Reliant Energy is based in Houston and has 25 years of experience in the state of Texas. One of our highest-rated light companies, the provider earned a 4.9 out of 5 in our review of Reliant Energy. It earned perfect scores for customer service, online experience and customer retention.
While Reliant offers many energy plan types, its offerings tend to feature somewhat premium price tags. Despite that, 51% of respondents in our February 2025 survey of 1,600 Texans said that they believe they pay a fair rate for their Reliant energy plans. Additionally, a majority of Reliant Energy customers said they have been with the provider for over five years and won’t switch when their contract expires.
Reliant offers a variety of energy options, including fixed-rate, variable-rate and solar buyback plans. Check out our Reliant Energy review to learn more about its energy plans and why customers keep renewing their contracts.
Reliant Energy Plans
Reliant Energy offers a wide range of plans, including month-to-month and fixed rates with up to 36-month contracts. We recommend the Reliant Secure Advantage 12 for an entire year of predictable bills and affordable prices. You’ll waive the $9.95 usage fee when you use at least 800 kWh a month.
The provider offers several specialized fixed-rate plans, including options with bill credits, free electricity periods and smart thermostat integration. Notable offerings include the Flextra Credits plan, which offers $200 in bill credits and two free electricity days per week, and the Connect and Save plan, which provides a 0.5 cents per kWh discount for smart thermostat users.
Reliant also offers an Apartment plan with benefits for smaller spaces and reduced early termination fees, as well as time-of-use plans, such as Truly Free Nights, offering free nights or weekends.
While these plans feature unique benefits, they often come with complex rate structures that can make bills unpredictable. We don’t typically recommend time-of-use and variable-rate plans for customers who seek consistent billing, and bill credit plans may not offer the best value, despite their attractive features.
Standard fixed-rate plans often remain the most straightforward and economical choice for most customers, particularly those who want predictable monthly costs.
Reliant Energy Plans and Rates in Houston
| Plan | Rate (Cents Per kWh) | Term Length (Months) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Secure Advantage® 12 | 18.8 | 12 | Straightforward, gimmick-free plan |
| Reliant Get More, Save More 36 | 18.1 | 36 | Lower rate after 1,000 kWh |
| Reliant Get More, Save More 12 | 20.1 | 12 | Lower rate after 1,000 kWh |
| Reliant Connect and Save 24 | 17.2 | 24 | Enroll your smart thermostat in Degrees of Difference with Smart Thermostats to get a discounted energy charge |
| Reliant Flextra Credits 24 | 19.2 | 24 | 2 highest-usage days a week free + 100% solar |
| Reliant Secure Advantage 24 | 18.2 | 24 | Straightforward, gimmick-free plan |
| Reliant Clear Flex | 19.2 | Month-to-month | No commitment, variable rate plan |
| Reliant Apartment 12 | 18.4 | 12 | Best for apartments |
| Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 | 19.2 | 12 | Free electricity from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. + 100% solar |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 | 19.2 | 12 | Free from 8 p.m. Friday to 12 a.m. Monday + 100% solar |
| Reliant Choose to Give 12 | 18.8 | 12 | $100 donation to American Heart Association |
| Reliant Solar Payback Match 12 | 17.3 | 12 | Solar panel required, wholesale payback rate |
| Reliant Solar Payback Plus 12 | 18.7 | 12 | Solar panel required, 5.9¢ payback rate |
| Reliant Prepaid Power plan | 17.3 | Month-to-month | Enroll without a deposit or credit check, pay upfront for electricity |
| Reliant Seasonal Savings 12 | 17.5 | 12 | 50% cheaper rates during the summer and winter |
Rates are accurate as of April 2025 for the Houston ZIP code 77077
Our Thoughts on Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy is a top provider, scoring 8% above the Texas average overall based on our survey and review of customer satisfaction, service, retention and online experience.
Reliant has built a strong customer base over the past 25 years. In our February 2025 survey, 44% of respondents reported staying with the company for more than five years, which is 25% higher than the average. Customers stick around because they like Reliant’s plan lengths, communication and online experience.
