We combine our user submitted reviews along with other reviews from Google, Facebook, Yelp, and the Public Utility Commission to grade providers.
Direct Energy is a subsidiary of NRG Energy who purchased the company for a little of 3 billion dollars in early 2021. Yep, billion with a B.
Direct Energy has good customer support grades but typically has higher than average rates. Some people find paying a little extra for an established brand and customer support woth while. But, if you are looking for the best rate availabel for your home you will likely find better options available.
Direct Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas provider that serves residential and business customers in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas and is a subsidiary of Centrica, a multinational energy and services company. In January of 2021 Centrica, Direct Energy as a subsidiary were aquired by NRG Energy.
Direct Energy was founded in 1986 in Toronto, Canada, and has since expanded its operations across North America. The company provides electricity and natural gas services to over 4 million customers, making it one of the largest retail energy providers in North America.
Direct Energy offers a range of energy plans to meet the needs of its customers, including fixed-rate plans, variable-rate plans, and green energy options. The company is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy to its customers, while also promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Direct Energy offers a range of products and services to help customers reduce their energy consumption and lower their bills, including smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy options. The company is also actively involved in promoting renewable energy, with a focus on wind and solar power.
In addition to providing energy services, Direct Energy offers a range of home services, including heating and cooling repair, plumbing services, and home protection plans. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with exceptional customer service, and has won numerous awards for its customer satisfaction and customer service.
My bill has gone down, they are very pleasant to work with. They are knowledgeable about their services they provide and give prompt answers to my questions.
Extremely satisfied. Have been with them for a while. Saved a lot of money especially last year when electricity skyrocketed. The feature of their no sign up fee and no cancellation fee is why I stay. But, one thing I need to mention is make sure you check your rate when your contract period expires or call to see what the rate it will be, prior to your contract expires. It takes a good two months for the change (if you do so) to kick in. I did find out the hard way years ago. That’s the only negative, but all the providers are doing that. I’m adding after reading another review. It coincides with my review about the end of contract. They jacked up my rate. They should be more loyal toward their existing customers. Years ago, I did opt to elsewhere for this reason.
This 5 stars review is for their customer service. I newly joined the company and every time I would chat with them I gets an amazing team member who would be so helpful, especially Erick!!
great energy provider no issues would recommend
Feel I'm saving alot with Direct Energy. I'm so satisfied.
Great Customer Service
I have been with direct energy for 11 years, 6 months, 3 days. Went to the doctor to get my work papers to dropped off my workout so I can return back to work after being in hospital for 7 dates. I got my phone back last night. And I was surprised to see the text messages. I called to day to seat up a payment arrangement this was before i new my power was cut off without me even knowing about it, . I had some one help me get my bill seat up on the 3th of the month By someone in the main office and I would be able to notify them before the 21st to set up with arrangements. For tonight, the gentleman kept running around in circles and not answering. Me he told me that they bill 16 days ahead of schedule. And he told me that maybe I need to get a second job. Well, after 11 years, 6 months, 3 days. I am changing service. My mother is on hospice care after work I take care of her and morning the care taker comes in her and my health is not very good because I have not slow down we don't know when she will pass a way they tell us it will not be long, so I can't take a 2 job I won't to be with her when I can, so I have to say goodbye to you
Averilee was great. Keep it up.
Good company. Good service.
Great experience
I'M VERY SATISFIED WITH DIRECT ENERGY.
Excellent company to deal with - keep prices at a level where it's not gouging us, like the others !
I have been with Direct energy 10 years With no problem. Satisfaction In a guarantee.
Friendly, attentive, understanding. Felt like I was really being heard and my issue was resolved quickly.
Last few times I have chatted or called them they have been nothing short of spectacular! Brittany a month ago and Christien a few moments ago went above and beyond helping! Thanks for everything!!!!
Literally moved yesterday and requested a same day transfer to my new apartment Here I am no power and its 38 degrees outside and all my food has spoiled This unprofessional and unacceptable Horrible customer service when trying to get it fix all representatives answered with "uhhh"s and "hmm"s Last I check those don't turn on power Get it together
Brittany was answering all my needs . She was a little slow but she helped
I HATE THIS COMPANY!!!! The worst company to use. They will charge you more in fees than what your bill is. They are all rude and barely understand what you are saying. They will change the topic on the phone and continue to say the same thing over and over again. I been with them for 2 months and can say it’s the worst experience I have ever had with any company. If I could give 0 stars I would. I wouldn’t recommend this company to my worst enemy. They are thieves and liars and only open to take as much money from you as possible. DO NOT GET IN A 2 YEAR CONTRACT WITH THEM like I did.
