Green Mountain Energy vs Chariot Energy

Overview

Does it even matter?

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: when you flip the switch, you get the same mix of electrons as everyone else on the Texas grid. Green Mountain’s “100% renewable” and Chariot’s “community solar” don’t change what physically powers your home. ERCOT runs one grid for everyone.

So what are you actually paying for? Accounting. Both companies buy or generate renewable energy that offsets your usage somewhere in Texas. The green is real—it’s just not literally flowing through your specific wires.

Now that we’ve said the quiet part out loud: Green Mountain wins on track record. Chariot wins on doing something genuinely different.

Here’s What They Don’t Tell You

Every Texas electricity company can sell you a “green” plan. Most just buy Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)—essentially carbon offset paperwork. It’s cheap and easy.

Green Mountain has been green-only since 1997. They’ve never sold a fossil fuel plan. That’s 27 years of commitment, not a marketing pivot.

Chariot skips the REC game entirely with community solar. You subscribe to an actual solar farm. The energy it produces credits your bill. It’s real infrastructure, not paper offsets.

Both are legitimate. Most “green” plans from TXU, Reliant, and others are just RECs bolted onto normal plans. These two actually mean it.

Community Solar: The Real Innovation

Here’s how Chariot’s model works: They build or partner with local solar farms. You subscribe to a share. You get credits on your bill for the energy your share produces. No rooftop panels, no installation, no HOA fights, no shading issues.

This is the only way to go solar if you rent, live in a condo, have a shaded roof, or don’t want to spend $20,000 on panels. Green Mountain can’t offer this. Nobody else in Texas really can.

The Verdict

Green Mountain for proven commitment. Chariot for innovation.

Choose Green Mountain if you want the company that’s been doing this for 27 years, backed by Fortune 500 stability. You know exactly what you’re getting.

Choose Chariot if community solar fits your situation, or if you have panels and want competitive buyback rates. You’re betting on a newer company with a fresher approach.

The honest take: Both are legitimate green options. Green Mountain is the safe choice. Chariot is the interesting choice.

Related Pages

Company Profiles

• Green Mountain Energy
• Chariot Energy

Best-For Categories

• Best Green Energy Companies — Green Mountain ranked #1 as the original
• Best Solar Buyback Plans — Chariot ranked #1, Green Mountain ranked #3
• Best for Small Homes — Both providers offer transparent flat rates
• Best Same-Day Electricity — Green Mountain offers 5pm CT cutoff

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