However, customers appear divided when it comes to Reliant’s cost. While 52% of respondents said they like Reliant Energy’s cost, 45% said they disliked its prices. In our review of Reliant’s electricity rates, they appear higher than the average price, with most of its plans charging rates well above the statewide average of 14.68 cents per kWh. At 1,000 kWh of usage, most of its plans start well above 1.7 cents per kWh. Opinions of cost may vary based on the customer, but 69% said they could still afford their monthly bill if it increased by $50.
It speaks to Reliant’s quality and standing as an energy provider that its lowest-rated category in our review is customer satisfaction, with a 4.8 out of 5. This score still lands above the average Texas energy company satisfaction rating of 4.4 out of 5. Reliant Energy is a great option for energy plan variety, a simple online experience and reliability. Overall, 71% of Reliant customers we surveyed stated that they would recommend it to a friend, which is 13% higher than TXU Energy.
Reliant Energy Reviews
Customers appreciate Reliant Energy’s user-friendly online portal, and 99% of respondents reported easy bill payments. Many also value the provider’s plan length options and clear communication.
This NRG Energy company offers a wide range of personalized plans and excellent customer service. You can choose from a long list of options to secure the best rate for your usage. The Secure Advantage 12 is our top pick for predictable bills, but you can also choose from a fixed-rate, variable-rate, time-of-use, bill credit or solar buyback plan.
Some customer reviews mention high prices and costly ETFs. If your budget is top of mind, other providers offer cheaper energy rates. However, Reliant gives you 90 days to decide if your plan is the right fit, allowing you to switch without paying an ETF if it doesn’t meet your expectations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide variety of plan options
- 24/7 customer service
- 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Rates higher than the Texas average
- Expensive cancellation fees
- May require a deposit
Reliant Energy vs. Other Top Energy Companies
Reliant Energy’s overall score outranks the competition, including popular companies like TXU and Gexa Energy.
| Factor | Reliant Energy | TXU Energy | Gexa Energy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| Number of plans available | 7 | 10 | 16 |
| Top 12-month plan | Reliant Secure Advantage 12 | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
| Best feature | Personalized plans | Time-of-use plans | Cheap prices |
Read more: Reliant Energy vs. Green Mountain Energy
Where Is Reliant Energy Available?
You can find Reliant Energy plans throughout each main transmission and distribution utility (TDU) service area.
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Alpine, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L): Lubbock
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
Who Should Pick Reliant Energy?
Reliant Energy offers a wide selection of energy plans to meet your needs as they change over time. If you fall into one of the categories below, Reliant Energy may suit your needs.
Simple Plan Lover
Whether you’re new to Texas or a Lone Star native, you may like Reliant if you want a simple plan. Energy plans such as the Secure Advantage 12 offer fixed rates for an entire year. While the rate is above the statewide average, Reliant’s high-quality customer service and reliability might be worth the cost, depending on your budget.
Eco-Conscious Texan
Reliant offers a 100% renewable energy plan, offsetting your usage with solar energy. However, its green plans are time-of-use offerings, which can lead to billing confusion. Before signing up for one of these “free electricity offerings, consider when you use the most power and when you’re away from home to decide if free nights or weekends fit your schedule.
Apartment Liver
Apartments generally use less energy than homes because the space is smaller and shared walls help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Reliant’s apartment plan offers a lower energy charge for the first 1,000 kWh, so you pay less when you use less. This plan’s cancellation fee decreases over time, so you only owe $10 per remaining month on the contract.
Historically High Usage
The Reliant Get More, Save More 12 offers a lower energy charge for usage above 1,000 kWh. You’ll pay a set price for usage up to 1,000 kWh, then a cheaper price for anything more. This plan could help you save if the energy charge is less than what you currently pay for electricity.
