numbers are taken from statewide data and that your usage could be drastically different based on the size and age of your home, your appliances, and your electricity usage habits. 

Twelve Hour Power 

Compared to the Texas average, Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power is more expensive at 26.3 cents per kWh advertised at 1000 kWh usage. 

At 1,132 kWh of usage, your average monthly bill with Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power would be $298.91. 

That’s almost 107% more than the average Texan paid last year for their electricity bills. 

Your electricity bill could be even more expensive, especially if you can’t shift at least 45% of your electricity usage to the weekend. 

Other fees 

You’ll find a Base and TDU delivery charge alongside your energy charge on your bill.  

Direct Energy collects a base charge of $9.95 regardless of your monthly electricity. 

The TDU charge depends on which company services the area that you live in. The TDU charge for the Oncor area, covering the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, is currently 3.89 cents per kWh. Oncor also collects a base charge of $3.42 each month. 

Direct Energy, Twelve Hour Power, also has an early termination fee of $150 for the 12-month contract and $295 for the 24-month contract. 

Before signing up, shop with your home’s unique usage profile to avoid high bills and the need to end your contract early. 

Digging into the Terms of Service, Direct Energy lists additional fees for late payments, returned payments, collection recovery, disconnect recovery, and any payments made with the help of customer support agents. 

If you regularly need help with payments, consider a different electricity plan to avoid these fees. 

Are you getting free electricity?

You might wonder if there is any catch for getting the nights free with Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power. 

Most providers offer free electricity plans and pass on TDU charges to you during those periods. You seem to be getting that electricity for free, but you still pay for your usage during the free periods. 

Unlike other free nights and weekend plans, Direct Energy’s Twelve Hour Power stands out because the electricity is free at night. 

Direct Energy discounts your energy charge to zero during the nights and does not pass on TDU charges. 

Direct Energy does charge a base fee of $9.95 each month, so even if all your usage was during your free time, you would still have to pay a small amount. 

Direct Energy’s Twelve Hour Power is one of the few free nights and weekends plans that offer free electricity usage during the nights. 

Direct Energy Twelve-Hour Power alternatives

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Reliant Truly Free Nights 

Reliant Truly Free Nights is part of a trio of free electricity plans that Reliant launched to target different times of the week. 

If you’re reading this, you probably heard or saw an ad from Reliant Energy promoting its latest plan and wondering if it is right for your home. 

We did a deep dive into the details and have some tips to help you make an informed energy decision for your household. 

Is Reliant Truly Free Nights right for me?

We caution our readers against “free-time” electricity plans because they usually cost more yearly than standard fixed-rate plans.

But with electricity prices at high levels, Reliant Truly Free Nights might save you some money if you can take advantage of the free time.

If you use more electricity at night than during the day, this plan will help you cut your electricity costs.

Important: Reliant includes the free night usage discount in the advertised rate for this plan. You will NOT see an additional discount on your electricity usage and MUST shift at least 42% of your usage to the night to get the advertised rate.

Reliant Truly Free Nights could cost you significantly more throughout the year if you cannot shift your usage to the night.

Free electricity could be a game changer for you, but you need to shop with your home’s electricity usage to make sure you pick the right plan for your home.

Before buying into the advertising hype, input your electricity usage here on ComparePower, and we’ll show you a detailed pricing breakdown for every plan.

Compare Reliant Truly Free Weekends pricing with fixed-rate plans, so you know which will help you save the most on electricity throughout the year. 

The number one rule in finding the right power plan is to understand your usage.

This 2-minute video that explains everything you need to know ⤵️

Quickly determine if Reliant Truly Free Nights is right for your home with your kilowatt-hour usage👇

Note: The easiest way to get 12 months of usage history is to log into your provider dashboard. You can also create an account with Smart Meter Texas to get usage readings for your home in 15-minute intervals.

What is Reliant Truly Free Nights? 

Reliant Truly Free Nights is also known as a “time-of-use” plan. With time-of-use plans, you get a discount, or even free electricity, during certain times of the day or year. 

These discounts can stack up to actual savings, but only if you can shift your usage to the times when you are getting a discount.

With Truly Free Nights, Reliant offers free electricity during the night. You can use as much electricity as you want, without worrying about a high electric bill at the end of the month.

Do some laundry, cook dinner, and binge-watch shows after 8 pm. 

How does Reliant Truly Free Nights work? 

Reliant Truly Free Nights is a time-of-use plan, meaning you get discounted electricity during certain times throughout the year.

It was created to give you free electricity during the night to help keep your electricity bills in control.

Truly Free Nights is also powered by 100% renewable solar energy. Reliant purchases renewable energy credits (RECs) to cover your annual usage. 

Night Discount 

From 8 pm until 6 am, Reliant discounts your electricity. 

Important: This discount only applies to the energy charge on your bill. 

