Pennywise Power vs Think Energy
Quick Verdict
Pennywise Power has 18 years in Texas. Think Energy has 5. That's not nothing—Pennywise Power survived every grid crisis since 2008.
Experience matters for stability. Price matters for your wallet. Check both on ComparePower.
13-Year Experience Gap
Pennywise Power: 18 years in Texas. Think Energy: 5 years. Companies don't survive 18 Texas summers by accident.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Pennywise Power
Think Energy
Think Energy has 2.3 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 a company that's survived 18 Texas summers (Think Energy has 5)
- You need month-to-month—Think Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum
- You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that)
- You want a multi-state company with Texas presence
- You prioritize 100% renewable energy options
- You prefer online-first electricity shopping
Category Breakdown
18 years vs 5—13+ more grid crises survived
Only Think 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 | Think Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG) | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 18+ | 5+ |
| Headquarters | Houston, Texas | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
Pennywise Power and Think 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.
Think Energy: Owned by Independent. 5 years in Texas—that track record matters when you're signing a multi-year contract. Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What They Actually Sell
Pennywise Power offers fixed-rate, variable-rate.
Think 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.
Think 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
Think Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent
- Years in Texas
- 5+
- Headquarters
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when Pennywise Power and Think 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 Think Energy? ▼
You want a company that's survived 18 Texas summers (Think Energy has 5). You need month-to-month—Think Energy locks you in for 6 months minimum.
Q: When should I choose Think Energy over Pennywise Power? ▼
You want green energy (it's mostly accounting, but Pennywise Power doesn't even offer that). You want a multi-state company with Texas presence. You prioritize 100% renewable energy options. You prefer online-first electricity shopping.
Q: What is the main difference between Pennywise Power and Think Energy? ▼
Pennywise Power wins on track record. Think Energy wins on green energy. Both deliver identical electricity through the same wires—the difference is pricing structure, customer service, and plan options.
Q: Is Pennywise Power or Think 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 Think Energy? ▼
Pennywise Power: 18 years. Think Energy: 5 years. That 13-year gap matters—Pennywise Power survived the 2011 freeze, the 2021 disaster, and every summer in between. Track records like that don't happen by accident.
Q: Which is better for green energy, Pennywise Power or Think Energy? ▼
Think 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, Think 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 Think Energy offer? ▼
Pennywise Power: fixed-rate, variable-rate. Think Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Think 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 Think 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. Think Energy wins if you want a multi-state company with texas presence. For everyone else? Whoever's cheaper for your usage right now. Check ComparePower—it takes 2 minutes.