In our review, Cirro Energy ranks 10th out of dozens of electricity providers in Texas, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5. Its overall score speaks to its plan variety and affordable rates compared to the competition.
We rated Cirro Energy best for its range of term lengths and plan options, which allow you to choose from a variable-rate option or 12, 20, 24 and 36-month fixed-rate plans. These options let you pick the plan that best fits your budget, offering flexibility or stability as needed.
Cirro Energy doesn’t offer the cheapest electricity rates. However, its prices are competitive and often more affordable than those offered by larger competitors, such as Reliant Energy or TXU Energy. Most of its plans are commensurate with the Texas average, which was 15.61 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to October 2024 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Additionally, Cirro offers straightforward plans for predictable energy bills, which makes it worth consideration in our review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple contract length options
- Competitive electric prices
- Simple energy plan transfers
Cons
- Limited customer service contact options
- Low online customer reviews
- Many customer complaints
Cirro Energy Plans
Cirro Energy offers seven plan options, including fixed and variable rates. We recommend the Smart Lock Saver 12 plan to secure your rate and predictable bills for a year. While the price isn’t Cirro’s cheapest energy plan, you won’t have to worry about confusing bill credits or lengthy contracts.
The Smart Basic 36 plan may suit your energy needs if you’re searching for a long-term option. It offers Cirro’s cheapest energy rate and price protection for three years. However, it has an early termination fee (ETF) of $395, which could cost you significantly if you end up canceling your plan before the contract comes to an end.
The Smart Nights plan suits those who can adjust usage habits or use most electricity at night. It offers a lower rate from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. The discounted nighttime energy charge appears on the plan’s electricity facts label (EFL), a document outlining contract terms and rates. However, based on our research, time-of-use plans can cause bill surprise issues and unpredictable monthly energy costs.
Cirro’s variable-rate option is the most expensive but provides flexibility without a long-term contract. We typically only recommend variable-rate plans for short-term energy needs.
Our Thoughts on Cirro Energy
Cirro’s competitive electricity rates range below and above the Texas average. It offers a variety of plan lengths, which can help you find one tailored to your situation. Most energy companies offer 12, 24 and 36-month options, so the 18 and 20-month plans are a unique offering. Plus, you can set up autopay with your bank account or credit card to never miss a payment.
We gave Cirro Energy a perfect 5 out of 5 score for the cost category because it offers rates lower than the Texas average and is competitive with other energy companies in Texas.
While we rate Cirro Energy in the top 10, online customer reviews vary. Cirro’s 3.7 out of 5 star Google reviews rating and 1 out of 5-star rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) speak to an unpredictable customer experience. While many report affordable bills and helpful customer service, others report being on hold for hours or dissatisfaction with cancellation fees.
How Cirro Energy Scored in Our Review
Cirro Energy scored 4.3 out of 5 overall, slightly above the average score of the dozens of other providers we reviewed.
Cirro outscored our industry average for brand trust and cost variance, highlighting that the company is trusted by it’s current consumers and they typically see bill with consistent rates and pricing.
Plan Features and Offerings
Cirro Energy scored slightly above average, with a 4.2 out of 5 for plan features and perks. This score reflects its variety of contract terms, bill credit plans, and perks, such as autopay. Energy companies with higher scores in this category offer more variety, potentially including no-deposit plans, green energy plans and bill credit plans.
Customer Satisfaction
Cirro’s 4.3 out of 5 rating for customer satisfaction score falls just below the 4.4 out of 5 average. The provider has about 21 years of business experience but a 3.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews. Other contributing factors include contact options and its user-friendly website.
Bill Predictability
Cirro Energy scored 4 out of 5 for bill predictability due to its generally predictable energy bills, based on our analysis of its plans and rates. Companies with a close-to-perfect score in this category indicate steady pricing across 500, 1,000 and 2,000 kWh usage levels. While you won’t find consistent rates across usage levels with Cirro, the average rate estimates are typically within a two or three-cent range, which indicates more predictable energy bills.
Cost
We gave Cirro Energy a perfect 5 out of 5 for rates, making it one of four energy companies in Texas to receive a perfect score in this category. Cirro offers competitive rates for its straightforward plans. Other providers with a perfect score for cost include TriEagle Energy, Rhythm Energy and Discount Power.
How Cirro Energy Ranks Against the Competition
Cirro Energy ranks in between TXU Energy and Gexa Energy. While Cirro offers fewer energy plans, you can secure a lower rate for our recommended 12-month plans. Check out how Cirro compares to TXU Energy and Gexa Energy below.
| Factor | Cirro Energy | TXU | Gexa |
| Our overall rating (out of 5) | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Number of plans available | 5 | 10 | 16 |
| Top 12-month plan | Smart Lock Saver 12 | Simple Rate 12 | Energy Saver 12 |
| Best feature | Range of term lengths | Time-of-use plans | Cheap prices |
Where is Cirro Energy Available?
Cirro Energy offers plans throughout all six main transmission and distribution utility (TDU) service areas.
- AEP Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- AEP North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- CenterPoint Energy: Houston, Katy, Beaumont
- Lubbock Power & Light: Lubbock
- Oncor Electric: Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Waco, Arlington, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP): League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
What Do Customers Say About Cirro Energy?
