Payless Power vs Pulse Power: Why Pulse Power Is Gone
Pulse Power Is No Longer Accepting New Customers
Pulse Power is no longer enrolling new customers. The company, operated under Shell/MP2 Energy, has stopped accepting sign-ups. Existing customers are being served out through their current contracts.
If you landed here comparing options, Payless Power is still actively enrolling customers — including those with credit challenges.
At a Glance
| Factor | Payless Power | Pulse Power |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Not enrolling new customers |
| Parent Company | Young Energy (family-owned) | Shell/MP2 Energy (winding down) |
| Years in Texas | 21 | Was ~4 before stopping enrollment |
| Credit Check | No | Yes (required) |
| On ComparePower | Yes | No |
Bottom Line: This is no longer a real comparison. Pulse Power stopped accepting new customers. Payless Power remains one of the best prepaid providers in Texas — 21 years of operations, no credit check, and 4.8-star ratings.
What Happened to Pulse Power?
Pulse Power launched around 2020 as a budget provider under Shell/MP2 Energy. They offered basic fixed and variable plans at rock-bottom rates. Unlike Payless Power, Pulse required a credit check and did not offer prepaid service.
Pulse Power has stopped accepting new enrollments. Existing customers are being served through their contracts, but the provider is effectively winding down.
Why Payless Power Is Still Here
Payless Power has operated in Texas for 21 years, owned by Young Energy — a family-owned business. They are one of the original prepaid electricity providers in the state, serving customers that many other companies refuse.
What Payless Power offers:
- No credit check — sign up with just $40
- Prepaid and fixed-rate plans
- Daily balance alerts so you always know where you stand
- 21 years of continuous Texas operations
- 4.8-star customer ratings — exceptional for the budget/prepaid tier
- Bilingual support with a Texas-based team
- Service across all major Texas TDU areas
Payless Power’s prepaid rates run 15-25% higher per kWh than traditional fixed-rate plans. That premium is the cost of skipping credit requirements. If your credit qualifies you for fixed-rate providers, you will find lower rates elsewhere.
If You Are a Current Pulse Power Customer
Your service continues through your current contract. When it ends, you will need to switch.
Payless Power serves a different market than Pulse Power did. Pulse required credit checks; Payless does not. If your credit is solid and you want budget fixed-rate plans, look at Discount Power (NRG), Frontier Utilities (NextEra), or 4Change Energy (Vistra).
If you need no-credit-check service, Payless Power is one of the best options in Texas.
The Verdict
Choose Payless Power if you need prepaid electricity with no credit check, backed by 21 years of Texas operations and 4.8-star customer ratings from a family-owned company.
Need a fixed-rate budget option instead? Compare current rates on ComparePower to find active providers at competitive prices.
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Category Breakdown
Payless is actively enrolling; Pulse Power is closed to new customers
Payless requires no credit check; Pulse Power required one
21 years in Texas (family-owned) vs Pulse Power's ~4 years before stopping
Payless has 4.8-star ratings; Pulse had minimal service infrastructure
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
Payless Power
Pulse Power
Pulse Power has 2.3 fewer complaints per 10k customers
The Verdict
- You need prepaid electricity with no credit check -- Payless takes anyone with $40
- 21 years of Texas operations and 4.8-star customer ratings matter
- Daily balance alerts and pay-as-you-go budgeting fits your lifestyle
- You want a family-owned company (Young Energy) with proven reliability
- This comparison is historical only -- Pulse Power is no longer accepting new customers
- Pulse Power stopped enrolling new customers; existing accounts are being served out
- You cannot sign up for Pulse Power -- they are closed to new enrollment
- If you are a current Pulse Power customer, your service continues until your contract ends
Done researching? See actual rates.
Payless Power or Pulse Power — find out which one is cheaper at your address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I choose Payless Power over Pulse Power? ▼
You need prepaid electricity with no credit check -- Payless takes anyone with $40. 21 years of Texas operations and 4.8-star customer ratings matter. Daily balance alerts and pay-as-you-go budgeting fits your lifestyle. You want a family-owned company (Young Energy) with proven reliability.
Q: When should I choose Pulse Power over Payless Power? ▼
This comparison is historical only -- Pulse Power is no longer accepting new customers. Pulse Power stopped enrolling new customers; existing accounts are being served out. You cannot sign up for Pulse Power -- they are closed to new enrollment. If you are a current Pulse Power customer, your service continues until your contract ends.
Q: What is the main difference between Payless Power and Pulse Power? ▼
Payless Power leads in availability, credit flexibility, track record, customer service. Both companies deliver the same electricity through the same grid—the real differences are in pricing, service quality, and available plan types.
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when Payless Power and Pulse Power face other competitors.
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See where Payless Power and Pulse Power are featured in our category guides.
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