Electric providers — also known as Retail Electricity Providers (REPs) — offer supply services, rates and other related products to residential and business customers (your local utility still delivers that electricity) in deregulated markets across the United States. Deregulation encourages low electric rates and great service, as competition develops between established electricity providers.
Obviously, electric service providers need to attract and retain customers, so offering the best rates, service, etc. is in their best interest — and yours. We’ve put together a list of 25 of the top providers from across the US’ deregulated electricity markets. We’ve gathered information from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), JD Power, sales material from individual REPs, as well as other resources to come up with a comprehensive profile of each company.
There are many fantastic retail electricity providers across the United States, which is why we’re only starting off with a list of 25. More providers will be featured in the coming weeks!
1. 4Change Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Areas Served: Arlington, Fort Worth, Richardson, Austin, Houston, Waco, Corpus Christi, Irving, Dallas, Plano
Founded: N/A
Residential/Commercial: Residential
General Products: month-to-month or 12 month plans (fixed or variable rate)
Green Energy Products: several “green” energy plans
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2012
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 4/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
4Change Energy is a retail electricity provider based out of Dallas, Texas. This company believes that electricity should be made affordable for everyone. They also believe that good electricity benefits the area in which you live. 4Change Energy supports several charities including, the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, Heroes for Children and Feeding Texas. This electricity provider makes charitable donations on behalf of customers who sign up for services. Overall benefits include,
• Low rates
• Fast and simple service
• Access to online customer account 24/7
• 4% of Annual profits support local charities
2. AEP Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 5 million
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Areas served: Illinois, Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, Washington D.C.
Founded: 2002
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Business (Partners)
General Products: Firm Priced Plans, Index Price Plans, Block & Index Plans, Variable & Fixed Plans
Green Energy Products: Eco-Advantage
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2009
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 4/5
Price (JD Power): 5/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 5/5
AEP Energy helps consumers receive the supply of electricity in the following ways:
- Commercial & Industrial Supply
- Energy Efficiency
- Renewable Energy
- Demand Response
- Residential Supply
- Distributed Generation
The company has many features and tools including, AEP energy online, account management, partner programs, and other innovative technical solutions.
3. Ambit Energy
Number of Customers (estimate): 1 million
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Areas served: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington D.C.
Founded: 2006
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Small Business/Commercial
General Products: Residential, Commercial and Small Business plans, Free Energy Program, Travel Rewards
Green Energy Products: Green-e Energy certified programs
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2006
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
In 2010, Inc. Magazine named Ambit Energy the number 1 fastest growing private company in the Untied States. The company’s goal is to provide the best cost-effective choices for electricity and natural gas customers in a deregulated energy market.
4. Amigo Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 1.8 million
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Texas
Founded: 2003
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: Basics Plan, Nights Free Plan, Small Business, Large Business
Green Energy Products: Green Energy Product
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 4/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
Amigo Energy is a subsidiary of the Just Energy Group. The company is an established retail electric provider in the state of Texas, where they provide hundreds of thousands of customers with fair and reasonable electricity rates.
5. Beyond Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Texas
Founded: N/A
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: Smart Home Automation, Savings Calculator
Green Energy Products: Renewable Energy Benefits, Beyond Opportunity Referral Program (all products are renewable energy)
BBB Rating: N/A
Power to Choose Rating: 4/5
Beyond Power runs its business based on several traits including, putting the customer first, integrity, dynamic purpose, sustainability, innovation, charity and community. The company’s primary goal is to make renewable energy affordable for all consumers.
6. Bounce Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Texas, Pennsylvania, New York
Founded: 2008
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Small Business
General Products: fixed rate, month-to-month, build your own, and military plans
Green Energy Products: Smart Green, Organic Power Promotional, Organic Power Fixed 6, Organic Power Fixed 12
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/4
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
Bounce Energy is a retail electric provider that is committed to giving residential customers more than just electricity. The company achieves this through providing energy-related products, rewards programs and reasonable pricing.
7. Champion Energy Services
Number of customers (estimate): 2 million (residential)
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas Served: Texas, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut
Founded: 2004
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: fixed rate, hybrid, block & index, layered product, index, custom options 100% Green Energy
BBB Rating: A+
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 5/5
Price (JD Power): 5/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 5/5
Champion Energy Services is one of the fastest-growing retail electricity providers within the United States. Since the company was founded, it has never been associated or affiliated with a utility. Customers include industrial, commercial, government and residential in deregulated states all over America. Champion Energy Services is known for having very competitive electricity rates, straightforward bills, excellent customer service (24/7), and no hidden rates.
8. Cirro Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 150,000 households
Headquarters: Richardson, Texas
Areas served: Texas
Founded: N/A
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: fixed-rate plans, no variable or teaser electricity rates
Green Energy Products: 100% Green Energy Plans
BBB Accredited: 2002
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 2/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
Cirro Energy is a retail electricity provider that offers great customer service and opportunities for savings. The company has 3 primary goals and they include, making electricity affordable, hassle-free and easy for consumers. Their plans are simple and straightforward, consumers have access to online and mobile accounts, and easy payment options.
