Reliant vs. Green Mountain Energy: Which Company is Right for You?
Looking for the right electricity provider in Texas? You’re not alone.
Reliant and Green Mountain Energy are two popular choices, but figuring out which one fits your needs can be tricky.
Let’s break it down together. We’ll compare these two providers side by side, so you can feel confident about your choice. After all, this decision impacts your home, your wallet, and maybe even your peace of mind.
Ready to find your perfect power match? Let’s dive in and make sense of your options.
Key Takeaways
- Reliant offers up a wide variety of plans.
- Green Mountain Energy keeps things 100% renewable.
- 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 Green Mountain Energy
| Feature | Reliant | Green Mountain Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Options | Fixed, Variable, Renewable | Fixed, Renewable |
| Contract Lengths | 12, 24 Months | 24 Months |
| Early Termination Fee | $150-$295 | $295 |
| Same Day Connection | Until 6 pm Mon-Sat | Until 5 pm Mon-Sat |
| Renewable Energy Options | Yes | Yes (100% renewable) |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | 24/7 Support | 7 am to 10 pm CST |
| Community Involvement | Supporting Texas causes and communities | Charitable donations to Texas programs |
Your Quick-Pick Guide
Choosing between Reliant and Green Mountain Energy? Both have their strengths, so it really depends on what matters most to you.
| If you… | Shop |
|---|---|
| Want great customer service and plan options | Reliant |
| Want 100% renewable energy | Green Mountain Energy |
Is Reliant or Green Mountain Energy cheaper?
When comparing Reliant and Green Mountain Energy, pricing can vary based on several factors, including your location, usage, and current promotions.
Check out the rates below to see how they compare.
5 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Live Brighter 12 12 months $0.215 / kWh Live Brighter Lite 12 12 months $0.157 / kWh Live Brighter 1K+ 24 24 months $0.155 / kWh Live Brighter Lite 24 24 months $0.157 / kWh Twelve Hour Power 12 12 months $0.209 / 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.
1 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Green Mountain - Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Preferred 24 months $0.177 / 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.
When you’re looking at rates, keep the following in mind:
- 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: Keep an eye out for plans that have bill credits. They might look cheap, but only if you use enough electricity to get the discount.
Pro tip: Remember that the lowest advertised price isn’t always the best option. To find the best deal, compare plans based on your household’s unique energy needs and usage patterns.
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 leading electricity provider known for its exceptional customer service and diverse plan offerings. They cater to a wide range of needs, from basic, budget-friendly options to plans packed with additional perks and features.
Reliant Highlights
- Consistently ranks among the top providers for customer satisfaction
- Offers a variety of plans, including free nights and weekends options
- Part of NRG Energy, a major player in the Texas electricity market
- Provides multiple support channels: phone, email, and online chat
- Invests in Texas communities through charitable giving
Best for: Free Nights & Weekends, Same-Day Service, and Customer Service
Green Mountain Energy
Tired of powering your home with fossil fuels? Green Mountain Energy might be your perfect match. They’ve been championing clean energy in Texas since 1997, making it easy for folks like you to go green without the hassle.
Green Mountain Energy Highlights
- Every plan is 100% renewable – no exceptions
- Supports local solar projects (because Texas sunshine is the best)
- Offers nifty tools to track your environmental impact
- Gives back to the community through their Sun Club program
- Won awards for helping Texans shrink their carbon footprints
Best for: Green Energy
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.
Green Mountain Energy: 4 stars average on Google (2,800+ reviews)
Highlights:
- Customers praise reliable service, helpful support, and solar perks.
- Positive feedback emphasizes their commitment to renewable energy.
Common complaints:
- Some reviewers express frustration with higher rates and inflexible contracts.
- Negative reviews mention issues with refunds and unexpected contract transfers.
Reliant vs. Green Mountain Energy: Reddit’s Take
Reddit users have mixed feelings about Reliant and Green Mountain Energy. Both are part of bigger corporations, which some folks say might mean higher prices.
Green Mountain gets props for being eco-friendly, with some happy customers loving their free nights plans. But watch out for tricky billing, say others.
Reliant doesn’t get much specific chatter, but it’s often grouped with other big companies that might not offer the best deals.
The main advice? Do your homework.
Compare plans and find what works for you. Remember, your neighbor’s perfect plan 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.
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? Enter your zip code to compare rates and features from Reliant, Green Mountain Energy, and other top providers in your area.
Whether you’re all about saving green or going green, 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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