Direct Energy vs. Just Energy

Direct Energy vs. Just Energy: Which Company is Right for You?

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by your electricity options? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

Let’s talk about Direct Energy vs. Just Energy – two big players in our Texas electricity market.

We’re here to give you the straight scoop on what these companies offer.

By the time we’re done, you’ll have all the info you need to make a choice that works for you and your home.

Key Takeaways

• Direct Energy is great if you don’t use a lot of electricity.
• Just Energy has simple, straightforward plans.
• All electricity is the same. Your electricity comes from your TDU–not your provider.
• Advertised rates are often misleading because they are tied to exact usage levels.
• Live Link™ helps you find the best deal by factoring in your real electricity usage.

Show Summary

Table of Contents

Side-by-Side: Direct Energy and Just Energy

Feature	Direct Energy	Just Energy
Plan Types	Fixed, Variable, Prepaid, Free Time	Fixed, Variable, Some Green
Contract Lengths	12, 24, 36 months	12, 24, or even 60 months
Early Termination Fee	$150-$295	$175
Same Day Connection	Not available	M-F until 2 pm
Renewable Energy Options	Some plans are 100% renewable	Opt in for $9.99/month
Mobile App	Yes	Yes
Customer Service	24/7 Support	M-F 8 am – 7 pm, Sat 9 am – 6 pm
Community Involvement	Various charitable initiatives	Supports Texas causes and communities

Your Quick-Pick Guide

If you…	Shop
Want great rates and don’t use much electricity	Direct Energy
Like straightforward plans	Just Energy

Is Direct Energy or Just Energy cheaper?

Let’s talk about pricing. The truth is, rates can vary based on where you live and how much electricity you use.

Here’s a quick look at rates:

While you’re shopping, don’t forget:

1. Rates fluctuate: Prices can change from one day to the next – what you see today might be gone tomorrow.
2. Usage matters: Your monthly usage is the key here – a plan that’s a great deal for your neighbor might actually cost you more.
3. Discounts: Some plans offer monthly credits or discounts, but they often depend on how much power you use.

Pro tip: Don’t just chase the lowest number. Think about how you use your energy and what matters to you. Sometimes paying a bit more for peace of mind or to support renewable energy is worth it.

Ready to find a power plan that fits your needs? Shop the right way today.

Find your best plan with Live Link™ →

Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of the largest retail electricity providers in Texas, offering a wide range of plans to suit different needs and preferences.

Direct Energy Highlights

• Wide variety of plan options, including free weekends and prepaid plans
• Smart home products and energy management tools available
• Supports various charitable causes in Texas communities

Best for: Low Usage and Customer Service

Just Energy

Just Energy offers flexibility in plan lengths and focuses on providing options for customers who want to lock in rates for longer periods.

Just Energy Highlights

• Plans ranging from 12 to 60 months, offering long-term stability
• Green energy options available for environmentally conscious consumers
• Rewards program for loyal customers

Customer Reviews & Ratings

Wondering what other Texans think about these companies? Here’s what we found:

Direct Energy

Highlights:

• Customers appreciate the friendly service and clear pricing
• Many folks like their online tools and app for easy account management
• Some users rave about their helpful customer support team

Common complaints:

• A few customers ran into billing hiccups and communication issues
• Negative reviews mention unexpected fees and disconnection problems

Just Energy: 4 stars on Google (3900+ reviews)

Highlights:

• Many customers love their competitive rates, especially the free nights plans
• Positive feedback on helpful customer service representatives

Common complaints

• Some users reported difficulties with billing, particularly when moving

Direct Energy vs Just Energy Reddit Feedback

We also checked out what folks on Reddit are saying. Direct Energy generally gets more positive comments, with users praising their competitive rates and innovative plans like free weekends.

Just Energy faces more criticism, with some users warning about rate hikes after promotional periods and difficulties with customer service.

The main advice from Reddit? Do your homework.

Read the fine print carefully, especially for variable rate plans. Remember, what works for your neighbor might not be the best fit for your home.

What No One’s Telling You

1. Same power, different name. No matter who you pick a plan from, your electricity is delivered by the same company—your TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utilities) .

TDUs like CenterPoint in Houston or Oncor in Dallas own and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity.

This means your power’s reliability is the same no matter who you sign up with. And the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) oversees and regulates all of them.

So the brand itself doesn’t impact the electricity you receive. Now why would you pay extra for a bigger name?

2. Advertised rates are a trap. You’ve probably seen ads for ultra-low rates. But those rates are usually tied to exact usage amounts—500 or 1,000 kWh.

Those rates look great on paper but are almost impossible to hit in real life.

Why?

Every month you use a different amount of electricity, so the rate you see might not be the rate you pay.

3. Beware of holdover rates. What happens when your contract expires?

If you don’t switch to a new plan, you’re now the winner of a holdover rate.

Holdover rates equal big bills, especially during Texas heatwaves or winter storms.

Don’t let your contract lapse—always switch or renew your plan before it expires.

Pro Tip: Shop for plans in a comparison marketplace to get a complete picture of the best available options based on your actual usage.

How to Choose the Right Plan

Don’t get overwhelmed by all these electricity options. Finding the best plan for your home can be quick and easy with the right approach and tools.

Sign Up and Save With Live Link™

Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to personalized savings with Live Link™. This innovative feature taps into your actual energy usage data to find the perfect electricity plan for your home. Here’s why Texans love Live Link™:

• Effortless Accuracy: No more digging through old bills or estimating your usage. Live Link™ securely pulls your real consumption data with just a click.
• Tailored Recommendations: Get plan options customized to your unique energy habits, not generic estimates.
• True Cost Clarity: See the full picture of your electricity costs, including how seasonal changes affect your bill.
• Big Savings: By matching you with plans that fit your actual usage, Live Link™ could save you hundreds each year.

Ready to find your best plan? Try Live Link™ now – it’s free, fast, and could be your ticket to lower electric bills.

Try Live Link™ Free →

Don’t settle for one-size-fits-all plans. Let Live Link™ do the heavy lifting and find you a plan that truly fits your home’s needs.

Looking for a DIY approach?

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

Power Up Your Savings Today

Ready to find the best electricity plan for your home?

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