Reliant vs. Cirro Energy: Which Company is Right for You?
Trying to decide between Reliant and Cirro Energy? We get it – choosing an electricity provider can feel like a real head-scratcher.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you make sense of it all. We’ll break down what each company brings to the table, so you can figure out which one fits your home (and wallet) best.
Ready to find your perfect power match?
Key Takeaways
- Reliant shows up with great plans and customer service.
- Cirro Energy is great if you need your lights on today.
- 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: Reliant and Cirro Energy
Feature | Reliant | Cirro Energy |
---|---|---|
Plan Options | Fixed, Variable, Renewable | Fixed, Variable |
Contract Lengths | 12, 24 Months | 12, 24 Months |
Early Termination Fee | $150-$295 | $150-$295 |
Same Day Connection | Until 6 pm Mon-Sat | Until 5 pm Mon-Sat |
Renewable Energy Options | Yes | Limited |
Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
Customer Service | 24/7 Support | 7 am to 10 pm CST |
Community Involvement | Supporting Texas causes | Supports local charities |
Your Quick-Pick Guide
Choosing between Reliant and Cirro Energy? Here’s the deal:
If you… | Shop |
---|---|
Are after top-notch customer service and plan variety | Reliant |
Need straightforward, same-day service | Cirro Energy |
Is Reliant or Cirro Energy cheaper?
When it comes to your wallet, both Reliant and Cirro Energy have some competitive offerings. Let’s take a peek at some of their rates:
8 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Reliant Basic Power 12 plan 12 months $0.145 / kWh Reliant Power Savings 12 plan 12 months $0.177 / kWh Reliant Basic Power 24 plan 24 months $0.145 / kWh Reliant Power Savings 24 plan 24 months $0.167 / kWh Reliant Conservation 12 plan 12 months $0.154 / kWh Reliant Conservation 24 plan 24 months $0.154 / kWh Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 plan 12 months $0.175 / kWh Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 plan 12 months $0.179 / kWh
These live rates for ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY service area were updated on . Pricing shown is based on an exact usage of 2000 kWh.
6 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Cirro Energy - Simple Bill Credit 12 12 months $0.128 / kWh Cirro Energy - Smart Simple 12 Online 12 months $0.155 / kWh Cirro Energy - Simple Bill Credit 24 24 months $0.115 / kWh Cirro Energy - Smart Value 24 24 months $0.155 / kWh Cirro Energy - Smart Value 12 12 months $0.159 / kWh Cirro Energy - Smart Simple 24 Online 24 months $0.155 / kWh
These live rates for ONCOR ELECTRIC DELIVERY COMPANY service area were updated on . Pricing shown is based on an exact usage of 1000 kWh.
While both companies have similar rates, it’s important to remember that:
- Rates fluctuate: Electricity prices change frequently. The rates you see today might be different tomorrow.
- Usage matters: Your total bill depends on how much electricity you use. A plan that’s cheaper at one usage level might be more expensive at another.
- Discounts: Both have plans with bill credits that can significantly affect pricing.
Pro tip: Remember, the lowest advertised rate isn’t always the best deal.
Your actual costs depend on how much electricity you use and when you use it. It’s smart to compare plans based on your household’s unique energy habits.
Ready to lock in the best electricity rates for your home? Shop the right way today.
Find your best plan with Live Link™ →
Reliant
Reliant is a big player in the Texas electricity game, known for their top-notch customer service and a wide variety of plans to fit just about any lifestyle.
Reliant Highlights
- Consistently ranks high for customer satisfaction
- Offers plans with perks like free nights and weekends
- Part of NRG Energy, a major force in Texas electricity
- Multiple ways to get help: phone, email, or online chat
- Gives back to Texas communities through charity work
Best for: Free Nights & Weekends, Same-Day Service, and Customer Service
Cirro Energy
Cirro Energy keeps things simple and straightforward. They’re all about offering competitive rates without any complicated bells and whistles.
Cirro Energy Highlights
- Known for straightforward, easy-to-understand plans
- Offers some of the lowest fixed rates in Texas
- Provides online account management tools
- Local customer service based right here in Texas
- Supports community causes and projects
Best for: Same-Day Service
Customer Reviews & Ratings
Reliant: 4.5 stars on Google (2500+ reviews)
Highlights:
- Many customers appreciate their friendly reps and convenient plans
- Positive reviews highlight excellent customer service and plan variety
Common complaints:
- Some report issues with high bills and strict payment policies
- Negative feedback mentions unexpected charges and confusing statements
Cirro Energy: 3.7 stars on Google (1400+ reviews)
Highlights:
- Many customers praise their consistently affordable rates and competitive pricing
- Long-term customers appreciate their reliable service and efficient billing
Common complaints:
- Some customers report occasional challenges with customer support
- Others have expressed frustration with renewal offers and early termination fees
Reliant vs. Cirro Energy: What Reddit Says
Reddit’s got some strong opinions about these two. Reliant gets props for being reliable and having a slick mobile app, but folks aren’t thrilled about their prices.
Many Redditors feel like they’re paying extra just for the Reliant name.
Cirro, on the other hand, is the budget-friendly pick. Users love their wallet-friendly rates, but some say the customer service could use a boost.
Here’s the kicker: both companies catch flak for hiking up rates after the intro period. It’s like a Texas-sized bait and switch!
The takeaway? Do your homework, compare plans carefully, and always read the fine print. Your perfect power match is out there, but you might need to dig a little to find it.
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.
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 Home the Smart Way
Ready to find an electricity plan that feels tailor-made for you?
Just pop in your zip code, and we’ll show you how Reliant, Cirro Energy, and other top Texas providers stack up. Whether you’re all about great customer service or hunting for the best rates, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s find a plan that keeps your lights on and your wallet happy. Your perfect power match is just a few clicks away.
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