Compare The Best Green Electricity Rates and Providers

The Best Green Energy Companies in Texas

Our top four green energy companies in Texas are Green Mountain Energy, Rhythm Energy, Gexa Energy and Chariot Energy. All electricity plans from these providers use 100% renewable energy. You can compare rates from some of these providers and other energy companies in Texas below.

The table above shows electricity plans in the Oncor service territory, which covers more than 13 million customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and many surrounding areas. However, electricity plans and rates vary depending on your location. Shop for green energy plans in your ZIP code to make sure you’re comparing the right plans and rates.

Note that going green doesn’t have to have a negative impact on your monthly energy costs. Many renewable energy plans are as cheap as — if not cheaper than — traditionally sourced electricity plans. The affordability of green energy is due in part to the fact that the Lone Star State has invested heavily in renewable resources, including wind farms, solar farms and hydropower plants. While only a few energy suppliers offer solely 100% green energy, most provide at least some renewably sourced energy plans.

Use the table below to compare the benefits of some of the top Texas energy providers and the best green energy plans the companies offer.

Provider	Solar/EV Benefits	Top Green Plan	% of Renewable Energy
Green Mountain Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Pollution Free e-Plus 24	100% renewable
Rhythm Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Digital Discount 12	100% renewable
Gexa Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Energy Saver 24	100% renewable
Chariot Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Blaze 36	100% renewable
Reliant Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Flextra Credits 24	100% renewable
TXU Energy	Solar buyback, EV charging plans	Solar Buyback Match 36	100% renewable
TriEagle Energy	None	Simple Green 12	100% renewable

Comparing Green Electricity Plans

Green Mountain, Rhythm Energy, Gexa Energy and Chariot Energy offer 100% renewable electricity in all their plans. Champion Energy Services offers mostly traditional plans, but it has one green energy plan with affordable rates and beneficial solar buyback rates. Compare these providers and top plans from each company below.

Provider	Plan Name	Renewable Percentage	Solar or EV Benefits
Green Mountain Energy	Solar Credit 12	100%	Solar buyback
Rhythm Energy	PowerShift EV 12	100%	Low-cost EV charging after midnight
Gexa Energy	SavEV 12	100%	Free EV charging from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Chariot Energy	Shine 12	100%	Solar buyback
Champion Energy Services	Green Energy 12	100%	Solar buyback

Before enrolling in any energy plan, including those with renewable power, we recommend taking the time to read its electricity facts label (EFL). The EFL contains detailed information to help you accurately compare energy plans, including details such as:

• Renewable energy percentage: The EFL of an energy plan discloses the exact percentage of its electricity that comes from renewable energy sources. This can help you spot plans that work for your renewable energy goals. Some EFLs specify the exact sources used, such as solar power or wind energy.
• Fixed vs. variable rates: Fixed-rate plans lock your kilowatt-hour price for the duration of your contract term, while variable-rate plans have no minimum term but can change their rates every month. We recommend fixed-rate plans because they offer the most predictable power bills over time.
• Contract lengths and termination fees: Most electricity plans have contract terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. However, you can also find plan lengths as short as three months or as long as 60 months. Energy plans with contract terms have an early termination fee (ETF) if you cancel the plan before the contract ends. These ETFs can range from less than $100 to more than $300.

EFLs are very helpful when comparing electricity plans because they provide a detailed breakdown of all charges, including base charges, energy fees and utility company delivery fees. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requires energy providers to publish an EFL with each of their electricity plans, and they are not allowed to hide any fees.

Compare Green Energy Plans in Houston

If you live in Houston, the electricity plans below offer fixed rates and predictable monthly bills. Our recommendations include several plans with a 100% renewable energy content:

Compare Green Energy Plans in Dallas

Here, you can compare fixed-rate electricity plans in Dallas, which offer predictable power bills. Additionally, some of these plans offer 100% green power for your home.

What Is Green Electricity?

The term “green electricity” is used to describe power generated from renewable sources that don’t release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Green energy sources include electricity produced by solar panels, wind turbines and hydropower plants. By choosing green electricity, homeowners and business owners can reduce the carbon footprint and environmental impact of their residence or place of business.

