TXU Energy vs Reliant Energy
Complaint Comparison
PUCT Data • Jul-Dec 2025
TXU Energy
Reliant Energy
TXU Energy and Reliant Energy have similar complaint rates
The Verdict
- You run your AC at night and want free nights plans
- You want prepaid electricity to skip the credit check
- You need to call support at 2am when something goes wrong
- You're signing a 2-3 year contract and want rate lock stability
- You'll actually use the Reliant Rewards program (free movie tickets, discounts)
- You manage everything through your phone and want the better app
- You're bundling electricity with home security or smart thermostats
- You're already paying NRG for something else
Category Breakdown
Both charge brand premiums—neither wins on price
Both sell 100% renewable, but neither is a green-first company
TXU's satisfaction scores run 5-8% higher
Reliant Rewards is real—TXU's loyalty program is an afterthought
Same playbook: credit check, prepaid workaround, or letter of credit
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TXU Energy | Reliant Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Vistra Corp | NRG Energy |
| Years in Texas | 22+ | 24+ |
| Service Areas | Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP | Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Rewards Program | Limited | Yes (Reliant Rewards) |
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| 24/7 Support |
Overview
TXU vs. Reliant. Does it even matter?
The truth? Not really. Same wires, same grid, same electrons flowing into your home. You’re not comparing electricity quality—you’re comparing marketing departments. Both companies spend millions on TV commercials, and guess who pays for those ads?
Here’s what they don’t tell you: TXU and Reliant charge 15-25% more than smaller companies like Gexa or Frontier. The electricity is identical. You’re paying for brand recognition—the comfort of a name your mom has heard of.
But if you’re set on one of the household names, here’s the actual difference: TXU wins on plan variety and customer service. Reliant wins on rewards and app experience. Neither wins on price—and they never will.
Company Backgrounds
TXU Energy has been selling electricity to Texans since before deregulation. Now owned by Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST), they’re not going bankrupt tomorrow.
Reliant Energy launched in 2001 when the market opened up. Now part of NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG), which also owns Direct Energy and Green Mountain. Fortune 500 backing.
Both companies will exist next year. That’s the bar. Neither gets points for stability—it’s table stakes.
Plan Variety
Both offer everything: fixed, variable, free nights, prepaid, green. But TXU goes deeper.
TXU has indexed plans tied to wholesale prices, time-of-use options, and more contract length choices. If you have a specific need, TXU probably built a plan for it.
Reliant bundles electricity with smart home gear and home security. Fewer plan structures, more add-on services. Good if you want one company for multiple things, annoying if you just want electricity.
Deposit Policies
Both run credit checks. Both want $200-400 deposits if you don’t pass.
TXU workarounds: Letter of credit from your previous provider, prepaid plan (Pay As You Go), or AutoPay enrollment.
Reliant workarounds: Same playbook—previous provider letter, prepaid (Reliant Flex Pay), or payment history proof.
Neither is easier on deposits. If credit is the issue, check our No Deposit Electricity Companies guide for providers that skip the credit check entirely.
Customer Experience
Both have 24/7 phone support. Both have apps. The difference is where they invested.
TXU put money into their online account tools and billing clarity. Downside: they’ll hound you about renewing before your contract expires.
Reliant put money into their app and rewards program. The app is genuinely good. Downside: they’ll try to sell you home security, smart thermostats, and whatever else NRG is pushing this quarter.
The Verdict
TXU wins on substance. Reliant wins on perks. Neither wins on price—you’re paying a brand tax either way.
Choose TXU if:
- You want free nights plans or indexed pricing options
- You care more about customer service than rewards points
- You’re locking in for 2+ years and want the most plan choices
- You’d rather call someone than use an app
Choose Reliant if:
- You’ll actually redeem rewards (most people don’t)
- You want a polished app experience
- You’re bundling with home security or smart home services
- You already have NRG services and want one bill
The real answer: Both charge 15-25% more than Gexa, Frontier, or 4Change. You’re paying for brand recognition. If you’re price-sensitive, skip both and save $300-500/year on identical electricity.
Check current rates on ComparePower to compare all options at your actual usage level.
Related Pages
Company Profiles
Best-For Categories
- Best for Customer Service — TXU ranks #1, Reliant ranks #2
- Best for High Usage — Both providers offer bill credit plans for 2,000+ kWh homes
- Best for Month-to-Month — TXU Flex and Reliant both offer no-contract options
- Best for Same-Day Connection — Both offer same-day activation with late cutoff times
- Best for Seniors — Both waive deposits for 65+ and offer budget billing
- Best for Renters — Reliant ranks #3 for flexible apartment options
Related Comparisons
Company Snapshots
TXU Energy
- Parent Company
- Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST)
- Years in Texas
- 24+
- Headquarters
- Irving, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Reliant Energy
- Parent Company
- NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG)
- Years in Texas
- 24+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Head-to-Head Matchups
See who wins when TXU Energy and Reliant Energy face other competitors.
Category Rankings
See where TXU Energy and Reliant Energy rank in our best-of lists.
Related Guides
Average Electricity Usage in Texas: How Do You Compare?
The average Texas home uses 1,132 kWh per month—29% more than the national average. Here's how your usage compares and what drives those numbers.
guidesBest Electricity Plans for EV Owners in Texas
Charging an electric vehicle adds 300-500 kWh to your monthly bill. Here's how to find the right plan structure—free nights, time-of-use, or high-usage—to keep your charging costs low.
tipsThe Best Time to Switch Electricity Providers in Texas
Timing your switch wrong can cost you hundreds. Here's when to shop, when to wait, and how to avoid early termination fees.
Ready to See Actual Rates?
Compare current plans from both companies on ComparePower.