Direct Energy plans include fixed rate, tiered rate and bill credit options. But the plans you’ve heard of are the ones with heavy advertising, with free weekends and free nights.
That’s why this review focuses on Direct Energy 12 Hour Power and how to compare that to their other plans.
Direct Energy Plans Reviews
Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power Review
Direct Energy was one of the first companies to offer free nights or free weekends.
Their 12 Hour Power Plan is their best free electricity plan yet, with 12 hours of free electricity every day, from 9pm to 8:59am. Their average price per kWh calculation assumes that you’ll use 45% of your power during those times.
Plus, not only is the electricity free, but you also won’t pay for delivery during that time period. What! Yes, that’s what we said!
About Direct Energy 12 Hour Power
- Free electricity and delivery from 9pm to 8:59am (12 hours free every day)
- Assumes you use 45% of your power during the 12 nighttime hours.
- Gives you the most free electricity of any plan in Texas
Is Direct Energy 12 Hour Power Worth It?
We always emphasize how important it is to (1) understand your usage, and (2) read the Electricity Facts Label. The Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power Plan is no different.
Because of its $9.95 monthly base charge, this plan is best for those homes using over 2000 kWh a month.
Since delivery is free with 12 Hour Power, the energy charge during the day is very high. Very. High. They have to collect the delivery fees somehow. Your local utility isn’t cutting them a deal on getting power to your home.
As you can see below, 12 Hour Power is Direct Energy’s most expensive plan. And the advertised average rate already includes the assumption of 45% of your electricity and delivery for free.
So unless you use more power at night than the average person, like charging an EV, not using A/C until after 9pm or shifting all your laundry and dish washing to the free period? You get a better rate with one of DE’s basic fixed rate plans.
Direct Energy has been around for a long time and is a highly rated company. Just don’t immediately jump at the heavy promotion for Twelve Hour Power. Take a good look at their other plans instead.
Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power & Other Plans (Houston)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 1K+ 24 | 24 | 14.9 ¢ | Details |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 | 15.1 ¢ | Details |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 12 | 12 | 15.7 ¢ | Details |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter! 12 | 12 | 19.9 ¢ | Details |
| Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power 12 | 12 | 19.9 ¢ | Details |
Shop Direct Energy Rates & Plans by Zip Code
What time is 12 Hour Power? Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power gives you free electricity from 9 pm to 9 am every day.
Direct Energy Fixed Rate Plans Review
For most consumers, Direct Energy’s fixed rate plans are the better deal than Direct Energy free nights and weekends electricity. That’s why we think these are the better option for electricity with Direct Energy.
Direct Energy Live Brighter!
Direct Energy Live Brighter is their standard fixed rate plan. You’ll pay a $4.95 monthly charge, plus a fixed rate per kWh of electricity. Delivery charges are passed through at cost.
What we like about this plan? Live Brighter is a basic fixed rate plan with no gimmicks. What we don’t like about this plan? It’s consistently higher priced than their other options, Live Brighter Lite and Live Brighter 1K+. Read on!
Direct Energy Live Brighter 1K+
If you use more than 1000 kWh of power each month, pick Live Brighter 1K+.
This plan has a minimum usage fee that kicks in at 1000 kWh. If you use less than 1000 kWh in a billing cycle, they add a $9.95 charge.
But most homes in Texas average 1200 kWh a month. That makes this the perfect plan for most homes in Texas. You can feel confident purchasing this Direct Energy plan if your usage is consistently over 1000 kWh monthly.
Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite
If you consistently use less than 1000 kWh a month, go with Live Brighter Lite.
If your usage goes over 1000 kWh, you’ll pay a $9.95 fee. But if you have a smaller home or apartment, you’ll typically be below 1000 kWh each month.
In the months where you use over 1000 kWh, you will pay that monthly fee. But in the other months, you’ll be saving vs. Direct Energy’s other plans.
NOTE: When shopping electricity plans, always look at the average price per kWh based on your average usage. For example, select 1000 kWh usage (or enter your own usage) when comparing this plan to others.
Ready to sign up for your Direct Energy plan? Call them toll-free at 1-844-879-7711. Or enter your zip code to view all Direct Energy plans.
ElectricityPlans shows a variety of Direct Energy plans, and the plans noted above may not always be available. We select plans to show based on the price offerings, product mix, and what other retailers are offering. We work to post the best electricity plans for your area.
Direct Energy’s PUCT # is 10040.
