Pennywise Power vs Tara Energy
Quick Verdict
Only Tara Energy sells green plans. But "green" in Texas is mostly accounting—same electrons either way.
If the green marketing matters to you, you know your answer. Otherwise, compare prices on ComparePower.
Green Energy Gap
Tara Energy sells "green" plans. Pennywise Power doesn't. But "green" in Texas is mostly accounting—same electrons either way.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Pennywise Power
Tara Energy
Pennywise Power 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 need month-to-month—Tara Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum
- You want budget rates from an NRG-backed brand
- You prefer no-frills electricity without marketing gimmicks
- You want the stability of a Fortune 500 parent company
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that)
- You want Just Energy service under a different brand
- You're comparing across the Just Energy family of brands
- You found a Tara rate that beats their other brands
Category Breakdown
22 years vs 18—4+ more grid crises survived
Only Tara Energy sells green plans (it's mostly accounting, but it's something)
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pennywise Power | Tara Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) | Just Energy Group Inc. |
| Years in Texas | 18+ | 22+ |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas | Houston, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
Pennywise Power and Tara Energy 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
Pennywise Power: Owned by NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG). 18 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
Tara Energy: Owned by Just Energy Group Inc.. 22 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Houston, Texas.
What They Actually Sell
Pennywise Power offers fixed-rate, variable-rate.
Tara Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
The Money Part
Pennywise Power: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
Tara Energy: Deposit depends on credit—expect $200-400 if your score is below 600.
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
Pennywise Power
- Parent Company
- NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG)
- Years in Texas
- 18+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Tara Energy
- Parent Company
- Just Energy Group Inc.
- Years in Texas
- 22+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when Pennywise Power and Tara Energy face other competitors.
"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 Pennywise Power over Tara Energy? ▼
You need month-to-month—Tara Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum. You want budget rates from an NRG-backed brand. You prefer no-frills electricity without marketing gimmicks. You want the stability of a Fortune 500 parent company.
Q: When should I choose Tara Energy over Pennywise Power? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that). You want Just Energy service under a different brand. You're comparing across the Just Energy family of brands. You found a Tara rate that beats their other brands.
Q: What is the main difference between Pennywise Power and Tara Energy? ▼
Tara Energy leads in track record, green energy. Both companies deliver the same electricity through the same grid—the real differences are in pricing, service quality, and available plan types.
Q: Is Pennywise Power or Tara Energy 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, Pennywise Power or Tara Energy? ▼
Tara Energy: 22 years. Pennywise Power: 18 years. Similar track records. Both have survived enough Texas summers to prove they won't fold mid-contract.
Q: Which is better for green energy, Pennywise Power or Tara Energy? ▼
Tara Energy sells "green" plans. Pennywise Power doesn't. But here's the catch: "green" electricity in Texas is mostly accounting. They buy renewable energy credits—the actual electrons are the same mix as everyone else. If the green marketing matters to you, Tara Energy is your option. For real environmental impact, check if they have actual renewable generation backing.
Q: What types of plans do Pennywise Power and Tara Energy offer? ▼
Pennywise Power: fixed-rate, variable-rate. Tara Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Tara 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, Pennywise Power or Tara Energy? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Pennywise Power wins if you want budget rates from an nrg-backed brand. Tara Energy wins if you want just energy service under a different brand. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.