Amigo Energy vs Pennywise Power
Quick Verdict
Key difference: Amigo Energy has prepaid (no credit check). Pennywise Power 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
Amigo Energy has prepaid—no credit check, no deposit. Pennywise Power runs your credit and might want $200-400 upfront.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Amigo Energy
Pennywise Power
Pennywise Power has 1.2 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 Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that)
- Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Pennywise Power will run your credit
- You want budget rates from an NRG-backed brand
- You prefer no-frills electricity without marketing gimmicks
- You want the stability of a Fortune 500 parent company
- Simple fixed-rate plans are all you need
Category Breakdown
22 years vs 18—4+ more grid crises survived
Only Amigo Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Amigo Energy skips the credit check. Pennywise Power might want $200-400 upfront.
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Amigo Energy | Pennywise Power |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Just Energy Group Inc. | NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) |
| Years in Texas | 22+ | 18+ |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas | Houston, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
Amigo Energy and Pennywise Power 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
Amigo Energy: Owned by Just Energy Group Inc.. 22 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
Pennywise Power: Owned by NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG). 18 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
Amigo Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits). They have prepaid—no credit check, no deposit, just pay as you go.
Pennywise Power offers fixed-rate, variable-rate.
The Money Part
Amigo Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Pennywise Power: 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
Amigo Energy
- Parent Company
- Just Energy Group Inc.
- Years in Texas
- 22+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Pennywise Power
- Parent Company
- NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG)
- Years in Texas
- 18+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when Amigo Energy and Pennywise Power face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where Amigo Energy and Pennywise Power 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 Amigo Energy over Pennywise Power? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that). Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Pennywise Power will run your credit.
Q: When should I choose Pennywise Power over Amigo Energy? ▼
You want budget rates from an NRG-backed brand. You prefer no-frills electricity without marketing gimmicks. You want the stability of a Fortune 500 parent company. Simple fixed-rate plans are all you need.
Q: What is the main difference between Amigo Energy and Pennywise Power? ▼
Amigo Energy leads in track record, green energy, credit flexibility. Both companies deliver the same electricity through the same grid—the real differences are in pricing, service quality, and available plan types.
Q: Is Amigo Energy or Pennywise Power 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, Amigo Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Amigo Energy: 22 years. Pennywise Power: 18 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Do Amigo Energy or Pennywise Power offer no-deposit electricity? ▼
Amigo Energy has prepaid—no credit check, period. Pennywise Power runs your credit and might want $200-400 upfront. If you've got credit issues, this isn't even a choice: Amigo Energy.
Q: Which is better for green energy, Amigo Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Amigo Energy sells "green" plans. Pennywise Power 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, Amigo 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 Amigo Energy and Pennywise Power offer? ▼
Amigo Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid, green. Pennywise Power: fixed-rate, variable-rate. Amigo Energy has more options (4 plan types vs 2). More options = more ways to optimize, but also more ways to pick wrong. If you just want simple fixed-rate power, ignore the complexity. If you have specific needs (EV charging at night, pool pump, work-from-home AC), the right specialty plan can save you $50/month.
Q: Which is better overall, Amigo Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Amigo Energy wins if you prefer spanish-language customer service. Pennywise Power wins if you want budget rates from an nrg-backed brand. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.