Texas is a major business hub for the fossil fuel industry, but the state has also participated in a fast adoption of renewable sources. Its investment in renewable energy sources may be due in part to the nature of Texas’ deregulated energy industry, which encourages competition to provide customers with better value. Investing in clean energy sources is one way a power company can differentiate itself from the competition.

In terms of energy production, the Lone Star State now generates 22% of its electricity from wind turbines, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Texas is also installing more solar panels than any other state, with 5,459 megawatts (MW) deployed during the first half of 2024, according to the SEIA Solar Market Insight. In comparison, Florida was in second place with 2,942 MW installed, while California was in third place with 2,292 MW.

Types of Green Energy

The list of green energy sources includes solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass energy. Nuclear power is sometimes listed among the green sources since it doesn’t generate carbon emissions — the white plume you see over nuclear power plants is simply water vapor. However, not all energy experts consider nuclear power renewable energy, as the uranium used to power nuclear reactors is not a renewable power source. While nuclear power is a green energy source, many don’t consider it renewable.

Although Texas generates less than 30% of its electricity from renewable sources, you can find many energy plans with 100% renewable content. Some of these plans offer additional benefits, which may include:

• Solar buyback rates: You can sell excess energy from solar panels.

• Solar battery plans: Some plans offer higher buyback rates if you own a battery capable of supplying energy to the grid at times of high demand.

• EV charging plans: There are also renewable energy plans that offer low rates for EV owners who recharge their vehicles at night.

Renewable energy plans are available throughout the state of Texas, although their names and rates can vary by location. There is a common misconception that green electricity is expensive, but you can find 100% renewable plans with rates below 16 cents per kWh.

Renewable Energy Certificates

A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is a type of “token” earned for generating 1,000 kWh of renewable electricity. Many states have adopted RECs as a green energy incentive.

• For example, if your home solar system produces 12,000 kWh per year, you earn 12 RECs per year.
• You can then sell these certificates to companies that are subject to renewable energy mandates or other sustainability commitments.

Since Texas has so much renewable energy generation and a high supply of RECs, their market prices have dropped to around $2.50 per REC — and selling them involves complex paperwork. For a homeowner earning 12 RECs per year with solar panels, going through all the paperwork to earn $30 might not be viable. However, some companies offer aggregation services for home solar systems and other small-scale power generators, handling the sales process in exchange for a commission.

Typically, energy companies purchase RECs to offset the use of traditional fossil fuel-sourced electricity to achieve 100% green energy requirements for renewable energy plan offerings.

Benefits of Switching To Green Electricity

Green electricity offers two direct benefits for homes and businesses:

• Saving on power bills: Contrary to popular belief, renewable energy is not more expensive than fossil fuel energy. Energy suppliers like Rhythm Energy and Champion Energy Services offer 100% renewable plans with cheaper-than-average rates.

• Lowering your carbon footprint: According to the EIA, coal-fired generation releases 2.30 lb of CO2 per kWh, while natural gas electricity generation releases 0.97 lb per kWh. For example, if your home uses 15,000 kWh per year and 10,000 kWh come from gas turbines, you generate 9,700 lb of indirect CO2 emissions. By switching to a 100% renewable plan, you keep these carbon emissions out of the atmosphere.

If you decide to generate green electricity with a solar panel system, you can claim 30% of your project costs as a federal tax credit. Depending on your specific location in Texas, you may also qualify for solar rebates from the local transmission and distribution utility (TDU), typically referred to as a utility company.

Additionally, you can enroll in a solar buyback plan and sell excess power generated by your solar panels back to the grid. If you install solar panels and also enroll in a renewable energy plan, your home has access to clean electricity day and night.

How To Find the Best Green Electricity Provider

When comparing green electricity companies in Texas, start by determining your energy usage needs and renewable energy goals. Check past electric bills to determine your home’s typical monthly energy consumption. Then consider what your goals are for staying green.

Some electricity providers offer 100% clean energy in all their plans, while others offer a mix of traditional and renewable plans. When in doubt, you can check the renewable percentage of an energy plan on its electricity facts label (EFL).

