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Direct Energy earned a 4.2 out of 5 in our provider review process. To assess every provider on our marketplace, our energy experts evaluate customer service, online accessibility, and plan options. While Direct Energy performs well in customer service and online accessibility, it scores lower in plan options due to its limited selection.
Direct Energy is a Houston-based electric provider and a subsidiary of NRG Energy. It serves millions of customers across Texas and sells residential and commercial energy plans. Read on to find out if Direct Energy checks off your energy needs.
Category |
Direct Energy rating |
|---|---|
| Customer service | 4.6 |
| Online accessibility | 5 |
| Plan options | 3 |
| Overall score | 4.2 |
If you have an issue with your bill or questions about your plan, having dedicated customer support is important to ensure you have a good experience. When reviewing Direct Energy customer service, we considered its Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) complaint score, Google reviews, Trustpilot ratings, satisfaction guarantee, and business history. For customer service, Direct Energy scored a 4.6 out of 5.
Choose Texas Power is not affiliated with Power to Choose, powertochoose.org, or the PUCT.
An easy-to-use online platform streamlines your customer experience by having everything you need in one place. Direct Energy’s user-friendly online platform includes convenient features like online bill pay, real-time usage alerts, and transparent pricing information. These tools empower customers to manage their energy usage effectively and make informed decisions about their plans. Direct Energy scored highest in this section, with a 5 out of 5.
Energy deregulation in Texas gives customers the power to select an energy plan and provider based on their usage and preferences. Over time, your usage habits may change as your lifestyle changes — a provider with multiple plan options can offer long-term flexibility. Direct Energy specializes in fixed-rate plans that range from one to two years. We rated Direct Energy a 3 out of 5 for plan options due to limited plan variety.
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 12 | 12 months | $0.155 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Bright Secure 12 | 12 months | $0.159 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter Lite 24 | 24 months | $0.164 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Apartment Basics 12 | 12 months | $0.165 / kWh |
| Direct Energy - Live Brighter 1K+ 24 | 24 months | $0.181 / kWh |
Please note: All rates above are accurate as of 2/22/2026, 11:23:32 PM CST for ZIP Code 79707. Rates may have changed since this date/time. For the most up to date rates in your area, please enter your zip code above.
One of Direct Energy’s top plans on our marketplace is the Live Brighter Lite 12 plan. This option is designed for lower-usage households, as it waives the usage charge when you use less than 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh). If you live in an apartment or typically don’t use much electricity, this plan could be a good fit for you.
Enter your ZIP code to shop this plan on our marketplace today.
To reflect the opinions of real customers, we consider Google and TrustPilot reviews when evaluating providers. Many Direct Energy reviews indicate positive interactions with customer service representatives and a smooth experience overall. However, some negative reviews mention confusing contract terms that led to high bills or expensive cancellation fees.
“I am using direct energy from last 2 years. They have great deals. Should really give it a try” – Tararn S. (TrustPilot)
“I have been with them since 2017 and found them very easy to work with. Good customer service.” – Frederick E. (TrustPilot)
“I will never resign with direct energy. They are a terrible service provider and customer service is also unacceptable. Unreasonable overpriced. Highly recommend anyone considering getting service from them look elsewhere if possible.” – Bill B. (TrustPilot)
“I wish I didn’t have to give a star! These people are horrible to deal with. My electric bill doubled in the last two years. I tried to change my plan but was told I was in a contract and it would cost me $325 to get out of it. I have had them for 6 years with auto draft and this is how they treat their customers.” – Kathy (TrustPilot)
If you’re debating whether Direct Energy is right for you, it may help to compare it to other Texas energy providers, like Reliant Energy and TXU Energy. When comparing Reliant Energy and Direct Energy, Reliant earned a slightly higher score at 4.3 because it has a better track record for customer service. Otherwise, these two companies score the same for online accessibility and plan options.
When debating between TXU and Direct Energy, TXU comes out on top with a 5 out of 5 stars. As one of our best providers, TXU excels in all categories and may be a better choice if you want a greater selection of plans. Ultimately, the best provider is the one that offers the best plan for you. To help you decide, we’ve compared the cheapest 12-month plans between all three providers.
Provider & plan |
Rate in cents per kWh |
Monthly bill est. |
Plan details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Energy Live Brighter Lite 12 | 15.9 | $159 | Enjoy a stable fixed rate that waives the usage charge for usage below 1,000 kWh. |
| Reliant Power Savings 12 | 13.9 | $139 | Receive a $50 bill credit if you use 1,000 kWh or more each month. |
| TXU Smart Edge 12 | 14.5 | $145 | Lock in a $50 bill credit each month you use 800 kWh or more of electricity. |
These rates are accurate at the time of writing for the Houston area ZIP code 77077. Rates change frequently in Texas, so it helps to enter your ZIP code to find today’s latest results.
Direct Energy earned a 4.2 out of 5 stars in our provider review process. The company scores well for customer service and online accessibility, but struggles in the plan options category due to its limited choices.
You can pay your Direct Energy bill online, on the app, over the phone, by mail, or in person at a location near you.
Reliant Energy scores slightly higher overall than Direct Energy with 4.3 stars. Its higher score is due to a strong customer service record with fewer negative reviews and PUCT complaints. However, the best provider between the two depends on which one is the best fit for your energy needs
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