Reliant Energy’s Electricity Facts Label
The Energy Facts Label (EFL) explains your costs and contract terms. You can use this document when comparing plans to fully understand which best fits your budget and usage. Here’s an example of the Reliant Secure Advantage 12 plan.
- Average price per kWh: The average prices include base fees, energy charges and TDU fees to give an idea of your rate by usage level. Your actual costs depend on the energy charge and kilowatt-hour used.
- Usage charge: This is a flat monthly fee that varies by provider and plan. Reliant will waive the $9.95 usage charge when your usage exceeds 800 kilowatt-hours per month.
- Energy charge: This is the rate you’ll pay per kilowatt-hour. When choosing your plan, we recommend comparing energy charges directly instead of focusing on the average price per kilowatt-hour.
- TDU delivery charges: Your utility company charges a delivery fee, which usually includes a flat charge plus a rate based on your kilowatt-hour usage.
- Type of product: This section lists if your plan has fixed or variable rates.
- Contract term: This section shows your contract’s length, such as month-to-month, 12 or 24 months.
- Early termination fee: Canceling a fixed-rate contract before it ends may result in an early termination fee (ETF). You’ll find the ETF cost listed in this section.
- Renewable content: This section displays how much of your energy plan is offset by renewable power. The average green energy percentage in Texas is 33%.
- Other disclosures: The disclosures explain if and how your costs change during your contract term.
Using the EFL, review the usage charge, energy charge and utility delivery fees. Note that your energy provider and your utility company both may charge a flat monthly fee and a fee per kWh, all of which comprise the “average price per kWh” section. We captured this EFL on April 17, 2025.
What Is the Best Way To Contact Reliant Energy?
You can contact Reliant’s customer service 24/7 by phone, online chat or email.
- Phone: Call 1-866-222-7100
- Website: Chat online
- E-mail: Send a message
Reliant Energy offers electricity plans but doesn’t deliver energy. During a power outage, contact your utility company. Your TDU maintains the power lines and can restore power.
How Do You Move or Transfer Service With Reliant Energy?
Reliant makes transferring service easy. Just have your account number, the end date for your current home and the start date for your new address ready. You can start the transfer in the Reliant app, online or by calling customer service. Reliant offers same-day electricity or you can schedule your transfer up to 60 days in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reliant Energy
Will Reliant Energy charge me a cancellation fee?
Reliant Energy charges an ETF when you cancel a fixed-rate plan before it’s over. The cost depends on which plan you have. The Reliant Apartment 12 charges $10 per remaining month on your contract, while the Reliant Connect and Save charges a $295 fee. You won’t pay cancellation fees with a variable rate plan or when you move outside of Reliant’s service area.
Do the Reliant Energy rates shown include everything?
Reliant’s advertised rates include your energy charge, TDU fees and base charges. The average estimates may include bill credits or assume discounts, making the advertised price misleading. It’s generally best to check the energy charge and compare your usage for an accurate estimate of your home’s energy needs.
Does Reliant Energy run a credit check?
Yes, you can expect a credit check from Reliant Energy and most other Texas electricity providers. This soft credit check won’t impact your score, but you may owe an enrollment deposit depending on your payment and credit history.
What is the best Reliant Energy electricity plan?
We recommend the Secure Advantage 12 for a fixed-rate plan without bill credits or time-of-use pricing. This plan type offers simple and predictable bills, making budgeting easier. Reliant may offer a plan that better fits your usage, such as the Reliant apartment or Free Weekends plans.
How We Rate and Review Texas Electricity Companies
With dozens of providers and hundreds of plans available in the deregulated Texas market, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. We created a comprehensive rating methodology to help you cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for your needs, whether you’re moving to Texas or looking to switch providers.
We’ve researched dozens of Texas electricity providers and scored them out of 5 stars based on results from our 2025 energy survey of 1,600 Texans, scoring providers on customer satisfaction, experience and retention. Here’s how these core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Customer satisfaction (30%)
- Customer retention (30%)
- Online experience (20%)
- Customer experience (20%)
