Verdict: Reliant Energy is the winner in this match up. Reliant Energy and Direct Energy share the same parent company and satisfaction guarantee, but Reliant has better customer and PUCT ratings, plus cheaper prices on most plans.
Company Snapshots
Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy is the flagship brand for NRG Energy, which also owns Cirro Energy, Discount Power and Direct Energy. Premium pricing, a wide variety of plans and 24/7 customer service. They offer a 90-day customer satisfaction guarantee that lets you switch to any other Reliant plan in the first 3 months.
Direct Energy
Direct Energy was previously independent but is now owned by NRG Energy, parent company for Reliant Energy. Direct Energy has premium pricing, a variety of plans, 24/7 customer service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Basically, the same as Reliant Energy, with a different name and higher prices.
| Category | Reliant Energy | Direct Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Average Rate | 20% higher than market | 20% higher than market |
| Monthly Base Charge | $5.00 | $5 - $9.95 |
| PUC Complaint Rating | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Best Plan Type | Basic Fixed Rate | Bill Credit/Tiered Rate |
| Plan Terms | 6-24 months | 6-24 months |
| Satisfaction Guarantee | 90 Days; change your plan | 90 Days; change your plan |
| Parent Company | NRG (Houston) | NRG (Houston) |
Shop Reliant vs. Direct Energy Rates by Zip Code
Reliant Energy vs. Direct Energy Electricity Rates (Oncor Area)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Reliant Power Savings 24 | 24 | 12.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Power Savings 12 | 12 | 12.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Pure Power 24 | 24 | 15.4 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 12 | 12 | 15.5 ¢ |
| Reliant Pure Power 12 | 12 | 15.5 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Apartment Basics 12 | 12 | 15.8 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Bright Secure 12 | 12 | 15.9 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 | 15.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Basic Power 24 | 24 | 16.2 ¢ |
| Reliant Basic Power 12 | 12 | 16.2 ¢ |
| Reliant Conservation Plan 12 | 12 | 16.5 ¢ |
| Reliant Conservation Plan 24 | 24 | 16.5 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 1K+ 24 | 24 | 17.1 ¢ |
| Reliant Free Overnight 12 | 12 | 17.8 ¢ |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends 12 | 12 | 18.2 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Bright Bill Credit Classic 12 | 12 | 18.3 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power 12 | 12 | 23.6 ¢ |
Reliant Energy vs. Direct Energy Electricity Rates (CenterPoint Area)
| Plan Name | Term | Rate/kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Reliant Power Savings 12 | 12 | 11.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Power Savings 24 | 24 | 11.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Pure Power 24 | 24 | 14.4 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 12 | 12 | 14.5 ¢ |
| Reliant Pure Power 12 | 12 | 14.5 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Apartment Basics 12 | 12 | 14.8 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Bright Secure 12 | 12 | 14.9 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 | 14.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Basic Power 24 | 24 | 15.8 ¢ |
| Reliant Basic Power 12 | 12 | 15.8 ¢ |
| Reliant Conservation Plan 12 | 12 | 15.9 ¢ |
| Reliant Conservation Plan 24 | 24 | 15.9 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 1K+ 24 | 24 | 16.2 ¢ |
| Reliant Free Overnight 12 | 12 | 17.2 ¢ |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends 12 | 12 | 17.2 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Bright Bill Credit Classic 12 | 12 | 17.4 ¢ |
| Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power 12 | 12 | 23.6 ¢ |
Comparing Reliant vs Direct Energy – Electricity Plan Variety
These charts show current plans offerings from Reliant and Direct.
The best Reliant Energy plan is Reliant Pure Power, and you should compare that directly against Direct Energy Bright Secure. Both plans have a $5/month base charge and a simple energy rate. But you’ll often find that Reliant Energy has a cheaper energy rate than Direct Energy. Always shop the effective rate with your usage, and check prices before you pick a brand.
Many of the Reliant and Direct Energy plans have the same structure with different names and prices. For example, Direct Energy Apartment Basics and Reliant Conservation Plan are both tiered rate options with a lower rate per kWh for usage below 1000 kWh. Pick whichever one is cheaper.
