Stream Energy is an electric company offering residential and business energy plans in nine states and Washington, D.C. The company scored a 4.6 out of 5 stars in our Stream Energy review, slightly above the 4.5 out of 5 Texas average. Stream Energy’s customer satisfaction and service scores boosted its overall rating.
The average electric rate in Texas is 15.32 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The exact rates for your home vary based on your location, but Stream Energy’s electricity rates range from about 17 cents to 20 cents per kWh, which is well above the statewide average.
While Stream scored fairly high for its customer satisfaction and customer service, you may be able to find a provider with rates that are closer in line with the average electricity rate across Texas. You can use our free website to find and compare energy plans for your home. Simply enter your ZIP code to review available plans.
Stream Energy Plans and Rates in Texas
Stream Energy offers variable rates and fixed-rate electric plans with 12, 24 and 36-month contract lengths.
- Fixed-rate plans: You can lock in your electricity rate for the duration of your contract, up to 36 months. Your energy charge, or what you pay per kilowatt-hour, stays the same and protects you from potential market spikes.
- Variable-rate plans: This plan type offers more flexibility to cancel your plan without fees, and the rates vary month-to-month based on the market. Your price could go up or down each month, which could lead to savings or more expensive bills, depending on the rate.
- 100% renewable plans: Stream Energy offers 100% renewable energy plans that offset your usage with clean power, such as wind or solar energy. These plans are a great option for reducing your environmental impact.
Stream Energy Rates and Plans in Houston
Stream Energy electricity rates in Houston are usually higher than the Texas average. While an energy plan from Stream may suit your needs, you should be able to find lower, more competitive rates from other light companies, such as Rhythm Energy or TriEagle Energy.
Plan Name | Term Length | Plan Type | Rate (Cents per kWh) |
---|---|---|---|
Smart Choice 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.2 |
Smart Choice 36 | 36 months | Fixed-rate | 17.2 |
Green & Clean 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 19.2 |
Green & Clean 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.8 |
Conserve and Save 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 18.9 |
Simple & Secure 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.9 |
Simple & Secure 36 | 36 months | Fixed-rate | 18.5 |
Flex Choice Intro | 1 month | Variable-rate | 20.2 |
The rates above are based on 1,000 kWh per month in the CenterPoint service area. These rates are accurate as of March 4, 2025.
Stream Energy Rates and Plans in Dallas
Stream Energy rates in Dallas are general more expensive than the Texas average. Meanwhile, top competitors, such as TXU Energy or Reliant Energy, offer a wider variety of plans backed by more experience in the industry.
Plan Name | Term Length | Plan Type | Rate (Cents per kWh) |
---|---|---|---|
Smart Choice 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.2 |
Smart Choice 36 | 36 months | Fixed-rate | 17.8 |
Green & Clean 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 19.2 |
Green & Clean 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.8 |
Conserve and Save 12 | 12 months | Fixed-rate | 18.9 |
Simple & Secure 24 | 24 months | Fixed-rate | 18.9 |
Simple & Secure 36 | 36 months | Fixed-rate | 18.5 |
Flex Choice Intro | 1 month | Variable-rate | 20.2 |
The rates above are based on 1,000 kWh per month in the Oncor service area. These rates are accurate as of March 4, 2025.
Our Take on Stream Energy
We gave Stream Energy a 4.6 out of 5 rating overall. Founded in 2005, the company’s experience shows it’s a stable and reliable option. In our survey, 64% of Stream Energy customers said they would recommend the company to a friend, and 82% have been loyal to the company for over five years, 134% above the Texas average retention rate.
Stream Energy offers a variety of plan options, with contract terms ranging from one month to 36 months. We typically recommend a 12-month, fixed-rate plan without confusing features like bill credits or time-of-use rates.
The Green and Clean 12 locks in fixed rates and may include a usage charge of $10.95 per billing cycle. Review the plan’s electricity facts label (EFL) to understand potential charges. This document will help you understand what you’re paying for and which plan is best for you.
Stream Energy doesn’t offer many low-rate electricity plan options, so it may not be a great fit for budget-conscious households unless it offers savings compared to your current plan. The company’s electricity rates tend to favor higher energy usage because it waives the usage charge each month you use more than 1,000 kWh. However, a majority of customers have bills between $100 and $200, and 59% said the cost is something they like about the company based on our survey.
Stream Energy Pros and Cons
Review the following benefits and drawbacks of choosing Stream Energy as your Texas energy provider.
Pros
- Stream Energy offers a variety of plan options for new customers, including fixed and variable rates.
- The company has a solid business reputation, backed by 20 years of experience.
- Stream will help pay $150 of your cancellation fee when you switch to its plans.
- The provider makes it simple to review electric rate history.
Cons
- Stream Energy doesn’t offer free nights and weekends or prepaid energy plans.
