Stream Energy vs Tara Energy
Quick Verdict
Same wires. Same grid. Same electrons flowing to your house. The only real difference? Who sends you the bill and what they charge.
Since there's no major differentiator, this comes down to price. Check ComparePower for current rates.
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
Stream Energy
Tara Energy
Tara 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 already have a Stream associate you trust
- You want to earn money referring friends (the MLM model)
- You prefer a Dallas-based company
- 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
Both sell green plans—check who has actual renewable generation backing
Rates change constantly. Check ComparePower with your actual usage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Stream Energy | Tara Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Stream Energy (MLM) | Just Energy Group Inc. |
| Years in Texas | 20+ | 22+ |
| Headquarters | Dallas, Texas | Houston, Texas |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| Credit Check |
What Actually Differs
Stream Energy 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
Stream Energy: Owned by Stream Energy (MLM). 20 years in Texas—they've survived enough grid crises to prove they won't fold mid-contract. Based in Dallas, 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
Stream Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
Tara Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. They sell "green" plans (mostly accounting—same electrons, but they buy renewable credits).
The Money Part
Stream Energy: 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
Stream Energy
- Parent Company
- Stream Energy (MLM)
- Years in Texas
- 20+
- Headquarters
- Dallas, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Tara Energy
- Parent Company
- Just Energy Group Inc.
- Years in Texas
- 22+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
"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 Stream Energy over Tara Energy? ▼
You already have a Stream associate you trust. You want to earn money referring friends (the MLM model). You prefer a Dallas-based company.
Q: When should I choose Tara Energy over Stream Energy? ▼
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 Stream Energy and Tara Energy? ▼
Both Stream Energy and Tara Energy deliver identical electricity through the same Texas grid. The real differences are pricing structure, customer service reputation, and available plan options. Check your actual rates at ComparePower.
Q: Is Stream Energy 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, Stream Energy or Tara Energy? ▼
Tara Energy: 22 years. Stream Energy: 20 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, Stream Energy or Tara Energy? ▼
Both sell "green" plans. But "green" in Texas electricity means they buy renewable energy credits—it's accounting, not physics. Your electrons come from the same grid as everyone else. Want to know which has renewable generation backing versus just buying paper credits? Gexa has NextEra (the largest renewable generator in the US) behind them. Most others just buy credits. That's the difference.
Q: What types of plans do Stream Energy and Tara Energy offer? ▼
Stream Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Tara Energy: fixed-rate, variable-rate, green. Similar variety. Both have enough options for most situations.
Q: Which is better overall, Stream Energy or Tara Energy? ▼
Same grid. Same wires. Same electrons. The electricity is literally identical—the only differences are price, service, and plan options. Stream Energy wins if you already have a stream associate you trust. 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.