Green electricity plans often include other benefits, such as solar buyback rates, low-cost EV charging schedules and usage-based bill credits. However, some of these perks can lead to higher rates. We only recommend enrolling in these plans if you can take maximum advantage of their added benefits.

• Green Mountain Energy, Rhythm Energy, Gexa Energy and Chariot Energy offer multiple renewable plans with additional features, but also basic renewable plans with fixed rates.
• Reliant offers a mix of traditional and renewable plans — including plans with features like solar buyback, EV charging rates, and free nights or free weekends.
• Veteran Energy and 4Change Energy normally offer 9% renewable electricity in all their plans, but you can upgrade any plan to 100% wind power for $6.95 per month.

In general, we recommend choosing a green energy provider that offers electricity plans with fixed rates and a contract term of at least 12 months for long-term price protection and predictable electric bills for your home. You can find many green energy plans that meet this requirement, such as the Rhythm Energy Simply Select 12 and Digital Discount 12 plans.

• Typically, the best time to enroll in a fixed-rate renewable plan is during spring or fall since Texas electricity rates tend to decrease as demand dips.
• The mild weather reduces the need for space heating and air conditioning, lowering the overall demand for electricity in the deregulated energy market.

We recommend fixed-rate renewable plans as your first pick. However, if you own solar panels or an electric vehicle, you can benefit from plans with features like solar buyback rates and discounted EV charging rates. Before enrolling in any plan, we strongly recommend reading its EFL to rule out any hidden fees or misleading rates.

Signing Up for a Green Electricity Plan

Enrolling in a green electricity plan is exactly like enrolling in a traditional plan — you only need to verify that the plan contains 100% renewable energy. Texas electricity providers only need your contact information and address to start your service. However, many plans require a credit check and, in some cases, a security deposit.

We can help you compare green energy plans in your location, and once you select a plan, they handle all the paperwork. The process is very simple:

• Enter your ZIP code to compare green companies
• Identify which green energy plan you want
• Enter your info and switch your green energy provider in minutes

You can also make your home greener by implementing energy efficiency tactics. From shutting off the lights when you leave a room to using a smart thermostat system to strategically reduce the use of your air conditioning and heating unit, being more efficient with your energy use can have a big impact on your home’s carbon footprint. Learn more about cutting your energy bill and making your home greener.

Frequently Asked Questions About Green Energy Providers in Texas

Is green electricity more expensive?

No, this is a common misconception about green energy. In Texas, you can find electricity plans that offer 100% renewable energy and rates below the U.S. average of 16.83 cents per kWh. Plans that provide rates below the U.S. average include the Rhythm Energy Simply Select 12 and Gexa Energy Light Saver 12 plans.

How do I know if my electricity provider uses renewable energy?

You can determine the renewable energy content of any plan by checking its EFL. The PUCT requires all electricity providers to disclose the renewable percentage of all their plans on the EFL. Scroll down to the Disclosure Chart and look for the Renewable Content line item.

What are the different types of renewable energy?

Wind energy, solar energy, hydroelectricity, biomass and geothermal energy are considered renewable sources. The list also includes wave energy and tidal energy, which are emerging technologies. Nuclear energy is a green energy source in that it doesn’t produce greenhouse gases or pollute the environment. However, nuclear power isn’t technically a renewable source due to the finite availability of uranium.

What is a renewable energy certificate?

A REC certifies that energy used comes from or gets offset by renewable energy sources. People and companies can either earn or purchase RECs. You earn one REC for every 1,000 kWh generated. Many companies purchase RECs to offset traditionally sourced energy to achieve 100% green energy goals.

• For example, a home solar system generating 12,000 kWh per year earns 12 RECs.
• Utility-scale wind and solar farms earn thousands of RECs per year thanks to their size.

Since wind farms have created a high supply of RECs in Texas, their market prices are very low as of 2024. A homeowner with solar panels might earn less than $50 per year with RECs, but large solar and wind farms can earn millions of dollars from REC sales during their lifespan.

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 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%)