Reliant Energy Plans
| Reliant Energy Plans | Plan Type | Plan Details | Who This Plan is For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant Pure Power | Fixed Rate | Basic fixed rate plan with a $5/month base charge | Most Texas homes (Top Reliant Recommendation) |
| Reliant Basic Power | Fixed Rate | Basic fixed rate plan with a $9.95 minimum use charge if you use less than 1000 kWh | Texas homes that use over 1000 kWh/month |
| Reliant Power Savings | Bill Credit | $75 usage credit when you use >1000 kWh/month. No base charge. | Texas homes that use over 1000 kWh/month |
| Reliant Conservation Plan | Tiered Rate | Lower rate for energy use under 1000 kWh; $5 monthly base charge | Smaller homes and apartments |
| Reliant Free Overnight | Time of Use | Free energy and delivery charges from 9pm-6am daily. No base charge | Homes that can shift their usage to night time, or that have an EV. |
| Reliant Truly Free Weekends | Time of Use | Free energy and delivery from Friday 8pm to Monday 12am. No base charge | People who travel for work; second homes |
Direct Energy Plans
| Direct Energy Plans | Plan Type | Plan Details | Who This Plan is For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Energy Bright Secure | Fixed Rate | Basic fixed rate plan with $4.95 monthly base charge | Texas homes that use over 750 kWh |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite | Fixed Rate | Basic fixed rate plan with a $9.95 monthly usage charge if you use more than 1000 kwh | Smaller homes that use less than 1000 kWh/month |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter 1K+ | Fixed Rate | Basic fixed rate plan with a $9.95 monthly usage charge if you use less than 1000 kwh | Larger homes using over 1000 kWh/month |
| Direct Energy Apartment Basics | Tiered Rate | Complex plan with a monthly base charge, low price per kWh under 1000 and a 20% higher rate for all kWh over 1000 | Homes that use under 1000 kWh/month |
| Direct Energy Bright Bill Credit Classic | Bill Credit | Basic fixed energy rate plus delivery, with a $50 usage credit on your bill if you use u500 kWh or under. | Tiny homes, small apartments, frugal living fans that use under 500 kWh/month |
| Direct Energy Twelve Hour Power | Time of use | Free energy & delivery 9pm - 9am. Monthly base charge of $9.95/month. Assumes 55% of power used during free time | Homes where someone's away all day; recommend ceiling fans to stay cool 6pm - 9pm to avoid high charges |
Customer Reviews – Reliant vs. Direct Energy
Both Reliant and Direct have positive reviews. But we’re giving the win here to Reliant, due to their consistently better reviews.
| Category | Reliant Energy | Direct Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Reviews | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| Customers Like | Quality customer care, 90 day satisfaction guarantee, weekly usage summaries | Quality customer care, 90 day satisfaction guarantee, mobile app |
| Customers Dislike | High renewal rates, high bills for free nights & weekends | Inflexible payment requirements, higher than expected bills for bill credit plans. |
Which is Best Based on Your Situation?
We compared Reliant vs. Direct Energy based on several consumer scenarios. Direct Energy’s bill credit plans rise to the top for smaller homes, but Reliant was the winner for basic fixed rate plans. If you go with a bill credit or tiered rate plan, make sure your usage matches these usage bands, or you’ll end up paying more than you expected.
Apartments (Under 1000 sq ft)
Winner: Direct Energy
Direct Energy has plans focused on the smaller energy usage, with bill credit plans and tiered rates that offer superb value for consumers using up to 800 kWh/month. Always check effective rate prices based on your usage, not just the advertised rate
Average Home (1000-2000 sq ft)
Winner: Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy’s basic fixed rate electricity plans are cheaper than Direct Energy for usage 1000-2000 kWh a month. Yup. We were surprised too. Enter your usage to compare these plans head to head and you’ll see.
Large Home (over 2000 sq ft)
Winner: Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy’s basic fixed rate electricity plans are cheaper than Direct Energy for usage over 2000 kWh a month. Yup. We were surprised too. Enter your usage to compare these plans head to head and you’ll see.
Bill Credit Plans
Winner: Reliant Energy
Reliant’s bill credit plan offers a $75 bill credit for usage of 1000+ kWh in a month. That plus a simple energy charge (vs. Direct Energy’s more complex tiered rates) makes them the winner in this category. A good option if you consistently use 1000-1999 kWh/month
Fixed Rate Plans
Winner: Reliant Energy
Reliant Energy is the better option for fixed rate plans vs. Direct Energy. That was a shocker for us too. Just goes to show, you need to shop the effective rate, not the brand name.
Prepaid Electricity Plans
Winner: Neither
Neither Direct Energy nor Reliant Energy offer prepaid electricity plans. Your best option for prepaid is Payless Power, which offers 6 and 12 month fixed rates with no credit check.
Final Verdict: Shop Around
For most Texas households, Reliant is the better choice vs. Direct Energy, which surprised even us. Reliant offers a better value with cheaper rates on their basic fixed rate plans. However, if you’re primarily shopping on price, both brands charge a premium vs. market prices. You should shop around rather than choose either of these options.
Choose Reliant Energy if:
- You want a basic fixed rate plan, or a bill credit plan focused at over 1000 kWh usage.
- You like having 90 days to review your plan and change to a different option
- You value the stability of a large company
Choose Direct Energy if:
- You live in a small home or apartment and use under 1000 kwh every month
- You like having 90 days to review your plan and change to a different option
- You value the stability of a large company
Ultimately, we recommend that you don’t look at brand or advertised rates. Instead, shop based on your actual kWh usage with the ElectricityPlans BillSmart™ Tools, including BillSmart Low Bill Finder and BillSmart Calculator. You’ll get easy insights into what you’ll actually pay. That’s the only way to find the best electricity plan for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
We were surprised to find that Reliant offered better prices than Direct Energy. But neither is the cheapest option near you. Your best bet is to use the ElectricityPlans BillSmart Low Bill Finder to find the cheapest option for your home.
Both Reliant and Direct are premium brands with premium pricing. If you’re shopping based on price but are also concerned about reputation and stability, consider Champion Energy, Chariot Energy, Rhythm Energy and APG&E. All are known brand names, in business for 5+ years and cheaper than Reliant Energy or Direct Energy.
