Head-to-Head: Constellation Energy vs Chariot Energy – Which Is the Smarter Choice?
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Side-by-Side Comparison: Constellation Energy vs Chariot Energy vs BKV Energy
Before you choose Constellation Energy or Chariot Energy, see how BKV Energy stacks up. Enter your zip to view cost-effective electricity plans or keep scrolling for a full comparison.
Energy provider comparison criteria
Comparing plan types: Constellation Energy vs Chariot Energy
In the Texas electricity market, you can find a wide variety of plan types, including the following:
- Fixed Rate: Fixed rate plans lock in an energy charge for the duration of your contract.
- Variable Rate: The energy charge is subject to change each month based on changes to wholesale electricity prices.
- Solar Buyback: Plans that allow you to sell energy back to the grid from solar panels installed on your property.
- Bill Credit: A common electricity plan gimmick that disguises high energy charges with a bill credit.
- Time-of-Use: Time-of-use plans offer different energy charges based on the time of day or day of the week. The most common are “free nights” and “free weekends” — watch out for these gimmicky plans because free electricity at night or on the weekend often means much higher energy charges during the day or during the week.
- Base Charge: Plans that include monthly base charges. An extra fee added to your bill no matter how much electricity you consume.
- Usage Fee: Plans that include usage fees. These extra costs are added to bills when you use the “wrong” amount of energy during a billing period.
| Provider | Plan Types |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | Variable, Fixed, Base Charge, Bill Credit |
| Chariot Energy | Variable, Base Charge, Fixed, Bill Credit, Time of Use |
| BKV Energy | Fixed Rate |
Term length options from providers
Contract length is an important consideration when choosing an electricity plan. We recommend selecting a plan that allows you to renew in the spring or fall, as those months often have the best available prices.
| Provider | Term lengths |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | 1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 24, 36 or Months |
| Chariot Energy | 1, 12, 15, 18, 24, 36 or Months |
| BKV Energy | 12, 24, or 36 months |
Renewable electricity options from providers
Texas electricity providers offer a wide range of plans with varying renewable energy percentages. Compare the renewable plan options between Constellation Energy, Chariot Energy, and BKV Energy.
| Provider | Renewable energy options |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | 30.4% to 100% renewable |
| Chariot Energy | 100% renewable |
| BKV Energy | 29% to 100% Renewable |
Energy provider referral programs
Compare the referral programs and referral rewards of Constellation Energy, Chariot Energy, and BKV Energy.
| Provider | Referral amount | Referral limits |
|---|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | Give $50 get $50 (gift card) | Up to $575 per calendar year |
| Chariot Energy | Give $50 get $50 (bill credit) | Not specified |
| BKV Energy | Give $50 get $50 (bill credit) | Unlimited |
Electricity provider coverage areas
There are six major service regions within the deregulated ERCOT market, each serviced by its own transmission and distribution utility (TDU).
- Oncor: Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- CenterPoint: Houston, Beaumont
- Texas-New Mexico Power: League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
- AEP North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- AEP Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- Lubbock Power & Light: Lubbock
| Provider | Service Areas |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
| Chariot Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
| BKV Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
Monthly energy usage charges
Usage fees are extra costs added to bills when kWh consumption is either “too high” or “too low” during a billing period. In the case of a minimum usage fee, if you use less than the specified kWh amount, an electricity provider may tack another fee onto your bill. It’s generally recommended to avoid electricity plans that charge usage fees.
| Provider | Usage fees |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | No usage fees |
| Chariot Energy | No usage fees |
| BKV Energy | No usage fees |
What are base fees on your electricity bill?
Base charges are extra costs added to every bill, regardless of how much electricity is used during that billing period. We recommend finding a provider and a plan that does not include base charges in the contract.
| Provider | Base charges |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | No base charges |
| Chariot Energy | $9.95 |
| BKV Energy | No base charges |
What are the penalties for ending your contract early?
