Green Mountain Energy vs Pennywise Power: Why Pennywise Is Gone
Pennywise Power No Longer Exists
Pennywise Power was absorbed by NRG Energy into Discount Power. The brand no longer exists. Both Green Mountain and Pennywise were NRG brands — NRG chose to keep Green Mountain and retire Pennywise.
If you landed here comparing options, Green Mountain is still actively enrolling. For NRG’s budget option, see Discount Power.
At a Glance
| Factor | Green Mountain Energy | Pennywise Power |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Absorbed into Discount Power |
| Parent Company | NRG Energy | Was NRG Energy |
| Years in Texas | 29 | Was 18 before absorption |
| Green Plans | Yes (100% renewable) | Never offered |
| On ComparePower | Yes | No |
Bottom Line: This was always an internal NRG comparison. NRG retired Pennywise and kept Green Mountain — because 29 years of clean energy branding has real market value that basic budget rates do not.
What Happened to Pennywise Power?
Pennywise Power was NRG’s cheapest brand. Basic fixed-rate electricity at rock-bottom prices. No green options, no rewards, no frills.
NRG consolidated Pennywise into Discount Power. Pennywise customers were migrated to Discount Power. The brand is gone.
Why did NRG keep Green Mountain and retire Pennywise? Green Mountain has 29 years of renewable energy brand equity. Pennywise was a generic budget brand with nothing unique. Discount Power already filled that slot.
Why Green Mountain Energy Is Still Here
Green Mountain Energy was America’s first company dedicated exclusively to cleaner energy. Founded in 1997, now owned by NRG Energy. They have operated in Texas for 29 years.
What Green Mountain Energy offers:
- 100% renewable electricity plans (wind and solar sourced)
- Solar buyback plans for rooftop solar customers
- Fixed-rate and variable plan options
- 29 years of clean energy track record
- NRG Energy backing — same Fortune 500 parent
Green Mountain charges premium rates — typically 15-25% above budget providers. That premium goes toward renewable energy sourcing.
If You Were a Pennywise Customer
Your account was migrated to Discount Power — still NRG, still budget pricing. Check your current rate.
Green Mountain is a different product entirely. If you chose Pennywise for low rates, Green Mountain will cost 15-25% more. Discount Power is the direct successor for budget NRG rates. Green Mountain is for customers who want renewable energy and are willing to pay for it.
The Verdict
Choose Green Mountain Energy if 100% renewable electricity from America’s oldest green energy company is worth paying a premium — backed by NRG’s Fortune 500 stability.
Looking for Pennywise’s successor? Discount Power is the NRG budget brand that replaced it, or compare current rates on ComparePower.
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Category Breakdown
Green Mountain is actively enrolling; Pennywise was absorbed into Discount Power
29 years of 100% renewable focus; Pennywise never offered green plans
America's first green electricity company -- NRG kept this brand, retired Pennywise
NRG kept Green Mountain alive because the brand has real value
Trust & Complaint Data ▼
Trust & Reputation
External ratings comparison
Trust Score is a weighted average: Google (40%), BBB (35%), Trustpilot (25%)
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Green Mountain Energy
Pennywise Power
Green Mountain Energy has 4.4 fewer complaints per 10k customers
The Verdict
- Environmental impact matters -- Green Mountain has 29 years of 100% renewable focus
- NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) backing gives you unquestionable financial stability
- You want wind and solar sourced plans, not just basic commodity electricity
- Solar buyback for rooftop panels is part of your energy strategy
- This comparison is historical only -- Pennywise Power was absorbed into Discount Power by NRG
- Pennywise Power no longer exists as a separate brand
- You cannot sign up for Pennywise Power -- they are no longer enrolling
- If you were a Pennywise customer, you were moved to Discount Power
Done researching? See actual rates.
Green Mountain Energy or Pennywise Power — find out which one is cheaper at your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I choose Green Mountain Energy over Pennywise Power? ▼
Environmental impact matters -- Green Mountain has 29 years of 100% renewable focus. NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) backing gives you unquestionable financial stability. You want wind and solar sourced plans, not just basic commodity electricity. Solar buyback for rooftop panels is part of your energy strategy.
Q: When should I choose Pennywise Power over Green Mountain Energy? ▼
This comparison is historical only -- Pennywise Power was absorbed into Discount Power by NRG. Pennywise Power no longer exists as a separate brand. You cannot sign up for Pennywise Power -- they are no longer enrolling. If you were a Pennywise customer, you were moved to Discount Power.
Q: What is the main difference between Green Mountain Energy and Pennywise Power? ▼
Green Mountain Energy leads in availability, green energy, brand legacy, corporate stability. Both companies deliver the same electricity through the same grid—the real differences are in pricing, service quality, and available plan types.
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