Are you a Texan looking to choose the best electricity provider for your home? We understand the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to your energy needs. In this article, we'll compare two popular energy providers in Texas: Champion Energy and Just Energy. However, before we delve into the details, let's introduce you to BKV Energy (or BKVE for short), your honest and transparent alternative.
BKV Energy is all about energy made fair. In every aspect, we strive to bring honesty and simplicity to the communities and the people we serve. At BKV Energy, customers don't have to pick between cleaner or more affordable. They have the power to choose both. We give customers the knowledge to make informed decisions about their energy bill AND their energy company.
Now, let's compare Champion Energy and Just Energy in various aspects:
BKV Energy's mission, as you've just read, is centered around bringing fairness, honesty, and simplicity back to energy for Texans. We believe in giving you the power to choose without gimmicks.
BKV Energy, while newer to the scene, serves all of Texas with a commitment to transparent pricing and clear terms. Learn more >
Both Champion and Just Energy offer a variety of plans, some of which employ gimmicks to entice customers. These gimmicks can sometimes end up costing you more in the long run due to hidden fees and seasonal pricing changes.
In contrast, BKV Energy offers simple, no-gimmick plans, including Simple Fixed Rate, Solar Buyback, and 100% Renewable Energy plans.
Pricing in your actual area may differ, but for comparison sake we look at pricing in the Houston area:
In contrast, BKV Energy offers the Bluebonnet 13 plan, a simple (no gimmicks) plan priced at 13.9¢ cents per kWh based on an average of 2,000 kWh usage per month.
In conclusion, while Champion Energy and Just Energy are popular choices for electricity providers in Texas; they often use gimmick-laden plans that can end up costing you more in the long run. In contrast, BKV Energy strives to bring honesty and simplicity to the communities and people it serves, offering transparent pricing, clear terms, and no hidden fees or surprise charges. Make the right choice for your energy needs and choose BKV Energy for a fair and honest energy experience.
As of 11/23/24, we’ve collected the full list of 3 currently available Champion Energy plans and 20 Just Energy plans and listed their rates, terms, and the type of gimmick or standard plan each falls into. These plans are based on an average monthly usage of 2,000 kWh, or what you might use for a typical residential home.
BKV’s lowest rate plan is 13.9¢ per kWh for the Bluebonnet 13 plan - a 100% Renewable no-gimmicks plan.
Compare that to the lowest rate plan from Champion Energy which is currently the plan at 13.9¢ per kWh for a term of 12 months. This plan falls into the following categories: Base Fee (gimmick), Bill Credits (gimmick). And also check that against Just Energy lowest rate plan, the plan at 13.9¢ per kWh - a Base Fee (gimmick), Bill Credits (gimmick) type of plan. Gimmick plans may lead to prices not being what you expect in the long run.
The average rate among all Champion Energy plans is currently 14.8¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available. The average rate among all Just Energy plans is currently 13.9¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available.
Check out the tables below to compare Champion Energy vs Just Energy plans and rates for different standard electric contract terms:
| Providers | Plans | Plan Term | Plan Type(s) | Est. Price Per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.2¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Green Energy-12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.4¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Simple Choice - 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.7¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Simple Choice- 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.9¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Renters Choice - 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.1¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Free Weekends-12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 15.4¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Weekends Free Plan - 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 15.7¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Nights Free Plan - 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 16¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics - 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 16.1¢/kWh |
| Providers | Plans | Plan Term | Plan Type(s) | Est. Price Per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.3¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Champ Saver 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.1¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Champ Silver-24 (EFL) | 24 Months | 14.2¢/kWh | |
| Champion Energy | Champ Saver-24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.2¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics PTC - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.3¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Free Weekends-24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 14.4¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Green Energy-24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Simple Choice - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.6¢/kWh |
| Champion Energy | Green Energy 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.8¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Simple Choice- 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.1¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.1¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Weekends Free Plan - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 15.5¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Nights Free Plan - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 15.8¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Winter Saver 400 - 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 16.1¢/kWh |
| Providers | Plans | Plan Term | Plan Type(s) | Est. Price Per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.3¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics PTC - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.3¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Simple Choice - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Weekends Free Plan - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 15.4¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Nights Free Plan - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 15.7¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | 100% Green Nights Free Plan - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Just Energy | Basics - 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | 17.3¢/kWh |
*Rates and plans may vary, make sure to check the Champion Energy and Just Energy websites for the latest information
Many providers offer plans that seem cheap when you enroll, but end up costing a lot more later on.
If you don’t consider changes in your home’s seasonal usage, you could end up paying more…much more.
A simple fixed rate plan is most often the safest bet. We can help you choose the right one!
Before you select an electricity plan, it’s important to understand more about how the different types of plans offered by providers like Champion and Just Energy work. First, you need to know how to identify a Gimmicky Plan.