The plan does not discount the other part of your bill, including Transmission and Distribution (TDU) base and energy charges. 

How much does Reliant Truly Free Nights cost? 

At the time of writing, Reliant listed Truly Free Nights at 26.1 cents per kWh at 1000 kWh monthly usage in the Oncor service area, which includes the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Important: Reliant includes the discounts in the advertised 26.1 cents per kWh price for the Oncor area. You will NOT see an additional discount on your electricity usage.

No one uses 1000 kWh every month, and your usage will vary, affecting the rate you pay.

If you are considering signing up for Reliant Truly Free Nights, make sure you shop with your home’s actual usage to see if you will benefit from the discount. 

Average Texan 

Are you similar to the average Texan? According to eia.gov, the average Texan paid 12.8 cents per kWh for electricity in 2021. 

With average usage of 1,132 kWh per month, the average Texas electricity bill would be right around $144.90 each month. 

With the weather in Texas swinging each season, your usage and electricity bill can change as quickly as the weather.  

Remember that these average numbers are taken from statewide data and that your usage could be drastically different based on the size and age of your home, your appliances, and your electricity usage habits. 

Truly Free Nights 

Reliant Truly Free Nights is more expensive than the Texas average from last year at 26.1 cents per kWh at 1000 kWh usage. 

At 1,132 kWh usage, you would be looking at an electricity bill for approximately $309.33 on the Truly Free Weekends plan. 

That’s 113% more than the average Texan paid on electricity bills last year. 

Granted, that $309.33 bill assumes that you shift at least 42% of your monthly electricity usage to the night. 

Your electricity bill could be significantly more expensive than the Texas average if you signed up for Reliant Truly Free Nights, especially if your usage doesn’t match the free time discounts. 

Other fees 

You’ll find a TDU delivery charge alongside your energy charge on your bill. 

The TDU charge depends on which company services the area that you live in. The TDU charge for the Oncor area, covering the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, is currently 3.89 cents per kWh. Oncor also collects a base charge of $3.42 each month. 

Reliant Truly Free Nights also has an early termination fee of $150 if you end the plan before your contract expires. 

Before signing up, make sure you shop with your home’s unique usage profile to avoid high bills and the need to end your contract early. 

Digging into the Terms of Service, Reliant lists additional fees for returned payments, disconnection notices, disconnection recovery, and late payments. 

If you regularly need to pay your bills late, you might consider a different electricity plan to avoid these fees. 

Are you getting free electricity? 

You might wonder if there is any catch for getting free electricity at night with Reliant Truly Free Nights. 

While Reliant discounts your energy charge to zero during the nights, unfortunately, you won’t get electricity for free. 

TDU charges from Oncor are currently 3.89 cents per kWh, so you’ll see a charge for electricity on your bill. Oncor also charges $3.42 each month regardless of the electricity you use. 

Regardless of Reliant’s discount, your TDU will charge you for electricity. 

Reliant Truly Free Nights alternatives

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Any product or company names, marks, or logos shown on this page are the property of their respective owners. Compare Power is an unaffiliated, independent marketplace. Get unbiased, accurate information backed by our commitment to editorial integrity.

TXU Free Nights & Weekends

If you’ve been considering the TXU Free Nights & Weekends plan, you might be enticed by the promise of free electricity during certain hours.

But before you make the switch, it’s important you understand the true cost of this plan and determine if it’s the right fit for your household.

At ComparePower, we’re committed to being your trusted guide. Our energy experts have analyzed the TXU Free Nights & Weekends plan so you can make an informed decision and maximize your savings potential.

Also, read our review of TXU Free Nights & Solar Days.

TL;DR: While the TXU Free Nights & Weekend plan might seem attractive at first glance, it could cost you hundreds of dollars more per year than other available plans. If you can’t shift a significant portion of your energy usage to the designated “free” hours, you might be better off with a lower fixed-rate plan.

Understanding TXU Free Nights & Weekends

Rates, terms, and availability may have changed since the time of writing.

The TXU Energy1 Free Nights & Weekends plan offers free electricity during designated hours at night and on weekends.

However, it’s important to be aware of the higher per-kWh rates that apply during non-free periods.

If you really want this plan to work, you have to be smart about how you use your energy.

It’s like playing “Beat the Clock” with your appliances. Want to save some dough?

Run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer during those free hours like there’s no tomorrow.

But be prepared to make some changes to your daily routine.

You might have to become a night owl or a weekend warrior to really see the savings.

So, before you join the TXU Free Nights & Weekends bandwagon, take a hard look at your lifestyle and energy habits.

If you’re ready to take advantage of the electricity shuffle and make those free hours work for you, then go for it.

But if you’re more of a “set it and forget it” kind of energy user, you might want to think twice before signing up.

The Nitty-Gritty of Free Nights & Weekends

Rates, plans, and terms can change faster than Texas weather. Always double-check the latest info before making a move.

