Winter Worries? Here are the 10 Best Energy Providers in Texas

We are just about a year removed from "the polar vortex" that stormed down and claimed many lives in Texas. Along with the fatalities, there were thousands upon thousands who were without electricity due to a poorly maintained grid.

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The ERCOT flubs didn't consume all the headlines as many Texans reported the most outlandish electric bills leaving us wondering if we'd ever be able to afford electricity again.

I'm one of those people.

I won't mention the name of my energy provider at the time, but let's just say my bill was well over $500 and I read reports of many others even higher than that. So, to avoid that issue again, I dumped my provider as soon as I could and moved on to one with much more affordable rates and fine print that didn't scare me.

Like many, I used PowerToChoose.org to compare rates and find the best provider with the best ratings. I also learned quite a bit from Home Energy Club and was able to narrow my choices down even more with their article about the Top 10 Electricity Companies in Texas.

They factored in criteria like lowest rates and special discounts along with:

Trustworthiness
Transparency of Energy Plans (that fine print I was talking about)
Complaint Resolutions
Reviews and Ratings
Rewards
Community Involvement

Based on all of that info, they were able to determine the best in the Lone Star State and after more of my own research, I found their top 10 to be comparable to mine.

Here are the Top 10 Energy Providers in Texas, according to Home Energy Club:

Reliant Energy (the one I eventually picked)
Pulse Power (owned by Shell Energy)
Cirro Energy (sister of Reliant Energy)
Green Mountain Energy
Payless Power
Gexa Energy
TXU Energy
Chariot Energy
Amigo Energy

I'll admit, I previously got suckered by the supposed low rates by these fly-by-night providers. The bills were great until my short-lived contract/promotion period was up, then they skyrocketed to heights I'd never witnessed before.

So, when searching for the best energy provider, take the same criteria (as Home Energy Club) into account when making your decision. Honestly, transparency and complaint resolutions are two that should be at the top of your list.

Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.