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Direct Energy Reviews & Plans

See what other customers are saying about Direct Energy. Compare rates head to head with other energy providers.
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Overall Rating

We combine our user submitted reviews along with other reviews from Google, Facebook, Yelp, and the Public Utility Commission to grade providers.

Plans and Rates
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(4/5)
Customer Service
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(3.9/5)
Renewable Plans
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(3/5)
PUC Rating
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(4/5)
GridHacker Rating:
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(3.9/5)
PUC Verified
License: #10040
PUC Report

GridHacker's Review:

Direct Energy is a subsidiary of NRG Energy who purchased the company for a little of 3 billion dollars in early 2021. Yep, billion with a B.

Direct Energy has good customer support grades but typically has higher than average rates. Some people find paying a little extra for an established brand and customer support woth while. But, if you are looking for the best rate availabel for your home you will likely find better options available.

Direct Energy Customer Reviews

Reviews for Direct Energy are pulled from various online sources including Google, Yelp, Facebook, and user submitted reviews.

Shirley Johnson

Shirley Johnson

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5/5
Feel I'm saving alot with Direct Energy. I'm so satisfied.
October 17, 2023
xZIAHx

xZIAHx

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5/5
Great Customer Service
October 18, 2023
mary hodges

mary hodges

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1/5
I have been with direct energy for 11 years, 6 months, 3 days. Went to the doctor to get my work papers to dropped off my workout so I can return back to work after being in hospital for 7 dates. I got my phone back last night. And I was surprised to see the text messages. I called to day to seat up a payment arrangement this was before i new my power was cut off without me even knowing about it, . I had some one help me get my bill seat up on the 3th of the month By someone in the main office and I would be able to notify them before the 21st to set up with arrangements. For tonight, the gentleman kept running around in circles and not answering. Me he told me that they bill 16 days ahead of schedule. And he told me that maybe I need to get a second job. Well, after 11 years, 6 months, 3 days. I am changing service. My mother is on hospice care after work I take care of her and morning the care taker comes in her and my health is not very good because I have not slow down we don't know when she will pass a way they tell us it will not be long, so I can't take a 2 job I won't to be with her when I can, so I have to say goodbye to you
October 19, 2023
Bryan Gomez

Bryan Gomez

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5/5
Averilee was great. Keep it up.
October 19, 2023

Direct Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas provider that serves residential and business customers in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and is a subsidiary of Centrica, a multinational energy and services company. In January of 2021 Centrica, Direct Energy as a subsidiary were aquired by NRG Energy.

Direct Energy was founded in 1986 in Toronto, Canada, and has since expanded its operations across North America. The company provides electricity and natural gas services to over 4 million customers, making it one of the largest retail energy providers in North America.

Direct Energy offers a range of energy plans to meet the needs of its customers, including fixed-rate plans, variable-rate plans, and green energy options. The company is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy to its customers, while also promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.

Direct Energy offers a range of products and services to help customers reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills, including smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy options. The company is also actively involved in promoting renewable energy, with a focus on wind and solar power.

In addition to providing energy services, Direct Energy offers a range of home services, including heating and cooling repair, plumbing services, and home protection plans. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with exceptional customer service, and has won numerous awards for its customer satisfaction and customer service.

Direct Energy Website
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Direct Energy vs other companies

Our Research

Our mission is to provide accurate and helpful data and content to help you make an informed decision when comparing energy providers.

How we rate providers

Plans and Rates: 

We review all available plans from every licensed energy provider. Then we rank the lowest available rate from each provider. Providers then receive a rating based on what percentile their lowest plan ranks.

For example, Provider A has the 3rd lowest-priced plan, while Provider B has the 45th lowest-priced plan out of 46 providers who submitted plans to PUC. Provider A will have a rating of 5, while Provider B will have a rating of 1.

Customer Service:

We scrape online reviews from Google, Yelp, BBB, and Trust Pilot to determine what customers are saying about the provider. The rating reflects the aggregate of all online reviews.

Renewable Options:

The rating system is based on the availability of renewable energy options. A 5-star rating is awarded to entities that offer a fully renewable option, signifying 100% renewable energy usage. A 4-star rating is given to those that provide a mix of energy sources, with more than 50% coming from renewable sources. Entities with renewable energy options exceeding the state average of 31.1% receive a 3-star rating, while those offering less than 31.1% renewable options are rated with 2 stars. Lastly, a 1-star rating is assigned to those with no renewable energy options, indicating a lack of commitment to sustainable energy practices.

PUC Rating:

The Public Utility Commission publishes a rating for each provider based on the number of formal complaints filed against the provider in comparison to how many customers they have.

For example, a provider with 10 formal complaints out of 10,000 customers would have a 1-star rating whereas a provider with 10 complaints and 1,000,000 customers would have a 5-star rating.

GridHacker Rating:

The GridHacker rating uses a weighted average that prioritizes rates and customer service over renewable options and PUC rating. We do this because we feel that for most customers price and service are the two most important factors when they are shopping for an electricity plan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Energy

A good price per kWh in Texas typically ranges from 9 to 13 cents, depending on various factors such as the type of plan, market conditions, and location. Fixed-rate plans offer stable pricing, while variable-rate plans can fluctuate. It's important to compare different plans and providers to find the best rate for your energy needs. Using GridHacker, you can easily compare and enroll in plans from top providers directly on our website to ensure you're getting a competitive rate.

Texas electricity rates are determined by several factors:

  1. Production Costs: The cost of producing electricity, including fuel prices and power plant operations, affects the rates.
  2. TDU Fees: Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) fees are charged for delivering electricity from power plants to homes. These fees vary by location and are added to your bill.
  3. Energy Market: Electricity rates fluctuate based on supply and demand in the energy market. High demand can drive prices up, while low demand can lower prices.
  4. Company Pricing: Each electricity provider sets its own prices, leading to competitive and sometimes confusing rates. Providers offer different plans with various rates and terms.

Understanding these components helps explain why electricity prices can vary and how you can find the best plan for your needs. With GridHacker, you can easily compare and enroll in plans from different providers right on our website.

Bills can be paid online through the Direct Energy website, through the Direct Energy app, by phone, by mail, or at authorized payment locations.

Yes, Direct Energy offers several renewable energy plans such as the Direct Energy Solar Saver plan, which provides solar energy without the need for solar panels, and the Direct Energy Wind Power plan, which offers 100% wind energy.

You can enroll in a Direct Energy plan directly on the GridHacker website. We are Direct Energy partner, so when you sign up through our website we work directly with any provider you choose to make sure your service is turned on ASAP.

Direct Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, and prepaid plans. Specific plans include the Direct Energy Live Brighter plan, which offers a fixed rate, and the Direct Energy Free Power Weekends plan, which provides free electricity every weekend.