Alright, let’s dive into the TXU Energy Free Nights & Weekends plan and see what’s really going on with the prices.

Here’s what this plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) tells us about it’s prices:

  • For 500 kWh per month, you’ll pay 14.4¢ per kWh
  • For 1000 kWh per month, you’ll pay 13.4¢ per kWh
  • For 2000 kWh per month, you’ll pay 12.9¢ per kWh

Now, keep in mind that these average prices already factor in the 34.30% “free” usage during those designated “Nights & Weekends” hours.

Let’s compare these prices to the cheapest fixed-rate plan available at the time of this review, which charges 8.4¢/kWh no matter when you use your electricity.

If you’re using 500 kWh each month:

  • With TXU Free Nights & Weekends: You’ll shell out $864.00 per year (14.4¢/kWh × 500 kWh × 12 months)
  • With the cheapest fixed-rate plan: You’ll pay $504.00 per year (8.4¢/kWh × 500 kWh × 12 months)
  • The difference? A whopping $360.00 more per year with TXU.

If you’re using 1000 kWh each month:

  • With TXU Free Nights & Weekends: You’re looking at $1,608.00 per year (13.4¢/kWh × 1000 kWh × 12 months)
  • With the cheapest fixed-rate plan: You’ll spend $1,008.00 per year (8.4¢/kWh × 1000 kWh × 12 months)
  • That’s a jaw-dropping $600.00 more per year with TXU.

And if you’re a big energy user, clocking in at 2000 kWh each month:

  • With TXU Free Nights & Weekends: You’re forking over $3,096.00 per year (12.9¢/kWh × 2000 kWh × 12 months)
  • With the cheapest fixed-rate plan: You’ll pay $2,016.00 per year (8.4¢/kWh × 2000 kWh × 12 months)
  • Brace yourself: That’s a staggering $1,080.00 more per year with TXU.

What It Means for the Average Texas Family

Let’s put this into perspective for the average Texas household, which uses about 1200 kWh per month:

  • With TXU Free Nights & Weekends: You’ll pay $1,929.60 per year (13.4¢/kWh × 1200 kWh × 12 months)
  • With the cheapest fixed-rate plan: You’ll pay $1,209.60 per year (8.4¢/kWh × 1200 kWh × 12 months)
  • Drumroll, please… That’s $720.00 more per year with TXU.

So, even with the promise of “free” electricity during certain hours, the TXU Free Nights & Weekends plan costs significantly more than the cheapest fixed-rate plan.

The bottom line? Don’t let the word “free” fool you. Crunch the numbers, read the fine print, and make sure you’re getting the best deal for your hard-earned cash.

Is TXU Free Nights & Weekends Right for You?

To determine if the TXU Free Nights & Weekends plan is a fit for your household, consider the following:

  • Evaluate your energy consumption patterns through Smart Meter Texas. Can you shift a large portion of your energy use to the nighttime or on the weekend?
  • Compare the plan’s pricing to fixed-rate alternatives. Enter your zip code on this page to view current plans and prices. A straightforward fixed-rate plan can often be the cheapest option.
  • Assess the potential savings and convenience of shifting your electricity usage. To save with TXU’s Free Nights & Weekends, you may need to move 70% or more of your energy consumption to the free time.

Maximizing the Benefit of Free Nights & Weekends

If you’re dead set on signing up for one of these deals, like the TXU plan, you gotta be smart about it.

Here’s how to make those Free Nights & Weekends plans work for you.

First things first, you need to become a master of your own energy destiny. That means shifting your electricity usage like a boss.

You know all those power-hungry appliances you’ve got, like your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer?

Make those babies work the night shift or on weekends when the electricity is free.

It might take some getting used to, but trust me, your wallet will thank you.

But how do you know when you’re using the most juice? That’s where Smart Meter Texas comes in clutch.

This handy little tool is like a superhero for your electricity usage.

It helps you track and analyze when your home is sucking up the most power so that you can make the necessary adjustments.

Think of it like having a personal energy coach, minus the annoying whistles and protein shakes.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t wanna do laundry at midnight or run my dishwasher during my Sunday brunch!”

Hey, I get it. Changing your energy habits isn’t always easy or convenient.

But if you’re serious about saving some dough with these Free Nights and Weekends plans, you’ll have to be willing to make a few sacrifices.

So, there you have it – the secret to maximizing the benefits of these free time plans.

It’s all about being strategic, using the right tools, and embracing your inner night owl (or weekend warrior).

Ignore the Gimmicks

TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends may seem attractive at first glance, but a closer examination reveals that its high costs often outweigh the potential benefits.

Unless you can strategically shift a significant portion of your energy consumption to the designated free hours, you may pay more in the long run than a simple fixed-rate energy plan.

