4Change Energy vs Express Energy
Quick Verdict
Key difference: Express Energy has prepaid (no credit check). 4Change Energy runs your credit and might want a deposit.
If credit isn't an issue, compare both on ComparePower. If it is, you know your answer.
Only One Skips the Credit Check
Express Energy has prepaid—no credit check, no deposit. 4Change Energy runs your credit and might want $200-400 upfront.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
4Change Energy
Express Energy
4Change Energy has 1.4 fewer complaints per 10k customers
Trust & Reputation
External ratings comparison
Trust Score is a weighted average: Google (40%), BBB (35%), Trustpilot (25%)
The Verdict
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Express Energy doesn't even offer that)
- You want budget rates and the charity angle makes you feel a little better
- You prefer simple fixed-rate plans without gimmicks
- You won't call customer service much--set it and forget it
- Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—4Change Energy will run your credit
- You need month-to-month—4Change Energy locks you in for 3 months minimum
Category Breakdown
Only 4Change Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Express Energy skips the credit check. 4Change Energy might want $200-400 upfront.
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 4Change Energy | Express Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Tri-Eagle Energy (Just Energy subsidiary) | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 14+ | 13+ |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas | Houston, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
4Change Energy and Express Energy deliver the exact same electricity through the exact same wires. The electrons don't care whose logo is on your bill. What differs: the price, the service when something goes wrong, and the fine print in contracts.
Who's Behind These Companies
4Change Energy: Owned by Tri-Eagle Energy (Just Energy subsidiary). 14 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Dallas, Texas.
Express Energy: Owned by Independent. 13 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
4Change Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
Express Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid. They have prepaid—no credit check, no deposit, just pay as you go.
The Money Part
4Change Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Express Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
The Honest Answer
Both are legitimate. Neither is a scam. The electricity is identical. What matters is: (1) who's cheaper for your actual usage, (2) whether you need to skip a credit check, and (3) if you care about green marketing. Scroll up to the "Choose if..." sections—they'll tell you which one fits your situation. For actual rates, check ComparePower. Takes 2 minutes.
Company Snapshots
4Change Energy
- Parent Company
- Tri-Eagle Energy (Just Energy subsidiary)
- Years in Texas
- 14+
- Headquarters
- Dallas, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Express Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 13+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when 4Change Energy and Express Energy face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where 4Change Energy and Express Energy are featured in our category guides.
"I like that it searched multiple companies for me. So I don't have to search one by one. Saves time."
— Lacy L., Texas
See Current Rates
Compare current plans from both companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I choose 4Change Energy over Express Energy? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Express Energy doesn't even offer that). You want budget rates and the charity angle makes you feel a little better. You prefer simple fixed-rate plans without gimmicks. You won't call customer service much--set it and forget it.
Q: When should I choose Express Energy over 4Change Energy? ▼
Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—4Change Energy will run your credit. You need month-to-month—4Change Energy locks you in for 3 months minimum.
Q: What is the main difference between 4Change Energy and Express Energy? ▼
4Change Energy wins on green energy. Express Energy wins on credit flexibility. Both deliver identical electricity through the same wires—the difference is pricing structure, customer service, and plan options.
Q: Is 4Change Energy or Express Energy cheaper? ▼
Anyone who answers this without knowing your zip code and usage is lying. The "advertised rate" is calculated at exactly 1,000 kWh—use 800 or 1,200 and the math changes completely. Both companies exploit this. Check ComparePower with your actual usage. Takes 2 minutes, and you'll see real numbers instead of marketing.
Q: Which company has been in Texas longer, 4Change Energy or Express Energy? ▼
4Change Energy: 14 years. Express Energy: 13 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Do 4Change Energy or Express Energy offer no-deposit electricity? ▼
Express Energy has prepaid—no credit check, period. 4Change Energy runs your credit and might want $200-400 upfront. If you've got credit issues, this isn't even a choice: Express Energy.
Q: Which is better for green energy, 4Change Energy or Express Energy? ▼
4Change Energy sells "green" plans. Express Energy doesn't. But here's what they don't tell you: "green" electricity in Texas is mostly accounting. They buy renewable energy credits to match your usage—the actual electrons flowing to your house are the same mix as everyone else. If the green marketing matters to you, 4Change Energy is your only option here. If you want actual environmental impact, check if they have renewable generation backing or just paper credits.
Q: What types of plans do 4Change Energy and Express Energy offer? ▼
4Change Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Express Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid. Similar variety. Both have enough options for most situations.
Q: Which is better overall, 4Change Energy or Express Energy? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. 4Change Energy wins if you want budget rates and the charity angle makes you feel a little better. Express Energy wins if you need same-day electricity connection. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.