4Change Energy

Company Overview

Here’s the truth about 4Change Energy: The charity angle is mostly marketing. The budget rates are real.

4Change donates a fraction of a cent per kWh to charities. On your $150 electric bill, that’s maybe $1-3 going to charity. Heartwarming? Sure. Meaningful? You’d give 10x more by picking the cheapest provider and donating the savings yourself.

But here’s what 4Change gets right: they’re actually cheap. While TXU and Reliant charge premium prices for brand recognition, 4Change competes in the budget tier without gimmicks like “free nights” that cost you more during the day.

The corporate baggage: Just Energy (their parent company through Tri-Eagle) went through bankruptcy in 2021. They restructured and continue operating. PUCT wouldn’t let them sell electricity if they didn’t meet financial requirements, but some customers prefer companies without that history.

Where 4Change Operates

4Change serves deregulated areas across Texas including Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Arlington, Corpus Christi, and regions covered by Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, and TNMP.

Plan Types Offered

Fixed-Rate Plans Standard lock-in rates from 3-36 months. Often priced competitively in the budget tier.

Variable-Rate Plans Month-to-month options with rates that change based on market conditions.

Green Energy 100% renewable options available for environmentally-conscious customers.

What They Don’t Offer:

• Prepaid plans
• Free nights/weekends
• Time-of-use pricing
• Rewards programs

The Charitable Component: Let’s Get Real

4Change donates to charities. You can pick from causes like:

• Children’s charities
• Veterans organizations
• Breast cancer research
• Animal welfare groups

Here’s what they don’t advertise: The actual donation is tiny—typically fractions of a cent per kWh. On a $150 bill, maybe $1-3 goes to charity.

If charitable giving genuinely matters to you, pick the cheapest provider you can find and donate the savings yourself. You’ll give 10x more to the cause you actually care about.

Deposit Requirements

4Change requires credit checks for enrollment. If your credit qualifies, no deposit is needed. Otherwise, you may need to pay a deposit or provide documentation from a previous electricity provider.

They don’t offer prepaid plans as an alternative for customers who want to avoid deposits.

Pricing: Budget Tier With a Catch

4Change competes on price. They’re usually in the budget tier—not rock-bottom, but cheaper than TXU or Reliant.

Worth knowing: Just Energy (the parent company) went through bankruptcy in 2021. They’ve restructured since, but that history is worth considering. Some customers worry about stability.

Customer Service: The Real Story

4Change runs lean. Budget rates mean budget service.

Worth knowing:

• Phone support exists but isn’t 24/7
• Website is basic—bill pay works, not much else
• Don’t expect proactive communication

The catch:

• Long hold times reported during peak periods
• Limited online tools compared to major brands
• If you have a complex issue, patience required

4Change works for people who pick a plan, set up autopay, and never think about their electricity company again. If you need hand-holding, you’ll be frustrated.