Express Energy vs Just Energy
Quick Verdict
Key difference: Express Energy has prepaid (no credit check). Just 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. Just Energy runs your credit and might want $200-400 upfront.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Express Energy
Just Energy
Express Energy and Just Energy have similar complaint rates
Trust & Reputation
External ratings comparison
Trust Score is a weighted average: Google (40%), BBB (35%), Trustpilot (25%)
The Verdict
- Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Just Energy will run your credit
- You need month-to-month—Just Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum
- You want a company that's survived 25 Texas summers (Express Energy has 13)
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Express Energy doesn't even offer that)
Category Breakdown
25 years vs 13—12+ more grid crises survived
Only Just Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Express Energy skips the credit check. Just Energy might want $200-400 upfront.
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Express Energy | Just Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Independent | Just Energy Group Inc. |
| Years in Texas | 13+ | 25+ |
| 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
Express Energy and Just 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
Express Energy: Owned by Independent. 13 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
Just Energy: Owned by Just Energy Group Inc.. 25 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
Express Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid. They have prepaid—no credit check, no deposit, just pay as you go.
Just Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
The Money Part
Express Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Just 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
Express Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 13+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Just Energy
- Parent Company
- Just Energy Group Inc.
- Years in Texas
- 25+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
"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 Express Energy over Just Energy? ▼
Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Just Energy will run your credit. You need month-to-month—Just Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum.
Q: When should I choose Just Energy over Express Energy? ▼
You want a company that's survived 25 Texas summers (Express Energy has 13). You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Express Energy doesn't even offer that).
Q: What is the main difference between Express Energy and Just Energy? ▼
Express Energy wins on credit flexibility. Just Energy wins on track record, green energy. Both deliver identical electricity through the same wires—the difference is pricing structure, customer service, and plan options.
Q: Is Express Energy or Just 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, Express Energy or Just Energy? ▼
Just Energy: 25 years. Express Energy: 13 years. That 12-year gap matters—Just Energy survived the 2011 freeze, the 2021 disaster, and every summer in between. Track records like that don't happen by accident.
Q: Do Express Energy or Just Energy offer no-deposit electricity? ▼
Express Energy has prepaid—no credit check, period. Just 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, Express Energy or Just Energy? ▼
Just Energy sells "green" plans. Express Energy 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, Just Energy is your option. For real environmental impact, check if they have actual renewable generation backing.
Q: What types of plans do Express Energy and Just Energy offer? ▼
Express Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, prepaid. Just Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Similar variety. Both have enough options for most situations.
Q: Which is better overall, Express Energy or Just Energy? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Express Energy wins if you need same-day electricity connection. Just Energy wins if you want longer contract terms up to 5 years. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.