Chariot Energy vs Pennywise Power
Quick Verdict
Only Chariot 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.
8-Year Experience Gap
Pennywise Power: 18 years in Texas. Chariot Energy: 10 years. Companies don't survive 18 Texas summers by accident.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Chariot Energy
Pennywise Power
Chariot Energy has 4.9 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)
- You have solar panels and want competitive buyback rates
- You want genuinely green energy, not just credits
- Community solar programs interest you
- You want a company that's survived 18 Texas summers (Chariot Energy has 10)
- You need month-to-month—Chariot Energy locks you in for 12 months minimum
Category Breakdown
18 years vs 10—8+ more grid crises survived
Only Chariot 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 | Chariot Energy | Pennywise Power |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent | NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) |
| Years in Texas | 10+ | 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
Chariot 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
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.
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
Chariot Energy offers fixed-rate, green, solar-buyback. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
Pennywise Power offers fixed-rate, variable-rate.
The Money Part
Chariot 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
Chariot Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 10+
- 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 Chariot Energy and Pennywise Power face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where Chariot 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
View Company Profiles
Read full profiles to decide which fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I choose Chariot Energy over Pennywise Power? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power 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 Pennywise Power over Chariot Energy? ▼
You want a company that's survived 18 Texas summers (Chariot Energy has 10). You need month-to-month—Chariot Energy locks you in for 12 months minimum.
Q: What is the main difference between Chariot Energy and Pennywise Power? ▼
Chariot Energy wins on green energy. Pennywise Power wins on track record. Both deliver identical electricity through the same wires—the difference is pricing structure, customer service, and plan options.
Q: Is Chariot 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, Chariot Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Pennywise Power: 18 years. Chariot Energy: 10 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, Chariot Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Chariot 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, 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 Pennywise Power offer? ▼
Chariot Energy: fixed-rate, green, solar-buyback. Pennywise Power: fixed-rate, variable-rate. Chariot 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, Chariot Energy or Pennywise Power? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Chariot Energy wins if you have solar panels and want competitive buyback rates. 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.