TXU Energy vs Rhythm Energy
The Verdict
- You want a company that's been around forever
- You need free nights or specialized time-of-use plans
- You want 24/7 phone support from a big call center
- You're locking in 2-3 years and want stability
- You want 100% renewable energy as the default
- You prefer managing everything through an app
- Transparency matters—Rhythm shows exact pricing breakdowns
- You have solar panels and need buyback rates
Category Breakdown
Rhythm is usually 10-20% cheaper than TXU
Rhythm is 100% renewable default. TXU sells green as an upgrade.
TXU has 24/7 support and higher satisfaction scores
TXU has more plan types—free nights, indexed, time-of-use
Rhythm shows exact pricing. TXU makes you do the math.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | TXU Energy | Rhythm Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Vistra Corp (NYSE) | Independent |
| Years in Texas | 24+ | 5+ |
| 100% Renewable Default | ||
| Fixed-Rate Plans | ||
| Free Nights Plans | ||
| Prepaid Options | ||
| Solar Buyback | Limited | Yes |
| Transparent Pricing | Complex | Yes (shows breakdown) |
| 24/7 Support | ||
| Deposit Required | Conditional | Conditional |
Overview
Does it even matter?
Same wires. Same grid. Same electrons. Oncor delivers the power to your home whether you’re paying TXU or Rhythm. They’re just billing companies fighting for your monthly payment.
Here’s what TXU hopes you won’t figure out: Their pricing requires a calculator and fine print. Base charges, energy tiers, promotional rates that expire, fees buried in page 4 of your contract. Miss your tier by 50 kWh and your rate jumps. It’s designed to confuse.
Rhythm is what electricity billing should be. The rate they show includes everything. No hidden fees, no tier games, no surprises. Former Reliant executives built it because they knew how broken traditional pricing was.
The 1,000 kWh trick: TXU’s advertised rate is calculated at exactly 1,000 kWh. Use less and your effective rate climbs. Rhythm’s rate is your actual rate.
Company Backgrounds
TXU Energy traces back to Texas Utilities, before deregulation. Now owned by Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST). They’re not going anywhere. $12+ billion company.
Rhythm Energy started in 2019 by former Reliant executives who thought the industry needed disruption. They’re independent—no giant parent company. They’ve grown fast but they’re still small by Texas standards.
TXU has history. Rhythm has momentum. Both are legitimate.
The Transparency Question
This is where Rhythm wins clearly.
Rhythm shows you exactly what you’re paying for—energy charge, delivery fees, taxes, broken down line by line. No surprises. Their pricing pages look like a tech product, not an energy bill.
TXU uses traditional electricity pricing. Base charges, energy tiers, hidden fees in the fine print. You can figure it out, but you have to work for it. Their Electricity Facts Labels are dense.
If you’ve ever been surprised by your electric bill, Rhythm’s transparency is refreshing.
Plan Variety
TXU has more options. Period.
TXU offers:
- Free Nights (shift usage to night for savings)
- Free Weekends
- Time-of-use pricing
- Indexed plans (tied to wholesale prices)
- Prepaid (no credit check)
- Standard fixed and variable
Rhythm offers:
- Fixed-rate (100% renewable)
- Solar buyback plans
- That’s mostly it
If you have a specific need—like free nights for your EV charging—TXU probably has a plan for it. Rhythm keeps it simple.
Green Energy
Rhythm is 100% renewable by default. Every plan. Wind and solar. You don’t have to ask for it.
TXU sells green plans, but it’s an upgrade. Their default plans aren’t renewable. You pay more for green.
If renewable energy matters, Rhythm wins. If you don’t care, TXU’s non-renewable plans might be cheaper.
Customer Service
TXU wins on support infrastructure. 24/7 phone lines, multiple contact channels, decades of experience handling problems.
Rhythm is app-first. Great if you prefer digital. Less great if you want to call someone at 2am when your power goes out.
Satisfaction scores favor TXU, but Rhythm’s customers tend to be younger and more tech-comfortable—they might not care about phone support.
The Verdict
TXU is the safe choice. Rhythm is the modern choice.
Choose TXU if:
- You want a company with 20+ years of history
- You need specialized plans (free nights, prepaid, indexed)
- 24/7 phone support matters
- You’re signing a long contract and want stability
Choose Rhythm if:
- You want 100% renewable energy
- Transparency and clear pricing matter
- You prefer app over phone
- You have solar panels and need buyback
The real question: Do you trust a 5-year-old company? Rhythm’s growth and customer satisfaction suggest they’re doing something right. But TXU’s been through recessions, grid failures, and 20 years of Texas summers. There’s value in that.
Related Pages
Company Profiles
Best-For Categories
- Best for Green Energy — Rhythm ranks #4 with 100% Texas wind and solar buyback
- Best for Customer Service — TXU ranks #1 with 24/7 support
- Best for Month-to-Month — Rhythm ranks #5 with transparent variable pricing
- Best for High Usage — TXU ranks #2 with Smart Deal bill credits
- Best for Same-Day Connection — TXU ranks #2 with 6:30pm cutoff
Related Comparisons
Company Snapshots
TXU Energy
- Parent Company
- Vistra Corp (NYSE: VST)
- Years in Texas
- 24+
- Headquarters
- Irving, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
Rhythm Energy
- Parent Company
- Independent (Venture-backed)
- Years in Texas
- 5+
- Headquarters
- Houston, Texas
- Deposit Required
- conditional
More Comparisons
See how TXU Energy and Rhythm Energy compare to other providers.
Category Rankings
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Why This Page Exists
This page helps you decide between TXU Energy and Rhythm Energy based on who they are — not just today's prices. Prices change. Company quality doesn't.