Retail Electricity Providers: Top 25 In The United States

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.