- The early termination fee (ETF) costs up to $395 for long-term fixed-rate plans.
- Stream doesn’t offer rates below the Texas average.
Stream Energy vs. Other Energy Companies
Based on our Stream Energy review, the company scores slightly above average and falls within range of popular providers, such as TXU Energy and Gexa Energy.
Factor | Stream Energy | TXU Energy | Gexa Energy |
---|---|---|---|
Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.6 | 4.9 | 4.6 |
Number of plans available | 8 | 8 | 17 |
Top 12-month plan | Green and Clean 12 | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
Best feature | Customer satisfaction | Brand reputation | Cheap prices |
Stream Energy Overview
Stream Energy is headquartered in Dallas and owned by NRG Energy, a Fortune 500 company. Stream operates in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Delaware, Ohio and Washington D.C., in addition to serving deregulated areas in Texas.
While the company offers mostly straightforward pricing, there are a few key details to consider. Stream’s website is user-friendly but doesn’t offer the option to filter plans by preferences like term length or plan type. Instead, you can check a box to compare specific plans. The advertised average rates displayed online default to a 2,000 kWh average usage. If your usage tier is lower than 2,000 kWh, you’ll need to review the EFL to find the energy charge and potential rates for your usage tier.
Stream Energy offers a $150 bill credit to cover potential cancellation fees when switching from another provider. While this is a solid perk, be cautious of Stream’s potential ETFs, which can cost up to $395 for a 36-month plan. We generally recommend a 12-month plan so you can compare rates yearly and find the best deal. Long-term plans could lock you into a more expensive rate.
Where Is Stream Energy Available?
Stream Energy operates in most major transmission and distribution utility (TDU) service areas, excluding Lubbock. Here’s where you can expect to find Stream Energy electricity plans by utility:
- AEP Texas Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP Texas North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power: League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
Stream Energy Reviews and Ratings
Stream Energy has mixed online ratings and reviews, a common trend among Texas energy companies. Although it earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it is not accredited. To be accredited, businesses must agree to the BBB’s Standard for Trust and pass the vetting process.
Customers rated Stream Energy 1.1 out of 5 stars overall on the BBB and 1.2 out of 5 on Yelp. However, the 1,220 Google reviews give the company a 4.2 out of 5. Read the following customer reviews to get an idea of what to expect from Stream Energy.
What Customers Like
“My representative was very helpful. She knew how to solve my issue and she handled it very well. Good to speak with someone who really cares about the customer. Thanks again,” Debra R. said.
“We have been Stream customers for 12 years and our rate is always lower than our friends and neighbors. They have options to lock in rates for up to 5 years. It’s so wonderful that inflated rates haven’t affected us, having locked ours in in 2020. Getting an electric bill under $150 for a 1,300 Sq ft home, in August, in Texas, is unheard of. Thanks, Stream,” Dawn D. said.
“Bryan was very helpful in answering all of my questions. I used the chat option on the website, which had no wait time. I’ve never had a bad experience with Stream!” Rene O. said.
What Customers Don’t Like
“Been with this provider for 20 years. Not much difference. Don’t sign a long-term contract with it, you would not save as much as it sounds. It does have some fancy features like weekly reports, cosmetic billing, etc. But that does not put the savings you need in your pocket. Just another average provider!” said T Le.
“I was told when signing up that I shouldn’t be paying over $200 for electricity for 1 person, but my bill has been close to $300, and I get late fees on my bill when it’s not even due. I live alone, and yet I’ve been paying $250 for electricity for almost 3 years. I’ve had these services and my bill has never been over $180,” said Jeanie S.
Who Should Pick Stream Energy
Stream Energy might be a good fit for those with usage averaging above 2,000 kWh and who don’t mind paying above-average prices for simple energy plans. Learn more about which Stream Energy electricity plan is best for your energy needs.
- Green energy lover: The Green & Clean plan offers a 12 or 24-month contract and offsets 100% of your energy usage with renewable power. It’s a great option to support green energy while keeping a stable fixed rate. You can also choose to upgrade to other energy plan options to match your usage with renewable energy if a different plan better fits your usage. The upgrade costs $7.95 per month.
- High energy user: The Smart Choice and Simple & Secure plans offer stable rates for energy usage above 1,000 kWh, even if you exceed 2,000 kWh. These plans may suit households with high energy usage that want predictable pricing.
- Apartment life: The Conserve and Save 12 offers lower energy charges for usage below 1,000 kWh. This plan could benefit residents of small homes or apartments that use less energy and want a straightforward plan.
- Short-term new customers: The Flex Choice Intro is a variable-rate option for new customers. On average, it costs more than other options, but you can cancel at any time without fees. Variable-rate plans may help you save money, but only when market rates are very low. Generally speaking, these plans almost inevitably lead to rate hikes as demand increases, causing serious bill surprises. We almost never recommend this plan type.
