How We Evaluate Companies
Our goal: help you find the right electricity company, not just the cheapest rate.
Our Philosophy
Most electricity comparison sites focus on one thing: rates. Sort by price, pick the cheapest, done.
We think that's incomplete. Rates change constantly—sometimes daily. The company with the cheapest rate today might not be cheapest tomorrow. More importantly, the cheapest company isn't always the best choice.
LightCompanies focuses on something more durable: company quality. We help you understand which electricity companies are worth considering before you compare their current rates.
What We Evaluate
Market Longevity
How long has the company been operating in Texas? Companies with longer track records have proven they can weather market volatility. We also look at parent company stability and financial backing.
Plan Variety
Does the company offer different plan types for different needs? Fixed rates, variable rates, time-of-use, free nights, prepaid, green options—more variety means more flexibility for customers.
Customer Service
Can you actually reach someone when you have a problem? We look at support hours, channel availability (phone, chat, in-person), and patterns in customer feedback about responsiveness.
Deposit Policies
How does the company handle customers with credit challenges? Flexible deposit options, prepaid alternatives, and reasonable credit requirements matter for accessibility.
Green Options
For customers who prioritize environmental impact, we evaluate the credibility and availability of renewable energy plans. Some companies are genuinely committed to clean energy; others just offer checkbox options.
Overall Value
We consider the total picture: a company that costs slightly more but provides better service and stability may be better value than the cheapest option with poor support.
What We Don't Do
We don't rank by current rates. Rates are volatile. A ranking based on today's rates would be outdated tomorrow. For current rate comparisons, check our plans page.
We don't get paid to rank companies higher. Our rankings aren't influenced by affiliate commissions or advertising relationships. We recommend companies based on quality, not payment.
We don't claim to be comprehensive. There are 100+ retail electricity companies in Texas. We focus on the companies most customers should consider, not an exhaustive catalog of every option.
Our Data Sources
- Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) — Complaint data, licensing information, regulatory filings
- Company websites and EFL documents — Plan details, service areas, terms
- Customer review platforms — Patterns in feedback across multiple sources
- Industry publications — Market analysis, company news, financial stability indicators
Ready to Find Your Company?
Start with our company rankings, then compare current rates from the companies you trust.