I know “free” is tempting, but don’t just take their word for it; read the Electricity Facts Label2 for the details.

That’s where you’ll find the real scoop on pricing and costs, and it is the key to finding a plan that actually saves you money in the long run.

Don’t be suckered in by a shiny promise that sounds too good to be true—because it probably is.

Learn how to calculate the cost of any electricity plan3 in Texas. Doing the math is the best way to save money when picking an electricity plan.

Do your homework, crunch the numbers, and choose a plan for your lifestyle and wallet.

The Smart Choice for Your Texas Home

Compare plans, pricing, and contract terms to find the best fit for your household on ComparePower.

Don’t just take our word for it. Read the success stories of 65,000+ ComparePower customers who have achieved significant savings by choosing the right electricity plan.

Compare Rates And Save

TXU Free Nights & Weekends FAQs

Who has the cheapest free nights & weekends energy plan?

Consider your home’s kilowatt-hour usage when looking for the cheapest free nights and weekends rate. The best way to find the best rate is to compare energy plans based on your consumption. ComparePower lets you choose the right energy plan for your specific kWh usage.

How do I find the best TXU Energy free nights & weekends plan?

Don’t choose a free nights and weekends energy plan without comparing plans with your home’s energy usage. Calculate your rate with ComparePower and save time and money.

  1. TXU Energy in Texas ↩︎
  2. How to Read Electricity Facts Label ↩︎
  3. How to Calculate the Cost of Any Electricity Plan in Texas ↩︎
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TXU Free Nights & Weekends

We know that choosing an electricity plan can feel like navigating a maze. You’ve probably heard about TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends plans and wondered if they’re worth it.

Well, you’re in the right place. We’re here to help you understand the pros and cons of these plans, so you can make the best decision for your home.

TL;DR: The key advantage of Free Nights & Weekends plans is the potential for significant savings if you can shift your high-energy activities to the free periods.

However, the higher rates during non-free hours could offset these savings if your home is more active during the day.

Understanding TXU Free Nights & Weekend Plans

TXU Energy, a major player in the Texas electricity market, offers a range of plans that sound almost too good to be true: Free electricity during certain hours, and solar energy during the day.

But here’s the catch: The rates during non-free hours can be higher than average.

So, the real question is, does your lifestyle align with these free periods?

How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Electricity Bill

If you’re a night owl or can shift your high-energy activities to the night hours, you might save some bucks with TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends plans.

But if your home buzzes with activity during the day, the higher rates might offset any savings from the free periods.

Understanding your energy usage habits is key to determining if these plans are a good fit.

Comparing Free Nights & Weekends Electricity

Before you jump on the Free Nights and Weekends bandwagon, take a moment to compare them with other electricity plans.

Some plans with a flat rate for electricity might end up being more cost-effective for your specific usage patterns.

At ComparePower, we make it easy for you to compare Texas electricity rates and find the best plan for your needs.

Are TXU Free Nights & Weekends Plans Worth It?

The value of TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends plans depends on your lifestyle and energy usage habits.

They can be a great fit for some Texans, but not for others. The key is to understand your needs and compare different plans before making a decision.

Why Choose ComparePower?

At ComparePower, we’re committed to helping Texans like you find the best electricity plan for your needs.

We provide straightforward answers to your questions and make it easy for you to compare different plans. We understand that every household is unique, and we’re here to help you find the plan that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Take the Next Step with ComparePower

Ready to find the best electricity plan for your Texas home?

Use ComparePower’s easy-to-use tools to compare Texas electricity rates and find the plan that’s right for you.

Don’t settle for a plan that doesn’t fit your needs. Make an informed decision with ComparePower today.

Your Power, Your Choice

In the end, whether TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends plans are worth it depends on you.

Your lifestyle, your energy usage, and your budget all play a role in determining the best electricity plan for your home. And remember, you’re not alone in this journey.

ComparePower is here to help you make sense of Texas electricity rates and find the best plan for your needs.

Don’t Miss Out on the Best Electricity Plans

Don’t let confusion or uncertainty keep you from finding the best electricity plan for your home. Start comparing plans today and find out if TXU’s Free Nights and Weekends plans are worth it for you.

Remember, the power to choose is in your hands. Make the most of it with ComparePower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Free Nights & Weekends plan right for me?

It all depends on your usage habits. For households that can shift most of their electricity consumption to nighttime or weekends, a free night and weekend energy plan may be worthwhile.

Interested in free nights and weekend electricity? Find out which free nights and weekends energy plan is right with your home usage history on ComparePower.

How can I get free electricity in Texas?

Take advantage of free electricity plans by enrolling in a time-of-use energy plan such as TXU Energy Free Nights and Weekends or Reliant Truly Free Nights and Truly Free Weekends.

Find the best free nights and weekends energy plan for your home with your usage history on ComparePower.