TXU vs. Reliant: Does It Even Matter?
You’re shopping for electricity in Texas and stuck between TXU Energy and Reliant.
Both are big names, but does it really matter which one you choose?
The truth? It doesn’t. Here’s why.
Key Takeaways
- All providers are the same. Your electricity comes from the same source—your TDU.
- 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 Comparison: TXU vs. Reliant
| Feature | TXU Energy | Reliant Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Options | Fixed, Variable, Renewable | Fixed, Variable, Renewable |
| Contract Lengths | 1, 12, 24 Months | 12, 24 Months |
| Early Termination Fee | $150-$295 | $150-$295 |
| Same Day Connection | Until 5 pm Mon-Sat | Until 6 pm Mon-Sat |
| Renewable Energy Options | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile App | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Service | 24/7 Support | 24/7 Support |
| Community Involvement | Charitable donations to Texas communities | Supporting Texas causes and communities |
What No One’s Telling You
1. Same Power, Different Name. Whether with TXU, Reliant, or a smaller company, your electricity is delivered by the same company—your TDU.
TDUs (Transmission and Distribution Utilities) own and maintain the poles and wires that deliver electricity, such as CenterPoint in Houston or Oncor in Dallas.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) oversees and regulates them.
This means your power’s reliability is the same no matter who you sign up with.
The brand itself doesn’t impact the electricity you receive—so why pay extra for a bigger name?
2. Advertised Rates Are a Trap. You’ve likely seen ads for ultra-low rates. But those rates are usually tied to exact usage amounts—500 or 1,000 kWh.
Your electricity usage fluctuates every month, so the rate you see may not be the rate you pay.
The advertised rate looks great on paper but is often impossible to hit in real life.
3. Beware of Holdover Rates. When your contract expires and you don’t switch to a new plan, you are subject to a holdover rate, which is often sky-high.
During Texas heatwaves or winter storms, this can be a costly mistake.
Avoid letting your contract lapse—always switch or renew your plan before it expires.
Pro Tip: Rather than shopping directly on an electricity provider’s website, where you only see their rates, it is wiser to use a comparison marketplace to get a complete picture of the best available options based on your actual usage.
So, What’s the Big Idea?
Forget the brand name. It’s not important.
What matters is choosing a plan that matches your usage, not the one with the biggest ad budget.
The electricity is the same no matter which company you choose.
Your real goal? Find the best plan for your household’s usage.
Compare Power
You’re not just comparing TXU to Reliant.
You’re looking for a plan that fits your lifestyle.
Connect your home with Live Link™, and see which plan gives you the best rate.
It’s personalized to your usage—so no more guessing.
Find Real Savings
Get the plan that fits your home. Try Live Link™ It’s Free →
Why pay more for a brand name?
If you’re still reading, you’re likely set on choosing between TXU and Reliant—both great options in Texas.
Compare their plans and rates, along with other providers, right here on ComparePower.
If you need more info, we’ve got you covered with additional details to help you decide.
TXU Energy
TXU has been powering homes for over 100 years.
They offer a variety of plans, including green energy options and time-of-use deals like free nights and weekends.
But remember, time-of-use plans aren’t always the best fit for most households.
TXU Highlights:
- Strong community involvement in Texas
- Award-winning customer service
- Renewable and solar plan options
- Easy-to-use mobile app for managing usage
Best for customer service, plan variety, and innovative tech tools
Reliant Energy
As part of NRG, Reliant is another big player in the Texas electricity market.
They offer competitive rates and plans ranging from simple, no-frills deals to more feature-packed options.
If customer service is your top priority, Reliant has you covered.
Reliant Highlights:
- High customer satisfaction
- Backed by NRG, one of the largest power companies in the U.S.
- Multiple ways to get support: phone, email, chat
Best for customer service and competitive rates
Is Reliant or TXU cheaper?
TXU and Reliant usually cost more than smaller providers.
But the real cost depends on how much electricity you use.
The key to saving isn’t picking the brand with the lowest advertised rate—it’s finding a plan that matches your usage.
Instead of chasing brand names, use Live Link™ to connect your actual kWh usage with the plan that will save you the most money.
10 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Flex Forward 1 months $0.173 / kWh Clear Deal 12 12 months $0.199 / kWh Live Your Free 12 12 months $0.189 / kWh Saver's Discount 12 12 months $0.165 / kWh Simple Rate 12 12 months $0.179 / kWh Clear Deal 24 24 months $0.211 / kWh Saver's Discount 24 24 months $0.175 / kWh Solar Saver 12 12 months $0.165 / kWh Solar Value 12 12 months $0.206 / kWh Free Nights & Solar Days 12 (8 pm) 12 months $0.192 / 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.
11 Texas Electric Rates
Plan Name Plan Length Rate Reliant - Reliant Basic Power 12 plan 12 months $0.178 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 12 plan 12 months $0.155 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Basic Power 24 plan 24 months $0.172 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 24 plan 24 months $0.149 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Conservation 12 plan 12 months $0.179 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 2,000 kWh 12 plan 12 months $0.223 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Conservation 24 plan 24 months $0.175 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Power On 24 plan 24 months $0.180 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Power Savings 2,000 kWh 24 plan 24 months $0.217 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 plan 12 months $0.198 / kWh Reliant - Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 plan 12 months $0.198 / 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.
Pro tip: Don’t just chase the lowest rate. The best deal depends on your usage.
Make sure you compare plans based on your actual kWh needs—not just the advertised prices.
TXU vs. Reliant: Reviews & Ratings
TXU Energy: 4.7 stars on Google (7,900+ reviews), A+ BBB rating
Customers praise TXU’s customer service and flexible billing but note that renewal rates can be higher than expected.
Reliant: 4.5 stars on Google (2500+ reviews)
Customers love Reliant’s service, though some report higher bills and strict payment policies.
What Texans Are Saying on Reddit
On Reddit, users offer the same advice: don’t get caught up in the brand name.
While TXU and Reliant have their fans, finding a plan that fits your usage is the real deal.
Redditors agree that your electricity consumption matters more than the provider itself.
Making Your Decision
When deciding between TXU and Reliant, both providers offer innovative plans, perks, and solid customer support.
But the best provider for you isn’t about the brand—it’s about finding the plan that fits your needs.
Choose TXU if you want innovative energy options like Free Nights and Solar Days, excellent customer service, and user-friendly tools to manage electricity usage.
Choose Reliant if customer service is your top priority and you want a plan backed by one of the largest energy companies in the U.S.
Power Up Your Savings Today
Ready to find the best electricity plan for your home? Don’t get stuck paying extra for a big name.
Compare Power helps you compare rates and features from TXU, Reliant, and other top providers in your area—based on your actual usage.
Find your best plan with Live Link™ →
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