Gexa Energy vs Chariot Energy

Overview

Does it even matter?

Same wires. Same grid. Same electrons flowing through your walls. Both companies sell green energy. But here’s where it gets interesting: they approach “green” completely differently.

Here’s what separates them: Gexa is owned by NextEra, the largest renewable energy producer in America. $150 billion company. They could market themselves as the greenest option in Texas—they just don’t bother. Low prices are their pitch.

Chariot built their entire company around solar. Community solar for people who can’t install panels. Buyback programs for people who have them. Solar isn’t a checkbox—it’s their identity.

The real question: Do you have solar panels or want community solar? Then Chariot matters. Just want green electricity from a stable company? Gexa has the corporate backing.

Company Backgrounds

Gexa Energy has been in Texas since 2002. NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) bought them in 2005. NextEra is worth over $150 billion and generates more renewable energy than any other US company. Corporate backing doesn’t get more solid than this.

Chariot Energy launched in 2014 with solar as the core focus. They’re independent—no Fortune 500 parent. That means less corporate backing but more solar-specific innovation.

Gexa has stability. Chariot has specialization.

Plan Variety

Gexa offers more plan structures:

• Fixed-rate (6-36 months)
• Variable rates
• 100% renewable options
• Wind energy plans

Chariot goes deep on solar:

• Fixed-rate solar plans (12-36 months)
• Solar buyback programs
• Community solar participation

If you just want green electricity without solar panels, Gexa has more flexibility. If you have panels or want community solar, Chariot has features Gexa doesn’t offer.

Deposit Policies

Both run credit checks with conditional deposit requirements.

Gexa: Credit check required. Good credit means no deposit. Otherwise, deposit or letter of credit from previous provider. No prepaid option.

Chariot: Similar structure. Credit check, deposit if needed, AutoPay enrollment can help qualify some customers. No prepaid option.

Neither offers prepaid. If you need to skip the credit check entirely, look at Frontier or Discount Power instead.

Customer Experience

Neither is known for exceptional customer service. Both are competent but basic.

Gexa: Phone support exists but expect longer waits than the big brands. Website does the basics—bill pay, usage history. No fancy app. NextEra’s resources don’t translate to premium retail service.

Chariot: Smaller customer service team focused on their niche. Good knowledge about solar programs. Response times vary. Digital-first approach.

If customer service is a priority, look at TXU or Reliant. Both Gexa and Chariot are fine for people who set up autopay and rarely need support.

The Verdict

Gexa for general green energy. Chariot for solar owners.

Choose Gexa if:

• You want green energy without owning solar panels
• Corporate stability (Fortune 500) matters to you
• You want more contract term options
• Variable rates interest you
• You prefer a company with 22 years in Texas

Choose Chariot if:

• You have solar panels and want competitive buyback rates
• Community solar programs interest you
• You want a company built specifically around solar
• You prefer smaller, mission-focused providers
• Solar-specific expertise matters to you

The honest take: If you don’t have solar panels, Gexa is probably the better choice—more flexibility, better backing, competitive green rates. If you do have panels, compare Chariot’s buyback rates against alternatives. Their solar-focused approach often delivers better value for solar owners than companies where buyback is an afterthought.

For general green energy shoppers, also consider Green Mountain (the original) or Rhythm (transparent pricing with solar buyback).

Related Pages

Company Profiles

• Gexa Energy
• Chariot Energy

Best-For Categories

• Best Green Energy Companies — Gexa featured for NextEra-backed renewables
• Best Solar Buyback Plans — Chariot ranked #1 for 1:1 net metering
• Best for Small Homes — Both providers offer transparent pricing
• Best for Low Usage — Gexa ranked #1 for 500 kWh bill credits
• Best for High Usage — Gexa ranked #1 for 2,000+ kWh bill credits
• Best for Renters — Gexa ranked #5 for 6-month fixed rates

Related Comparisons

• Green Mountain vs Chariot Energy
• Gexa Energy vs Rhythm Energy
• Gexa Energy vs Discount Power