9. Constellation
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Areas served: Continental United States
Founded: 1816
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: Home, Small Business, Commercial, Government
Green Energy Products: Available to residential in select areas
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2013
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 2/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 2/5
Constellation is an electricity provider based out of Maryland. It offers electricity supply services to a wide range of customers including residential, commercial & industrial and government. Services are provided in 16 states including, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas. Service is also available in Washington D.C.
With Constellation, customers have access to a wide range of online tools and services including, a personal account, and an energy management tool called Energy Manager. This company also spends a lot of time working with different communities to help those in need receive electric services.
10. CPL Retail Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 5 million customers
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: South Texas
Founded: 2002
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: HVAC Cleaning Service, Home Protection Service, Price Protection Plan, Liberty Plan, Price Protection Plan 12, combination of fixed and monthly plans
Green Energy Products: N/A
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
Direct Energy owns CPL Retail Energy under its umbrella of energy companies. CPL Retail Energy is based out of Houston, Texas, delivering energy supply services to both residential and commercial customers. CPL helps to employ almost 2,000 Texans and is the third largest energy supplier in the state.
11. Direct Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 5 million
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Canada (10 provinces), United States (50 states)
Founded: 1986
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Business
General Products: Direct Energy Business, Direct Energy Home, Direct Energy Services
Green Energy Products: Direct Energy Solar
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
Direct Energy has around 5,500 employees who service almost 5 million customers across North America. In 2000, Centrica, a British multinational utility company, acquired the Direct Energy to help it expand and grow within the supply energy market. Other information about this company includes,
• It is the largest residential electricity supplier in North America
• Ranked #1 in North American home services
• Provide devices and tools that help customers maintain control over their electricity consumption
12. FirstEnergy Solutions
Number of customers (estimate): Millions
Headquarters: Akron, Ohio
Areas served: Northeast, Midwest and Mid-Atlantic United States
Founded: 1997
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Business
General Products: Fixed, Variable, Combination Priced Products
Green Energy Products: All Green, Local Wind, Customized Green
BBB Rating: A+
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 5/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
FirstEnergy Solutions is a competitive subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., one of the country’s biggest investor-owned utilities (electric). FirstEnergy Solutions helps customers to achieve their energy goals because they are well-established, knowledgeable, customer-focused and unmatched in aggregation.
13. First Choice Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Longview, Texas
Areas served: Texas
Founded: 1946
Residential/Commercial: Residential
General Products: Texas Power Savings 12, Power-to-Go Free Weekends, You Got This 3
Green Energy Products: The Light Lab
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 5/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
First Choice Power is an electric retail provider that provides residential electricity supply services throughout the state of Texas. They are a company known for excellent customer service, with convenient and affordable options. First Choice Power aims to offer rates that are as low as possible with no fine print or hidden fees. Services can be customized to fit a customer’s needs with month-to-month, short-term leases, and more. Direct Energy acquired first Choice Power in 2011.
14. Gexa Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Texas, California
Founded: 2002
Residential/Commercial: Commercial & Residential, Channel Partners
General Products: Fixed Price, Market Energy Index, Block & Index, Heat Rate, and more
Green Energy Products: Lyric Round Thermostat, other renewable plans
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2010
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
Gexa Energy provides energy supply services for both commercial and residential consumers. This company offers affordable plans as well as 100% renewable energy plans in order to promote sustainability amongst different communities. Customers can use online account management tools for payments and billing. Gexa Energy is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. NextEra Energy Resources is the largest renewable energy generator (wind and sun) in North America.
15. Green Mountain Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Austin, Texas
Areas served: Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York
Founded: 1997
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: all products are focused on sustainable or green energy
Green Energy Products: SolarSPARC, Pollution Free Electric Vehicle, Pollution Free Efficient with Nest, Renewable Rewards Buy Back Program, Residential Solar and more
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2010
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 4/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 5/5
Green Mountain Energy is a retail electric supplier that is focused on making sustainable energy an affordable and available option for consumers. The company is focused on partnering with utilities that want to make sustainable energy a part of their platform.
16. IGS Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 1 million
Headquarters: Dublin, Ohio
Areas served: Illinois, Maryland, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Founded: 1989
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: Fixed Rate Plans, Customized Plans, Household Protection Options
Green Energy Products: ISG Solar, Residential Rooftop Solar, Business Solar Solutions, and Community Solar Farms
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 1998
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 5/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 5/5
IGS Energy is a large company that has many different divisions. Overall, the company aims to bring ease, simplicity and transparency to energy services, products and pricing. Their beliefs include,
- Free markets: a space where competition pushes energy efficiency and innovation
- An energy-independent United States powered by sustainable resources
- The value of developing different sources of electricity
- Customers play a critical role in shaping the future of electricity
17. Infinite Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Gainesville, Florida
Areas served: Texas (electricity), Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York (natural gas)
Founded: 1994
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Industrial
General Products: Standard Retail Electricity Provider Plans, Protection Plans,
Green Energy Products: Nest Learning Thermostat, LED Light Bulbs
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 2/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 2/5
All of Infinite Energy’s systems are built in-house and are also supported from within the business. The company aims to not only provide the supply of energy, but also a complete energy management solution for both home and business.