Standard electricity plans are those you can trust to offer just what they say, without tricks that mislead you about the ultimate price you’ll pay on your electrical bill. However, many providers use “Gimmicky” plans to grab your attention. The prices seem very cheap at first glance, but when you dive a bit deeper you may end up paying much more than you’d expect!
Examples of standard plans include Simple Fixed Rate, Variable Rate, Solar Buyback, and 100% Renewable Energy plans - but only if they don’t come with certain gimmicks attached. Gimmicky plans typically include “Bullseye” Plans, plans with a Base Fee, EV Charging plans, plans that offer Bill Credits, and Free Nights or Free Weekends.
Let’s see how Just Energy and Champion Energy plans stack up, and what types each company offers currently…
| Provider / Type of Plan | CHAMPION | JUST ENERGY | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
100% Renewable
A plan that only uses renewable sources. |
3 Plans:
Champion offers 3 Full Renewable plans with no gimmicks:
|
Just Energy does not currently offer gimmick-free Full Renewable plans. |
3 Plans:
BKV Energy offers 3 Full Renewable plans with no gimmicks: |
| Simple Fixed Rate
A Simple Fixed Rate plan is a fixed rate plan that has no other gimmicks associated with it (see Gimmick Plans below). |
9 Plans:
Champion offers 9 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
3 Plans:
Just Energy offers 3 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
7 Plans:
BKV Energy offers 7 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks: |
|
Solar Buyback
When the electricity company credits you for the excess energy your solar panels generate. |
4 Plans:
Champion offers 4 Solar Buyback plans with no gimmicks:
|
Just Energy does not currently offer Solar Buyback plans. |
BKV Energy may be offering Solar Buyback plans in the future - if it’s best for our customers! Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Variable Rate
The price you pay per kilowatt-hour for electricity may be determined by the market or other factors considered by the retail energy supplier. Since the market cost of electricity changes frequently, your rates could too. |
Champion does not currently offer Variable Rate plans. | Just Energy does not currently offer Variable Rate plans. |
BKV Energy doesn’t offer Variable Rate plans because changing market conditions can lead to extremely volatile energy bills. To help you save, we only offer simple fixed rate plans. Check Out BKVE Plans |
| Provider / Type of Plan | CHAMPION | JUST ENERGY | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EV Charging
EV charging plans are gimmicky because while you're receiving lower cost or free energy at night to charge your vehicle, your kWh rate during the day is higher than average. 70% of your energy consumption occurs during the daytime, so your bill is higher even with those free hours. Learn More |
Champion does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | Just Energy does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | No Gimmicks
BKV Energy does not offer gimmicky EV charging plans because most homeowners will end up spending more on electricity thanks to elevated daytime kWh rates, even with the free or reduced overnight prices. Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Base Fee
Base fee plans are gimmicky because they add an extra charge to your bill regardless of how much energy you consume throughout the month. Learn More |
Champion does not have plans with a Base Fee currently. | 17 Plans:
Just Energy has 17 plans that use the Base Fee gimmick.
|
No Gimmicks
BKV Energy plans don't include base fees because instead of adding an extra fee to your bill, we only charge for the energy you actually consume. Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Bill Credit
Bill credit plans are gimmicky because they tease a reward when you use a specific amount of energy. When you don't hit the mark, your rates go up significantly making your bill much higher. Learn More |
Champion does not have plans with a Bill Credit currently. | Just Energy does not have plans with a Bill Credit currently. |
No Gimmicks
BKV Energy does not offer plans with bill credits because we prefer to offer a simple fixed rate instead. Most gimmicky bill credit plans come with higher kWh rates so you end up with a higher bill even with the credit applied. Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Bullseye
Bullseye plans lead with a low average price, but higher prices are hidden in the EFL. That means if you use the wrong amount of energy, your bill can skyrocket. |
Champion does not have plans with a Bullseye currently. | 13 Plans:
Just Energy has 13 plans that use the Bullseye gimmick.
|
No Gimmicks
BKV Energy does not offer gimmicky bullseye plans because we prefer to offer a simple fixed plan where your kWh rate remains steady at all usage levels. Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Free Nights
Free nights plans are gimmicky because your daytime rate can be 5 to 10 cents higher per kWh compared to a simple fixed rate plan. This creates much higher energy bills during the summer in Texas. Learn More |
Champion does not have plans with a Free Nights currently. | 4 Plans:
Just Energy has 4 plans that use the Free Nights gimmick.
|
No Gimmicks
BKV Energy does not offer gimmicky free nights plans because most Texans end up spending more on electricity thanks to elevated daytime kWh rates, even with the free overnight prices. Check Out BKVE Plans |
|
Free Weekends
Free weekends plans are gimmicky because they increase your price per kWh during the week to make up for your free usage over the weekend. Plus, the window of time your energy is "free" might be shorter than you expect. Learn More |
2 Plans:
Champion has 2 plans that use the Free Weekends gimmick.
|
3 Plans:
Just Energy has 3 plans that use the Free Weekends gimmick.
|
No Gimmicks
BKV Energy does not offer gimmicky free weekends plans because most Texans end up spending more on energy due to elevated weekday kWh rates, even with free weekends. Check Out BKVE Plans |
"There are a ton of ways that these electricity companies can trick people. BKV Energy was among the clearest, and easiest to digest. This is the type of company I want to do business with."