Great customer service and prompt responses to inquiries. Easy online access and communication.
Best Provider in all of Texas.
Averilee was a pleasure to speak with! Thank you so much for your help Averilee!!!
Amazing Energy Company.
Low cost fixed rate electrical energy
Never a problem
I switched energy providers last month and I'm glad I did. I got a good deal. The AC is pretty much running full time during the summers here in Texas and the electrify bills can get expensive. Direct Energy has worked with me to change my due date (allowed once) and a payment extension. They are a great utility company to work with.
My son referred me to you and it's been a great experience so far and I hope that we have no issues going down the road. The price is great. Saves me a lot. I like being locked in to the rate that I got.
A good electric provider, usually good rates available to existing customers as well as new customers.
juan was very helpful when i needed a payment extension!!! He was fast, friendly, and kind!! best rep out there !! All the others are very rude
Terrible company
Gabby was fabulous in helping us set up an account for my brother in his new apartment. We have used Direct Energy for almost three years with no problems at all. Will definitely look at them for renewal.
I've been with Direct Energy for many yrs now, and I've always been very pleased with their customer service and their willingness to help me find the best prices.
This place a complete joke take your money . No communication talked to 3 supervisor and my issue still is not resolved. Been calling since 2:30 and now there telling me power will not be on till 12am lol that's just great food totally lost thanks again for absolutely nothing. By far the worst company I have ever dealt with
Isabel was very Helpful and Great
This company is very understanding and does a great job helping their customers out!
Easy to understand terms and conditions. Account management self service is great. Best of all, you still pay your bill through your normal electric bill.
Direct has very well train employees very knowledgeable regarding their products & services cares about there customers
great rates and service
Had questions about my bill, and Adriana was VERY patient and helped me understand completely.
Perfect customer service and good deal!!!
Always quick & friendly, just renewed at a great price!
No problems with Direct Energy, they are great.
I just "chatted" with Jesus. My future billing services were solved. I'm so satisfied!!!!!
Very competitive prices locked in for three years; good communication and good service.
I have been a costumer for awhile and Direct Energy has always been very helpful and professional. They always given me a good rate and advices me on a plan that works better for me and saves me money.
Always understanding and helpful
Mauricio, thanks for your superb service.
I'm so happy having electric light service with you'll.Thank you so much.Very affordable price.awesom.Thank you for your service.
Elena made it so easy to renew my plan to help me save. Thank you Elena!
Soy cliente de direct energy desde 2011 y siempre he sido tratado muy bien y mis cuentas excelentes de hecho he referido como 2 o 3 personas
THANK YOU VERY MUCH *****DIRECT ENERGY***** AND *****CENTERPOINT ENERGY***** FOR YOUR EXCELLENT *****CUSTOMER SERVICE**** AND UNDERSTANDING!!!!! THESE COMPANIES ARE THE BEST!!!!!
The WORST customer service ever! From supervisor to customer service representatives. It’s like pulling teeth to get information from them. They don’t understand general questions. They charge fees for the weirdest things. I cannot believe I signed up this company.
I received professional service and information to assist with my electric bill payment. I called Direct Energy customer service before my bill got completely out of hand. They resolve my concerns.
Great Company.
Pésimo solicite el servicio y solo xq no tenia una identificación de acá no octube el servicio en otras compañías solo te piden una identificación ya sea a de acá o de otro país 🙄🙄estoy esperando no mas mi reembolso que ise para o tener según el servicio
Excellent Customer Service with the Data Chat
Ms. Brittany gave me excellent service, nevertheless, I didn't quite understand the payment arrangement and nd wondered why the deposit was so high. I'm a Teacher who already don't get paid my worth and due to being out of school due to freeze. My check was smaller than normal and I really could only afford to pay $60 as a down payment instead of the $78.40. Praying that GOD WILL PROVIDE!!! 🙏
Great customer service!!!
Spoke to a Emiliano who was absolutely the best. He made sure I understood what was going on. He didn’t give me the run around like the others a spoke with. Very good customer service from him. If you ever get him, you won’t be disappointed.
