Direct Energy Review

Direct Energy plans range from 14.50¢/kWh on the cheapest fixed plan to roughly 17.40¢/kWh on its premium products. The average across all 5 plans is 15.58¢/kWh at 1,000 kWh of monthly usage. Always check the EFL — advertised rates can differ at 500 or 2,000 kWh.

Yes. Direct Energy is a licensed Retail Electric Provider in Texas, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, TX. It's regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and serves customers across the deregulated Texas market.

Most enrollments process in 1–3 business days. Direct Energy files the switch with your local TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, or TNMP) — there's no service interruption, and your meter and wires don't change. Same-day or next-day moves are available for new addresses with priority enrollment.

Direct Energy typically runs a soft credit check at enrollment. Customers with strong credit usually pay no deposit. If a deposit is required, it's typically refunded after 12 months of on-time payments. To skip the deposit entirely, look at prepaid options or a co-signer.

On fixed-rate plans, ETFs typically run $150 (under 12 months), $250 (12-month plans), or $295 (24+ month plans). Month-to-month variable plans have no ETF. The exact fee is listed in the EFL for each plan — always verify before signing.

Yes, as long as you're moving to another deregulated area on a TDU Direct Energy serves. You'll typically transfer your plan to the new address without paying an ETF. If you move to a regulated market or municipal utility area (like Austin Energy or CPS), you'll need to cancel — most providers waive the ETF in that case with proof of address.