- M.K.
"Great customer service and look forward to being a long time customer. Saved over $200 a month transferring from Reliant."
- B.J.
"Great electric company. They are very fair and honest with their pricing. Most providers have tricky price structures that make it hard to know what your bill will be. But with BKV Energy you know exactly what you will get. Highly recommend!"
- N.T.
"Informative website, seamless sign-up, and excellent customer service. I'm thrilled we locked in such a good rate for an extended period of time. I'm looking forward to saving extra money this summer."
- E.F.
While Champion and Just Energy offer estimated 2000 kWh plans for Houston for as much as 13.9¢ kWh, BKVE has 12, 24 and 36 month plans for as low as 14.1¢ kWh - and no gimmicks!
What better way to compare companies than a simple side-by-side dust up of Champion and Just Energy. Champion is headquartered in Houston and Just Energy’s central offices are in Houston. Champion has about 2 million customers, with Just Energy at around 1.5 million customers. Headed by CEO Michael Sullivan, Champion was founded in 2005. Just Energy’s chief executive is Scott Gahn, and the company was founded in the year 1997.
| Champion Energy | Just Energy |
|---|---|
| 1500 Rankin Road, Suite 200, Houston, 77073 | 5251 Westheimer Road, Suite 1000, Houston, 77056 |
| CUSTOMERS: 2 million customers |
CUSTOMERS: 1.5 million customers |
| FOUNDED: 2005 |
FOUNDED: 1997 |
| CEO: Michael Sullivan |
CEO: Scott Gahn |
| COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, Corpus Christi, and many more |
COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Lubbock, and more |
| PUCT NUMBER: 10098 |
PUCT NUMBER: 10052 |
| COMPANY BIO: Champion Energy Services, renowned for being the fastest-growing retail electric provider in the nation and the largest never affiliated with a utility, was founded to offer competitive electricity rates and exceptional customer care. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and serves as a retail subsidiary of Calpine, America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources. Champion Energy is known for its focus on customer interests, offering competitive prices, straightforward billing, and round-the-clock customer care. They currently serve residential, governmental, commercial, and industrial customers in deregulated electric energy markets across various states, including Texas. In Texas, Champion Energy provides customized electricity plans and highly responsive energy advisors, targeting commercial, industrial, and public sector customers. The company is appreciated for its commitment to creating greater value for customers, balancing power supply with sales to minimize significant risks, and operating with a focus on sustainable and responsible power generation. Their customer service can be reached at 877.653.5090. For more information, you can visit their website at https://www.championenergyservices.com/About. |
COMPANY BIO: Just Energy, a leading distributor of electricity and natural gas in North America, has been providing energy solutions for nearly 25 years. The company, founded in 1997, is headquartered in both Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and Houston, Texas, USA. Just Energy Group Inc., initially known as Just Energy Income Fund and before that as Energy Savings Income Fund, operates across North American markets, including the United States and Canada. The company serves over 1 million customers collectively under its affiliate companies, which include Just Energy, Hudson Energy, Tara Energy, Amigo Energy, Filter Group, and Terrapass. Scott Gahn serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Just Energy. Corporate headquarters can be found at 5251 Westheimer Rd, Suite 1000, Houston, TX, 77056 and can be contacted at 866-587-8674 for more information. Just Energy's business model involves the sale of natural gas and/or electricity supply to residential and commercial customers. They offer a range of plan options, including long-term fixed price, price-protected, or variable-priced contracts, and green energy products. The company's main focus is on providing more than just energy; they emphasize stellar customer service and green energy product options. One of their notable offerings is the JustGreen product, which allows customers to support clean energy through the purchase of renewable energy credits or carbon offsets. This program has reportedly had an impact equivalent to planting over 300 million trees. The company offers various plan options to suit different family needs, including fixed-rate plans that ensure energy rates remain constant regardless of market fluctuations, and variable-rate plans that may change based on business and market conditions. Just Energy emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as dwelling type, family size, number of appliances, household energy usage, contract length, and green energy product options when choosing an energy plan. Just Energy has a significant presence in multiple states in the United States, including Texas, and provides its customers with a variety of features and benefits to help them manage their energy needs effectively. Just Energy stands out in the energy sector for its extensive experience, variety of energy solutions, commitment to renewable energy, and focus on customer satisfaction. Their leadership team, with diverse industry experience, drives the company's mission to simplify energy usage for their customers. |