Green Mountain Energy vs Rhythm Energy

Overview

Does it even matter?

Same wires. Same grid. Here’s the truth: both companies are 100% renewable by default. Every kilowatt is matched with wind or solar. If you’ve decided you want green electricity, you’re comparing two legitimate options.

Here’s what they don’t advertise: Green Mountain has been doing this since 1997—before Texas even deregulated. Twenty-seven years of commitment. NRG bought them but kept the brand separate because it works.

Rhythm launched in 2019 by former Reliant executives who thought electricity billing was broken. They’re 100% renewable but that’s not their pitch—transparency is. The rate you see is the rate you pay.

Same environmental outcome. Different experience getting there. Green Mountain charges a premium for history. Rhythm is usually 10-15% cheaper and shows you exactly where your money goes.

The Green Energy Credentials

Let’s be clear: both companies are legitimately green.

Green Mountain has 27 years of renewable energy experience. They helped create the green electricity market in Texas. They’ve offset millions of tons of carbon. This is their identity, not a marketing angle.

Rhythm is newer but equally committed. 100% renewable on every plan. No “green upgrade” needed. They’ve built their entire company around clean energy.

Neither is greenwashing. Both walk the talk. Pick based on other factors.

Price Comparison

Rhythm is usually cheaper—maybe 10-15% less than Green Mountain.

Why? Green Mountain charges a premium for their brand story and history. Rhythm competes more aggressively on price while still delivering 100% renewable.

If you’re paying for green energy, you might as well pay less for it. Rhythm wins on value.

The Transparency Difference

Rhythm makes pricing clear.

Their site shows exactly what you’re paying: energy charge, delivery fees, taxes, everything broken down line by line. No surprises. It feels like a modern tech product.

Green Mountain uses standard electricity pricing. Not confusing, but not exceptionally clear either. You can figure out your costs, but they’re not going out of their way to show you.

If pricing transparency matters, Rhythm wins.

Customer Support

Green Mountain has better support infrastructure.

They’re backed by NRG, which means 24/7 phone support, multiple contact channels, and decades of customer service experience. If something goes wrong at 3am, someone answers.

Rhythm is app-first. Great digital experience, but limited phone support hours. If you prefer managing everything through an app, that’s fine. If you want to call someone immediately when there’s a problem, Green Mountain is better.

Solar Buyback

If you have solar panels, Rhythm wins.

Rhythm has real solar buyback programs—they’ll pay you for excess energy your panels produce. It’s a core part of their offering.

Green Mountain’s solar options are more limited. They’re not really set up for the home solar market.

Company Stability

Green Mountain is backed by NRG Energy, a Fortune 500 company. They’re not going anywhere. 27 years of history.

Rhythm is independent—no corporate parent. They’ve grown fast and seem healthy, but they’re 5 years old. More uncertainty inherent in newer companies.

For most people this doesn’t matter day-to-day. But if you’re signing a long contract, Green Mountain has more track record.

The Verdict

Green Mountain for history and support. Rhythm for price and transparency.

Choose Green Mountain if:

• You want the company that pioneered green energy in Texas
• 24/7 customer support matters
• Brand story and environmental history resonate with you
• Fortune 500 backing gives you confidence

Choose Rhythm if:

• You want 100% renewable at a better price
• Transparency and modern app experience matter
• You have solar panels and need buyback
• You prefer startup culture over corporate green

The honest take: Both are good green energy companies. Rhythm is the better value. Green Mountain has more history and support. If green energy is your priority, you can’t go wrong with either.

Related Pages

Company Profiles

• Green Mountain Energy
• Rhythm Energy

Best-For Categories

• Best Green Energy Companies — Green Mountain ranked #1, Rhythm ranked #4
• Best Solar Buyback Plans — Rhythm ranked #2, Green Mountain ranked #3
• Best for Small Homes — Both providers offer transparent flat rates
• Best Month-to-Month Plans — Rhythm ranked #5 for flexible variable rates
• Best for Large Families — Both providers featured for high-usage households
• Best Same-Day Electricity — Green Mountain offers 5pm CT cutoff

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