Pedro👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Too high on electric
The month to month adds up BUT if you sign up for a 24 month plan it’s very affordable. Customer service is easy and fast. It’s easy to switch your plan and if you need time to pay or a payment plan they work with you. Awesome company!
Reliable ,fair pricing.
Love this company been using them for some years now. They are amazing!
I have been a customer of Direct Energy for quite a few years. Each year the rate they have offered me, has reduced my electric bill considerably. I consider Direct Energy to be an excellent company to deal with and will continue to use them as my electric supplier.
I was very impressed with the customer service agent knowledge and pleasantful communication skills!
Feedback Summary: While representatives at Direct Energy are perceived as courteous and polite, there's a significant gap in their support for customers facing financial difficulties after service disconnection. Instead of offering practical assistance or showing empathy, their response often boils down to a simple "should have called us beforehand" without exploring alternatives or showing understanding towards customers' predicaments. This lack of options and empathy leaves customers feeling unsupported and frustrated, highlighting a need for more proactive and compassionate approaches to customer service.
Excellent service. Again Direct Energy has surpassed my expectations!!
Nada que ver con eso de tarifas bajas, solo 6 meses pague 80 dls a partir de ahí no baja de 200... demasiado, aquí no se queda nadie durante el día y aun así no baja el recibo.
Direct energy has the best rates and they have excellent customer service. They always go above and beyond to make sure you are happy. I have been with them over a decade, and I plan on staying. I highly recommend them
Our mission is to provide accurate and helpful data and content to help you make an informed decision when comparing energy providers.
Plans and Rates:
We review all available plans from every licensed energy provider. Then we rank the lowest available rate from each provider. Providers then receive a rating based on what percentile their lowest plan ranks.
For example, Provider A has the 3rd lowest-priced plan, while Provider B has the 45th lowest-priced plan out of 46 providers who submitted plans to PUC. Provider A will have a rating of 5, while Provider B will have a rating of 1.
Customer Service:
We scrape online reviews from Google, Yelp, BBB, and Trust Pilot to determine what customers are saying about the provider. The rating reflects the aggregate of all online reviews.
Renewable Options:
The rating system is based on the availability of renewable energy options. A 5-star rating is awarded to entities that offer a fully renewable option, signifying 100% renewable energy usage. A 4-star rating is given to those that provide a mix of energy sources, with more than 50% coming from renewable sources. Entities with renewable energy options exceeding the state average of 31.1% receive a 3-star rating, while those offering less than 31.1% renewable options are rated with 2 stars. Lastly, a 1-star rating is assigned to those with no renewable energy options, indicating a lack of commitment to sustainable energy practices.
PUC Rating:
The Public Utility Commission publishes a rating for each provider based on the number of formal complaints filed against the provider in comparison to how many customers they have.
For example, a provider with 10 formal complaints out of 10,000 customers would have a 1-star rating whereas a provider with 10 complaints and 1,000,000 customers would have a 5-star rating.
The GridHacker rating uses a weighted average that prioritizes rates and customer service over renewable options and PUC rating. We do this because we feel that for most customers price and service are the two most important factors when they are shopping for an electricity plan.
A good price per kWh in Texas typically ranges from 9 to 13 cents, depending on various factors such as the type of plan, market conditions, and location. Fixed-rate plans offer stable pricing, while variable-rate plans can fluctuate. It's important to compare different plans and providers to find the best rate for your energy needs. Using GridHacker, you can easily compare and enroll in plans from top providers directly on our website to ensure you're getting a competitive rate.
Texas electricity rates are determined by several factors:
Understanding these components helps explain why electricity prices can vary and how you can find the best plan for your needs. With GridHacker, you can easily compare and enroll in plans from different providers right on our website.
Bills can be paid online through the Direct Energy website, through the Direct Energy app, by phone, by mail, or at authorized payment locations.
Yes, Direct Energy offers several renewable energy plans such as the Direct Energy Solar Saver plan, which provides solar energy without the need for solar panels, and the Direct Energy Wind Power plan, which offers 100% wind energy.
You can enroll in a Direct Energy plan directly on the GridHacker website. We are Direct Energy partner, so when you sign up through our website we work directly with any provider you choose to make sure your service is turned on ASAP.
Direct Energy offers fixed-rate, variable-rate, and prepaid plans. Specific plans include the Direct Energy Live Brighter plan, which offers a fixed rate, and the Direct Energy Free Power Weekends plan, which provides free electricity every weekend.
