Just Energy vs Payless Power
Quick Verdict
Key difference: Payless Power 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
Payless Power 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
Just Energy
Payless Power
Just Energy has 0.9 fewer complaints per 10k customers
Trust & Reputation
External ratings comparison
Trust Score is a weighted average: Google (40%), BBB (35%), Trustpilot (25%)
The Verdict
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Payless Power doesn't even offer that)
- You want longer contract terms up to 5 years
- You value corporate sustainability programs
- You want one company for multiple home services
- Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Just Energy will run your credit
- You don't want to hand over $200-400 upfront—Payless Power skips the deposit
Category Breakdown
25 years vs 20—5+ more grid crises survived
Only Just Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Payless Power 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 | Just Energy | Payless Power |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Just Energy Group Inc. | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 25+ | 20+ |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas | Fort Worth, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | No |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
Just Energy and Payless Power 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
Just Energy: Owned by Just Energy Group Inc.. 25 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
Payless Power: Owned by Independent. 20 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Fort Worth, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
Just Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
Payless Power offers prepaid, fixed-rate. They have prepaid—no credit check, no deposit, just pay as you go.
The Money Part
Just Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Payless Power: No deposit. Period. No credit check needed.
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
Just Energy
- Parent Company
- Just Energy Group Inc.
- Years in Texas
- 25+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Payless Power
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 20+
- Headquarters
- Fort Worth, Texas
- Deposit Required
- no
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when Just Energy and Payless Power face other competitors.
Featured In Best-Of Lists
See where Just Energy and Payless Power are featured in our category guides.
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"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 Just Energy over Payless Power? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Payless Power doesn't even offer that). You want longer contract terms up to 5 years. You value corporate sustainability programs. You want one company for multiple home services.
Q: When should I choose Payless Power over Just Energy? ▼
Your credit is rough and you need to skip the credit check—Just Energy will run your credit. You don't want to hand over $200-400 upfront—Payless Power skips the deposit.
Q: What is the main difference between Just Energy and Payless Power? ▼
Just Energy wins on track record, green energy. Payless Power wins on credit flexibility. Both deliver identical electricity through the same wires—the difference is pricing structure, customer service, and plan options.
Q: Is Just Energy or Payless Power 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, Just Energy or Payless Power? ▼
Just Energy: 25 years. Payless Power: 20 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Do Just Energy or Payless Power offer no-deposit electricity? ▼
Payless Power 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: Payless Power.
Q: Which is better for green energy, Just Energy or Payless Power? ▼
Just Energy sells "green" plans. Payless Power doesn't. But here's what they don't tell you: "green" electricity in Texas is mostly accounting. They buy renewable energy credits to match your usage—the actual electrons flowing to your house are the same mix as everyone else. If the green marketing matters to you, Just Energy is your only option here. If you want actual environmental impact, check if they have renewable generation backing or just paper credits.
Q: What types of plans do Just Energy and Payless Power offer? ▼
Just Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Payless Power: prepaid, fixed-rate. Just Energy has more options (3 plan types vs 2). More options = more ways to optimize, but also more ways to pick wrong. If you just want simple fixed-rate power, ignore the complexity. If you have specific needs (EV charging at night, pool pump, work-from-home AC), the right specialty plan can save you $50/month.
Q: Which is better overall, Just Energy or Payless Power? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Just Energy wins if you want longer contract terms up to 5 years. Payless Power wins if your credit is rough and you need power without a deposit. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.