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Direct Energy: Compare Rates and Pricing Fast

Direct Energy is a Houston-based electricity and natural gas provider, and a subsidiary of Centrica PLC. Founded in Toronto, Canada, the company is one of the biggest energy providers in North America and provides service to several U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Direct Energy will soon become a subsidiary of NRG Energy Inc. (one of the biggest energy providers in the United States) after the COVID-19 pandemic eases. Subsidiaries of Direct Energy include CPL Retail Energy, First Choice Power, and WTU Retail Energy, among others.

Posted 
April 19, 2023
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Amanda Smith
Posted 
December 11, 2022
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Direct Energy Service Areas

Direct Energy serves the people of thirteen states in the service area of several utility companies:

  • Connecticut: Connecticut utilities include Eversource Energy, Connecticut Light & Power Co, and FuelCell Energy.
  • Delaware: Delaware utility companies include Chesapeake Utilities, Delmarva Power, and Delaware Electric Cooperative.
  • Illinois: Utility companies in Illinois include Ameren Illinois and ComEd (Commonwealth Edison).
  • Maryland: You can find Direct Energy plans in the service area of Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), Potomac Edison Company, Delmarva Power, and Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO).
  • Massachusetts: Massachusetts utilities include Eversource Energy, Unitil, and National Grid.
  • New Hampshire: New Hampshire utility companies include Eversource Energy, Liberty Utilities, Unitil, and the New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Inc.
  • New Jersey: Utility companies in New Jersey include Atlantic City Electric, Rockland Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Public Service Electric & Gas.
  • New York: New York utilities include NYSEG, ConEd, Central Hudson, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric.
  • Ohio: Ohio utilities include AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison, Dayton Power & Light, and The Illuminating Company.
  • Pennsylvania: Utilities in Pennsylvania include Penn Power, West Penn Power, PPL Electric Utilities, Met-Ed, PECO, UGI Utilities, Duquesne Light Company, Pike County Light & Power Company, and Penelec.
  • Rhode Island: Rhode Island utility companies include National Grid, Pascoag Utility District, and Block Island Power Company.
  • Texas: Texas utilities include AEP Texas North, AEP Texas Central (Dallas and surrounding areas), Oncor Electric Delivery, CenterPoint Energy, and Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP).
  • Washington DC: Utility companies in Washington DC include PEPCO, DC Gas & Electric, and Teco Energy.

You can find most Direct Energy plans in every utility company’s service area.

Direct Energy Plans and Rates

Direct Energy offers a wide range of electricity plans.

The following are five types of energy plans all Direct Energy customers can choose from:

  • Fixed-Rate Plans: Fixed-rate plans let you pay the same price for electricity regardless of energy market prices. Plans such as the Live Brighter electricity plan let you choose between 12,24, and 30-month terms. We recommend fixed-rate plans because they provide price certainty and minimize risk. But be careful: when your term expires, your rate becomes variable and can go up without notice. Arbor automatically keeps you on the best fixed-rate plan, so you don’t have to worry about rate hikes at the end of your term.
  • Variable-Rate Plans: Such plans let you take advantage of seasonal pricing. However, you might end up overpaying for electricity if demand is high.
  • Free Electricity Plans: Time-of-use plans offer free electricity at select times during the day or week. You can opt for plans that offer free nights or free weekends; it can be beneficial if you’re usually home at those times and use up a lot of electricity.
  • Smart Home Offers: Some electricity plans are bundled with home services that offer home protection plans, energy efficiency upgrades, and other equipment such as HVAC systems.
  • Renewable Energy Plans: You can opt for green energy plans if you’re looking to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Some plans may ask you for a deposit. However, plans available through Arbor never require a deposit.

Direct Energy Plan Information

You can find all of the plan information on the energy company’s website; however, it’s best to read the fine print to fully understand the plan. Texans can read the plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL), it contains additional information, including the following:

  • The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) depending on your energy usage
  • Cancellation fees
  • Early termination fees
  • Percentage of energy sourced from renewable methods

All Direct Energy business customers (including small business owners) and residential customers can change their electric plans without any hassle. Your energy bill will also include delivery charges incurred by your local utility company. Delivery charges (TDU charges in Texas) cover the cost of delivering electricity, managing power lines, and handling power outages.

Why Direct Energy for Your Electricity

Direct Energy services offer various features and incentives, including the following:

  • Various fixed and variable-rate plans tailored to users
  • Home services bundled with energy plans
  • Free nights
  • Free weekends
  • Auto Pay discounts
  • No early termination fees
  • Month-to-month plans
  • Mobile app for both iOS and Android devices
  • Charity contributions to organizations like the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals
  • Complete customer support

You can make your Direct Energy account to manage your plans online.

Find the Best Electricity Rates with Arbor

Energy deregulation has opened up a massive market of retail providers. Electricity providers offer different energy plans with varying electricity rates.

While some companies offer low energy rates, others offer competitive rates with incentives and benefits, making it hard to choose a plan. You can search and try to shop for rates yourself, but watch out for the fine print, hidden fees, and escalating rates once your term ends.

You can use Arbor’s free service to automatically find and switch to the best electricity rates in your area.

Arbor scans the market and gives you the best rates you can get in your service area. When your contract term is expiring, Arbor finds the best rate and switches you again. You always pay the best rate and never have to worry about overpaying for electricity ever again.

You can also use the free savings calculator to find out how much you could save in each case.

Direct Energy Reviews

You can view Direct Energy’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating to get a better idea of their energy services. The company is yet to be BBB accredited and currently has an NR rating.

Customer reviews average around 3/5; this average rating is much higher compared to other electricity providers. There are some complaints regarding billing and connection issues; however, most complaints are resolved promptly.

Direct Energy Customer Service

There are several customer service options with Direct Energy.

  • You can visit the Contact Us page for general queries.
  • Send feedback on the website if you have any issues related to the site.
  • Use the Live Chat feature to talk to a representative.
  • Follow Direct Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to receive news and updates.
  • For power outages, contact your local utility company.

It’s best to go through the FAQs before contacting a representative.

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Direct Energy Phone Number and Contact Info

Here is some general contact information for Texas. Select your state in the Contact Us page to get contact details for your respective state.

  • Direct Energy Number – 1-877-294-1652
  • Direct Energy Customer Care – 1-888-305-3828
  • To Sign Up – 1-800-332-7143
  • Fax Number – 1-800-346-2233
  • Mailing Address – Direct Energy, PO Box 180, Tulsa, OK 74101-0180

It’s best to call these numbers with your registered phone number.

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