Cirro’s 3.7 out of 5-star rating on Google Reviews reflects mixed reviews about customer service experiences and prices. Overall, positive reviews typically mention satisfaction with pricing and helpful representatives who answer customers' questions. Negative reviews highlight specific frustrations with customer service and billing issues. Cirro representatives typically respond by encouraging customers to reach out for help resolving issues.
Jaymee B. wrote about her frustration when her power was turned off during a heatwave, and she had trouble getting in touch with customer service. “There is no emergency number. The hold time is always close to an hour and the amount of times you get transferred is just bad,” wrote Jaymee.
Another unhappy customer wrote about long wait times. “I have spent many hours on the phone, and no one can make sense of this at all. As I write this, I’m 57 minutes into yet another call, and I’m on hold for the umpteenth time,” the customer said.
Eighteen one-star BBB reviews reflect similar billing, disconnection and customer service conflicts.
While Cirro is not BBB accredited, it has an A+ rating and positive Google reviews highlight a better customer experience. “Cirro Energy has gone above and beyond for me. They answer all of my questions very promptly,” wrote Macy C.
Other reviewers mention the provider's affordable rates as a reason they have remained longtime customers. “I love Cirro Energy and have been with them for several years. I don't intend to switch because my bills for winter and summer are very reasonable,” said Doris L.
Key Components of Cirro Energy’s Electricity Facts Label
Your plan’s EFL outlines the energy charge, contract terms and potential fees. Here’s an example of Cirro’s Smart Lock Saver 12 and import terms to understand.
- Average price per kWh: These estimates display potential average charges based on your usage. The average prices include base fees, energy charges and TDU fees.
- Base charge: A monthly flat fee that varies by provider. Cirro Energy’s base charge depends on your plan but may range from $0 to $9.95 per month.
- Energy charge: This is the exact rate you’ll pay per kWh regardless of usage level or potential discounts. We recommend comparing energy charges rather than the average price per kWh before choosing your plan.
- TDU delivery charges: Your utility company charges a delivery fee, often in the form of a flat monthly charge and a rate per kilowatt-hour. Utility fees aren’t listed on every Cirro Energy EFL, but you can check prices on the utility’s website.
- Type of product: This section lists whether your plan has fixed or variable rates.
- Contract term: This section lists your contract’s length. Cirro Energy offers month-to-month, 12, 24, 18 and 36-month contract terms.
- Early termination fee: Canceling a fixed-rate plan before the end date typically results in an ETF. Fees vary by plan and range from $150 to $395.
- Renewable content: This section includes the percentage of your energy plan offset by green energy. The average renewable percentage in Texas is 33%.
- Other disclosures: The disclosure section explains if and how your pricing can change during your contract.
What Is The Best Way To Contact Cirro Energy?
Contact Cirro Energy’s customer service team by phone any day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time.
- Phone: Call 1-800-692-4776
- Customer portal: My Cirro
Your local utility company maintains electrical equipment and restores power outages. To report an outage in your area, contact your utility company.
How Do You Move or Transfer Service With Cirro Energy?
Cirro Energy makes transferring service easy with the My Cirro portal. Simply log in and initiate the transfer with your updated address and move-in date. You can even schedule the transfer within 60 days of your move. We typically recommend at least a 30 days notice to prevent power interruption.
Final take: Cirro Energy Offers Predictable Bills and Competitive Rates
Cirro Energy earned 10th place out of dozens of electricity providers in Texas with a 4.3 out of 5 rating. It offers a variety of contract lengths to fit your unique energy needs and convenient autopay options for timely payments.
You can choose from a variety of fixed and variable rate plans, including time-of-use and straightforward options. However, those searching for a 100% green energy plan or additional perks for solar or electric vehicle owners might consider other providers, such as TXU Energy, Rhythm Energy or Veteran Energy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cirro Energy
Will Cirro Energy charge me a cancellation fee?
Cirro Energy charges a $150 to $395 fee when you cancel a fixed-rate plan before the contract’s end date. The total ETF amount varies based on the contract length of your plan. This fee doesn’t apply if you cancel due to moving outside Cirro’s service area, but you’ll need to provide a forwarding address and evidence to verify the move.
Do the Cirro Energy rates shown include everything?
The average price per kWh or advertised rates typically include your base charge, energy charge and TDU fees. The advertised price may also assume qualification for certain discounts, such as times of use or bill credits, which can make them misleading. We recommend comparing the average price per kWh against the monthly energy charge to estimate what you’ll owe based on your energy usage.
Does Cirro Energy run a credit check?
Cirro Energy runs a credit check to review your credit score and payment history, like most electricity providers in Texas. It’s a soft credit check, which means it won’t hurt your score. You may have to pay an enrollment deposit if you have a low score or a history of late payments.
What is the best Cirro Energy electricity plan?
We recommend the Smart Lock Saver 12-month plan for a year of predictable fixed rates. However, a different Cirro Energy plan might be a better fit for your usage. Shopping around and comparing EFLs is the best way to find affordable rates and straightforward pricing.
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. Home Energy Club created a comprehensive rating methodology to help Texans cut through the complexity and find the best electricity plan for their needs, whether they'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 cost, bill predictability, customer satisfaction, brand trust, and plan features. Here’s how those core factors weighed into our ratings:
- Plan features (33%)
- Customer satisfaction and brand trust (27%)
- Plan rates and pricing (20%)
- Energy bill predictability (20%)
