Ambit Energy

Ambit Energy Overview

Ambit Energy launched in 2006 in Dallas with a business model that stands apart from most Texas electricity providers. Instead of marketing directly to customers through ads and comparison sites, Ambit relies on a network of independent consultants who earn commissions by signing up new customers and recruiting other consultants. This multi-level marketing (MLM) approach means you’re more likely to hear about Ambit from a friend, family member, or coworker than from a billboard.

The company has grown to serve customers across all four major TDU territories in Texas and operates in several other deregulated states. Ambit is PUCT-licensed and regulated like every other retail electricity provider in the state.

Plan Options

Ambit keeps their plan lineup relatively simple:

• Fixed-rate plans — Lock in a rate for a set term, typically 12 or 24 months. These are standard contracts with early termination fees if you cancel before the term ends.
• Variable-rate plans — Month-to-month pricing that fluctuates with the market. No contract, but no price protection either.

Ambit also offers a travel rewards program called Ambit Travel, which gives customers access to discounted hotel and vacation packages. Whether the value of those perks offsets potentially higher electricity rates depends on how much you actually travel.

What to Watch For

The MLM structure is the single biggest thing to understand about Ambit. Independent consultants earn money by signing up customers and recruiting other consultants, which creates layers of commissions built into the price you pay. This doesn’t mean Ambit plans are always the most expensive option, but it does mean the company has additional costs that many competitors don’t.

When comparing Ambit rates to other providers, focus on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for each plan. Look at the average price per kWh at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh to get a realistic picture of what your bill will look like based on how much your home typically draws.

Be cautious about signing up through a consultant without doing your own comparison shopping first. The same electricity flows through the same wires regardless of who you buy it from — the only differences are price, contract terms, and customer service.

Service Territory

Ambit Energy serves customers across all major deregulated areas of Texas, including Oncor (Dallas-Fort Worth), CenterPoint (Houston), AEP Texas (Corpus Christi, South Texas), and TNMP (various areas throughout the state).