APGE vs Cirro Energy
Quick Verdict
Only Cirro Energy sells green plans. But "green" in Texas is mostly accounting—same electrons either way.
If the green marketing matters to you, you know your answer. Otherwise, compare prices on ComparePower.
Green Energy Gap
Cirro Energy sells "green" plans. APGE doesn't. But "green" in Texas is mostly accounting—same electrons either way.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
APGE
Cirro Energy
APGE has 1.0 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 budget pricing from a company with 20 years of Texas experience
- You're looking for straightforward fixed-rate plans without gimmicks
- You prefer a company now backed by a larger energy firm (Catalyst Power)
- Commercial customers needing both gas and electric service
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but APGE doesn't even offer that)
- You need month-to-month—APGE locks you in for 6 months minimum
Category Breakdown
24 years vs 20—4+ more grid crises survived
Only Cirro Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | APGE | Cirro Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Catalyst Power | NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) |
| Years in Texas | 20+ | 24+ |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas | Plano, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
APGE and Cirro 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
APGE: Owned by Catalyst Power. 20 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
Cirro Energy: Owned by NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG). 24 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Plano, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
APGE offers fixed-rate, variable-rate.
Cirro Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
The Money Part
APGE: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Cirro 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
APGE
- Parent Company
- Catalyst Power
- Years in Texas
- 20+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Cirro Energy
- Parent Company
- NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG)
- Years in Texas
- 24+
- Headquarters
- Plano, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when APGE and Cirro Energy face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where APGE and Cirro 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 APGE over Cirro Energy? ▼
You want budget pricing from a company with 20 years of Texas experience. You're looking for straightforward fixed-rate plans without gimmicks. You prefer a company now backed by a larger energy firm (Catalyst Power). Commercial customers needing both gas and electric service.
Q: When should I choose Cirro Energy over APGE? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but APGE doesn't even offer that). You need month-to-month—APGE locks you in for 6 months minimum.
Q: What is the main difference between APGE and Cirro Energy? ▼
Cirro Energy leads in track record, green energy. Both companies deliver the same electricity through the same grid—the real differences are in pricing, service quality, and available plan types.
Q: Is APGE or Cirro 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, APGE or Cirro Energy? ▼
Cirro Energy: 24 years. APGE: 20 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Which is better for green energy, APGE or Cirro Energy? ▼
Cirro Energy sells "green" plans. APGE doesn't. But here's the catch: "green" electricity in Texas is mostly accounting. They buy renewable energy credits—the actual electrons are the same mix as everyone else. If the green marketing matters to you, Cirro Energy is your option. For real environmental impact, check if they have actual renewable generation backing.
Q: What types of plans do APGE and Cirro Energy offer? ▼
APGE: fixed-rate, variable-rate. Cirro Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Cirro Energy has more options (3 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, APGE or Cirro Energy? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. APGE wins if you want budget pricing from a company with 20 years of texas experience. Cirro Energy wins if you want green energy baked into every plan--no premium required. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.