Early termination fees (or early cancellation fees) may be charged when you decide to cancel a plan before the end of the contract. Texas electricity providers typically charge ETFs in one of two ways. First, some providers will charge a flat cancellation fee that remains the same no matter how far you are into your contract. Second, other providers, like BKV Energy, will charge a cancellation fee that decreases the longer you remain a customer. This often makes switching providers less costly if you switch to a different provider early.
| Provider | Early Termination Fees |
|---|---|
| Constellation Energy | Ranges from $50 to $150 depending on contract length |
| Chariot Energy | $15 per remaining month |
| BKV Energy | $20 per remaining month |
About the company
Let’s compare basic company information and history for Constellation Energy, Chariot Energy, and BKV Energy side-by-side.
| Constellation Energy | Chariot Energy | BKV Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded 1999 (original), spun off in 2022 | Year Founded 2019 | Year Founded 2022 |
| CEO Joseph Dominguez | CEO In Kyu Park | CEO Chris Kalnin |
| CEO 10014 | CEO 10260 | PUCT PUCT 10323 |
| Company Bio Constellation is the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and provides sustainable solutions to homes, businesses, and public-sector customers across the continental United States. | Company Bio At Chariot Energy, we are committed to transforming the energy landscape by making 100% renewable power accessible and affordable for homes and businesses across Texas. By harnessing the power of renewable energy, we provide a clean, sustainable, and cost-effective solution that meets the needs of both residential and commercial customers. | Company Bio BKV Energy is a Texas-based electricity provider committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy solutions to households across the state. Our business model is distinguished by the absence of monthly base charges, usage requirement fees, and gimmicky plans, ensuring straightforward, fixed-rate pricing structures. We prioritize transparency and simplicity, aiming to educate and empower consumers to make informed energy choices. Our fixed-rate plans offer price stability, aiding customers in effective energy budgeting. Additionally, we collaborate with our clientele to promote reduced energy consumption and cost savings. Notably, customers dissatisfied within the initial 30 days of service can terminate their contracts without incurring any cancellation fees. |
Why you should switch to BKV Energy
BKV Energy offers simple, transparent, and straightforward fixed-rate Texas electricity. Our Bluebonnet plan is customizable by term length and renewable energy percentage. There are no extra costs such as base charges, usage fees, or setup/bundle fees. Additionally, enjoy access to Premier+ Benefits. This program comes with amazing benefits such as:
- Reduce Your Rate: If market prices fall after you enroll, you can switch to a lower-priced plan at no cost. With Reduce Your Rate, we’ll notify you when there are opportunities to save!
- ElectroShare: Get paid every November with ElectroShare. The longer you’re a customer the more you earn.
- VoltPoints: 25 reward points per month. Enter to win daily, weekly, and monthly prizes up to $1,000.
- Save Now Pay Later: Bill payment flexibility! Skip your next bill and pay it off in equal installments over the next six months.
- Contract Consultation: Chat with a Texas energy expert to find the best BKV Energy renewable plan based on market insights including weather, seasonality, and wholesale prices.
- 30-Day Power Pilot: Try BKV Energy’s Bluebonnet plan risk-free for 30 days. No early cancellation fee in the first 30 days.
Compare more Texas electricity providers
Switching to BKV Energy is simple
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Texans love BKV Energy
Affordable plans available, which is very helpful in the DFW area, also they are a company that values their customers and incentives them for their loyalty and makes sure they are taken care of! I’ve had a great year using the company, and just renewed for another 12 months of service with them!
Just been with BKV Energy for one month. Switch from last provider was seamless. BKV Energy website was intuitive, easy navigation. AutoPay occurred on “Due Date”. I would like to see an option for me to be able to set the auto pay to happen sooner after the invoice date, soon after I review the bill. I was with my last provider for 25 years. I hope BKV can provide me the best rates for the next 25 years.
How to switch to BKV Energy
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