TXU Energy vs Discount Power
The Verdict
- You want free nights, time-of-use, or specialty plan structures
- 24/7 phone support matters—you'll actually use it
- You're willing to pay more for a recognized brand and better service
- You want a contract longer than 24 months
- Price is your only priority—Discount Power often wins by 15-20%
- You need prepaid with no credit check and no deposit
- A basic fixed-rate plan is all you need
- You don't care about green energy options
Category Breakdown
Discount Power typically runs 15-20% cheaper
TXU has green plans; Discount Power has none
TXU has 24/7 support; Discount Power has long waits
TXU offers free nights, indexed, time-of-use, and more
Both offer prepaid plans that skip deposits
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TXU Energy | Discount Power |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Vistra Corp | US Retailers LLC |
| Years in Texas | 24+ | 18+ |
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Variable Plans | ||
| Free Nights/Weekends | ||
| Time-of-Use Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Green Energy | ||
| Max Contract Length | 36 months | 24 months |
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
| 24/7 Support |
Overview
Does it even matter?
Same wires. Same grid. Same electrons. Oncor delivers the power whether you’re paying TXU or Discount Power. They’re billing companies with vastly different marketing budgets.
Here’s what TXU hopes you won’t calculate: Their rates run 15-20% higher than Discount Power. On a $150 TXU bill, that’s $25-30/month funding Cowboys commercials, billboards you drive past, and that jingle you can’t forget. Over a year, $300-360 for identical electricity.
Discount Power does what the name says. No marketing budget. No stadium sponsorships. No celebrity endorsements. They put that money into lower rates.
The name recognition trap: TXU charges more because they can. Your parents had them. You’ve seen the ads your whole life. That familiarity costs $300/year.
Company Backgrounds
TXU Energy has been around since before deregulation. Owned by Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST), one of the largest retail electricity providers in America. You’ve seen their commercials during Cowboys games.
Discount Power is owned by US Retailers LLC, which also operates Cirro Energy, Pennywise Power, and other budget brands. Same company, different names. In business since the mid-2000s, no marketing budget to speak of.
Both are established players. TXU is massive and publicly traded. Discount Power is smaller but stable.
The Price Difference
On comparable fixed-rate plans, Discount Power often runs 15-20% cheaper than TXU.
On a $150 TXU bill, that’s $25-$30/month you’re paying for the brand. Over a year, that’s $300-$360.
What you’re paying for with TXU:
- TV commercials and sports sponsorships
- 24/7 phone support
- More plan options
- A name your neighbor recognizes
What you’re paying for with Discount Power:
- Lower rates
- That’s it
If lowest price is your goal, Discount Power wins. Simple math.
Plan Options
TXU has everything:
- Fixed-rate (12-36 months)
- Variable-rate
- Indexed plans
- Time-of-use
- Free nights/free weekends
- Prepaid (TXU Energy Express)
- Green energy plans
Discount Power keeps it simple:
- Fixed-rate (1-24 months)
- Variable-rate
- Prepaid
If you want specialty plans—free nights, time-of-use, anything complex—TXU is your only option here. Discount Power doesn’t bother with anything beyond the basics.
Green Energy
TXU offers 100% renewable and wind energy plans. Not the cheapest green option in Texas, but it exists.
Discount Power has zero green options. None. No renewable plans, no carbon offsets, nothing.
If environmental impact matters to you at all, TXU wins by default. If you don’t care, this category is irrelevant.
Customer Service
TXU has 24/7 phone support with average wait times of 5-10 minutes. Their app works. Live chat is available. For a massive company, they’re responsive.
Discount Power keeps costs low by keeping service basic. Expect 30+ minute hold times. Business hours only. Website is functional but dated. Don’t expect proactive communication.
If you need to call your electricity company at 2am, TXU is there. Discount Power is not. Whether that matters depends on how often you actually call.
Deposit Policies
Both require credit checks for standard plans. Both offer prepaid options that skip deposits entirely.
TXU waives deposits with a letter of credit, AutoPay enrollment (some plans), or prepaid enrollment.
Discount Power waives deposits with good credit or prepaid enrollment.
No real difference here. If deposits are your concern, both have escape hatches.
The Verdict
Discount Power wins for budget-focused Texans. Same electricity, lower price, no frills.
Choose TXU if:
- You specifically need free nights, time-of-use, or indexed plans
- 24/7 phone support is genuinely important to you
- You want green energy options
- You’ll pay $300+/year for those features
Choose Discount Power if:
- Price is your top priority
- A basic fixed-rate or prepaid plan is all you need
- You’re fine with business-hours-only support
- You don’t care about green energy
The honest take: Most people don’t need TXU’s specialty plans. If you just want electricity to power your house and pay as little as possible, Discount Power makes more sense. The brand premium at TXU isn’t worth it unless you’ll actually use the features.
Related Pages
Company Profiles
Best-For Categories
- Best for Cheap Electricity — Discount Power ranks #2 with budget-focused rates
- Best for No Deposit — Discount Power ranks #2 with low deposits for credit scores 550-650
- Best for Customer Service — TXU ranks #1 with 24/7 support
- Best for High Usage — TXU ranks #2 with Smart Deal bill credits
- Best for Prepaid — TXU PowerPass offers prepaid with 24/7 support
Related Comparisons
Company Snapshots
TXU Energy
- Parent Company
- Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST)
- Years in Texas
- 24+
- Headquarters
- Irving, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Discount Power
- Parent Company
- US Retailers LLC
- Years in Texas
- 18+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Comparisons
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Category Rankings
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Why This Page Exists
This page helps you decide between TXU Energy and Discount Power based on who they are — not just today's prices. Prices change. Company quality doesn't.