18. Inspire Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Areas served: Pennsylvania
Founded: 2010
Residential/Commercial: Commercial & Residential
General Products: all products are generated from clean and sustainable energy
Green Energy Products: Inspire Clean Power Partnership Program, Friend Referral Program
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2015
Glassdoor Rating: 4.3/5
Inspire Energy is a company that focuses on delivering the supply of clean and sustainable electricity to consumers. The company has several values including:
• Own it
• Coach it
• Study it
• Live it
19. Just Energy
Number of customers (estimate): 2 million
Headquarters: Mississauga, Canada
Areas served: North America, United Kingdom
Founded: 1997
Residential/Commercial: Home & Business
General Products: Affinity Programs, Flexible Products, Competitive Pricing
Green Energy Products: SmartStat, JustGreen Program
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 2/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 2/5
Just Energy aims to be the gold standard when it comes to the supply of electricity in North America. The company values high customer and employee satisfaction, consistent and dependable product delivery, and the exploration of innovative solutions and options.
20. Liberty Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Areas served: Connecticut, New York, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio (Duke only), Texas, Pennsylvania
Founded: 2001
Residential/Commercial: Commercial, Small Business, Residential, Government
General Products: Fixed & Flexible Rates/Plans, month-to-month, standard plans, etc.
Green Energy Products: Liberty Green, Renewable Energy Credits, Green-e Energy Certified Programs
BBB Rating: N/A
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 2/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 3/5
Liberty Power values many business elements including:
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Respect
• Teamwork
• Trust
• Creating Value for Customers
This company is the largest independent electricity provider in the United States. It is a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council at a national level, and sponsors many events that support segments of under-represented population.
21. North American Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Norwalk, Connecticut
Areas served: Texas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Founded: 2009
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Commercial
General Products: Understandabill, fixed & variable rate pricing, month-to-month, standard options, customized options
Green Energy Products: American Wind by North American Power
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accretitation: 2016
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 4/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
Forbes named North American Power one of the most promising companies in the United States. The company is also one of the fastest growing energy providers in America.
22. Pennywise Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Texas
Founded: N/A
Residential/Commercial: Residential
General Products: Standard Residential Product Plans and Services – flexible, flat, month-to-month etc.
Green Energy Products: N/A
BBB Rating: A+
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 2/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 2/5
Pennywise Power brings together reasonable rates and dependable service in order to ensure customer satisfaction. Plans are flexible and allow customers to pick and choose the best options for their home.
23. StarTex Power
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: Houston, Texas
Areas served: Houston & Dallas, Texas
Founded: 2004
Residential/Commercial: Residential & Business/Small Business
General Products: StarTex Power Plans, Friend Referral Program, Energy Management Tools, Home Service Plans, Fixed and Variable Rate Plans
Green Energy Products: N/A
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2007
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 4/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
A 2015 report by Cogent Reports, StarTex is named as one of the top 4 energy providers in Texas. StarTex is focused on delivering quality and reliable products and services to its customers. Using their online account management tool, StarTex makes it easy for customers to access their billing, payment and other relevant energy information.
24. TriEagle Energy
Number of customers (estimate): N/A
Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas
Areas served: Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Founded: 2003
Residential/Commercial: Commercial and Residential
General Products: Flexible and Customized business and residential options
Green Energy Products: N/A
BBB Rating: A+
BBB Accredited: 2015
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): N/A
Price (JD Power): 5/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
TriEagle Energy is supported by many resources, which include: a proven business strategy, strong value propositions and innovative energy technologies. The company also has access to Crius Energy’s financial resources.
25. WGL Energy
Number of customers (estimate): millions
Headquarters: Vienna, VA
Areas served: United States
Founded: 1996
Residential/Commercial: Commercial & Residential
General Products: Fixed Price, Index, Block & Index, Sub Account and more
Green Energy Products: Residential Green Products: National WindPower, CleanSteps, PA Wind Power
BBB Accredited: 2012
Customer Service Rating (JD Power): 3/5
Price (JD Power): 3/5
Overall Customer Satisfaction (JD Power): 4/5
WGL Energy is a diverse company, with products and business lines in many industries. Its Energy line helps to provide business and residential customers with reliable electricity backed by customer support. WGL Energy doesn’t care if you are an individual homeowner or fortune 500 company, reasonable electricity supply rates should be made available to everyone.
While we put this list together with great care, if there is something inaccurate or outdated please don’t hesitate to contact us so we can quickly correct it.