How To Get Started with Stream Energy
You can compare and sign up for a Stream Energy plan on its website. Start by entering your ZIP code and selecting whether you’re a new customer or switching providers. Compare the available plans in your area and select one that best fits your energy needs. Some plans offer an upgrade to match your usage with renewable power for $7.95 per month, which you can cancel anytime without fees.
Once you’re in checkout, you’ll enter basic contact information and verify your identity using your social security number or driver’s license. Energy companies verify your identity for a credit check, a standard practice to determine if you owe a deposit. You’ll also choose if you prefer paperless billing. Stream Energy handles the transition once you check out and finish enrollment. Stream will send you a confirmation, and you should notify your previous provider about the cancellation.
Contacting Stream Energy
Here are three ways to contact Stream Energy if you have a question or need help choosing a plan.
- Customer service phone: 888-685-7693
- Online form: Contact Stream Energy online
- Online account: Access your Stream Account
Report power outages to your local TDU. The utility company maintains and repairs electrical infrastructure, so it can help restore power to your home during an outage.
Moving or Transferring Service with Stream Energy
You can transfer your service with Stream when moving to a new area in Texas or another state, as long as Stream serves that location. In cases where Stream doesn’t operate in your new area, make sure to stop service at your current address. Contact customer service to initiate a transfer or ask questions about availability.
Canceling your energy plan before the contract ends may result in an early termination fee (ETF), with fees usually ranging from $150 to $395. You won’t have to pay this fee if you have to cancel your contract because you move outside of its service area. Check your plan’s contract or electricity facts label (EFL) for more details about potential fees.
Is Stream Energy Right For You?
Stream Energy’s 20 years of experience in Texas make it a reliable and trustworthy choice. Most of its energy plans best fit those with higher usage who prefer paying slightly above average for a simple plan. Households with lower average usage have fewer energy plan options that benefit usage below 1,000 kWh.
We recommend comparing multiple energy providers and plan options to find the one that’s right for you. That’s why Home Energy Club makes it simple to compare multiple providers in one place. You can use the filters to narrow down options based on your energy usage, provider preference and term length.
Alternatives To Stream Energy
While Stream Energy offers a solid range of energy plans, some with straightforward electricity rates, its prices aren’t very competitive. Other providers, such as TriEagle Energy, Rhythm Energy and Reliant Energy, may offer equally competitive rates with predictable bills and more competitive prices.
Compare Stream Energy to other Texas electricity providers to find the best options for your needs.
Provider | Phone Number | Reviews | Energy Rates |
---|---|---|---|
Amigo Energy | 888-469-2644 | ||
Champion Energy | 844-856-9388 | ||
Chariot Energy | 844-978-6797 | ||
Cirro Energy | 866-858-2841 | ||
Constellation Energy | 888-900-7052 | ||
Direct Energy | 855-461-9824 | ||
Discount Power | 866-485-4005 | ||
Energy Texas | 855-461-1129 | ||
Express Energy | 833-902-4230 | ||
4Change Energy | 833-962-0262 | ||
Flagship Power | 866-891-7839 | ||
Frontier Utilities | 866-891-7745 | ||
Gexa Energy | 855-947-3015 | ||
Green Mountain Energy | 866-950-9564 | ||
New Power Texas | 866-505-0115 | ||
NRG | 713 537-3000 | ||
Just Energy | 866-385-6065 | ||
Payless Power | 866-702-5033 | ||
Pulse Power | 888-856-1292 | ||
Reliant Energy | 866-928-1998 | ||
Rhythm Energy | 888-774-9846 | ||
Tara Energy | 713-830-1019 | ||
TriEagle Energy | 888-996-4602 | ||
TXU Energy | 855-898-0060 | ||
Veteran Energy | 888-367-7470 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Stream Energy
Is Stream Energy a good energy company?
We gave Stream Energy a 4.6 out of 5 in our provider review. Stream Energy is still a solid provider choice in Texas. However, providers such as Reliant Energy, Green Mountain Energy or TriEagle Energy have higher ratings and more competitive energy prices, based on our review.
How does Stream Energy work?
You can search and enroll in an electricity plan on Stream Energy’s website. The company sends you a bill based on the kilowatt-hours of energy you use each month.
What is the best Stream Energy electricity plan?
The best Stream Energy plan for you depends on your typical energy usage and budget preferences. We recommend a 12-month fixed-rate energy plan because it offers more predictable prices. After a year, you can compare rates to ensure you get the best deal for your energy rates and sign up for a new energy plan.
How do I contact Stream Energy?
You can contact Stream Energy’s customer service by calling its phone number or using the online form. If you’re a current customer, you can log into your My Stream Account and contact the team directly.
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%)