Chariot Energy vs Express Energy
Quick Verdict
Plot twist: same corporate parent. Different marketing, same billing system. You're picking which brand name gets your check.
Since they're the same company, check ComparePower to see which brand is offering better rates right now.
Same corporate owner: Independent owns both Chariot Energy and Express Energy. Different brands, same billing system, same corporate parent.
Plot Twist: Same Company
Same corporate owner: Independent owns both Chariot Energy and Express Energy. Different brands, same billing system, same corporate parent.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Chariot Energy
Express Energy
Chariot Energy has 4.1 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 have solar panels and want competitive buyback rates
- You want genuinely green energy, not just credits
- Community solar programs interest you
- Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Chariot Energy will run your credit
- You need month-to-month—Chariot Energy locks you in for 12 months minimum
Category Breakdown
Only Chariot Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Express Energy skips the credit check. Chariot Energy might want $200-400 upfront.
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chariot Energy | Express Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 10+ | 13+ |
| 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
Chariot 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
Chariot Energy: Owned by Independent. 10 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, 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
Chariot Energy offers fixed-rate, green, solar-buyback. 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
Chariot 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
Chariot Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 10+
- Headquarters
- Houston, 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 Chariot Energy and Express Energy face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where Chariot 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
View Company Profiles
Read full profiles to decide which fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I choose Chariot Energy over Express Energy? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Express Energy doesn't even offer that). You have solar panels and want competitive buyback rates. You want genuinely green energy, not just credits. Community solar programs interest you.
Q: When should I choose Express Energy over Chariot Energy? ▼
Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Chariot Energy will run your credit. You need month-to-month—Chariot Energy locks you in for 12 months minimum.
Q: What is the main difference between Chariot Energy and Express Energy? ▼
Chariot 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: Are Chariot Energy and Express Energy the same company? ▼
Plot twist: yes. Chariot Energy and Express Energy are both owned by Independent. Same corporate parent, same billing system, different marketing. You're not comparing competitors—you're picking which brand name Independent uses to take your money. The only real question: which brand gets better rates right now. Check ComparePower.
Q: Is Chariot 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, Chariot Energy or Express Energy? ▼
Express Energy: 13 years. Chariot Energy: 10 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Do Chariot Energy or Express Energy offer no-deposit electricity? ▼
Express Energy has prepaid—no credit check, period. Chariot 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, Chariot Energy or Express Energy? ▼
Chariot 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, Chariot 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 Chariot Energy and Express Energy offer? ▼
Chariot Energy: fixed-rate, green, solar-buyback. Express Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid. Similar variety. Both have enough options for most situations.