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: Chariot Energy and Express 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 Chariot Energy and Express 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 Chariot and Express 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 12 plan, a simple (no gimmicks) plan priced at 14.3¢ cents per kWh based on an average of 2,000 kWh usage per month.
In conclusion, while Chariot Energy and Express 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 12/21/24, we’ve collected the full list of 9 currently available Chariot Energy plans and 4 Express 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 14.3¢ per kWh for the Bluebonnet 12 plan - a 100% Renewable no-gimmicks plan.
Compare that to the lowest rate plan from Chariot Energy which is currently the base fee plan at 14.8¢ 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 Express Energy lowest rate plan, the base fee plan at 14.8¢ 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 Chariot Energy plans is currently 16.2¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available. The average rate among all Express Energy plans is currently 14.8¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available.
Check out the tables below to compare Chariot Energy vs Express 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 | 14.3¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Shine 12 (Solar Buy Back) (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.8¢/kWh |
| Express Energy | Express 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Solarize 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Full Renewable | 15.2¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Shine 12 (Solar Buy Back Plan) (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 16.4¢/kWh |
| Providers | Plans | Plan Term | Plan Type(s) | Est. Price Per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.4¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.7¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Solarize 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 15.1¢/kWh |
| Providers | Plans | Plan Term | Plan Type(s) | Est. Price Per kWh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 14.4¢/kWh |
BKV Energy |
Bluebonnet Green 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 14.7¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Shine 36 (Solar Buy Back) (EFL) | 36 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15¢/kWh |
| Chariot Energy | Solarize 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Full Renewable | 15¢/kWh |
| Express Energy | Express 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.2¢/kWh |
*Rates and plans may vary, make sure to check the Chariot Energy and Express 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 Chariot and Express 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 Express Energy and Chariot Energy plans stack up, and what types each company offers currently…
| Provider / Type of Plan | CHARIOT | EXPRESS | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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). |
4 Plans:
Chariot offers 4 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
4 Plans:
Express offers 4 Fixed Rate plans, but none of them are “simple” as they have either a base fee gimmick attached.
|
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. |
Chariot does not currently offer Solar Buyback plans. | Express 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. |
1 Plans:
Chariot offers 1 Variable Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
Express 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 |
|
100% Renewable
A plan that only uses renewable sources. |
6 Plans:
Chariot offers 6 Full Renewable plans with no gimmicks:
|
Express does not currently offer gimmick-free Full Renewable plans. |
3 Plans:
BKV Energy offers 3 Full Renewable plans with no gimmicks: |
| Provider / Type of Plan | CHARIOT | EXPRESS | 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 |
Chariot does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | Express 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 |
7 Plans:
Chariot has 7 plans that use the Base Fee gimmick.
|
2 Plans:
Express has 2 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 |
Chariot does not have plans with a Bill Credit currently. | Express 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. |
Chariot does not have plans with a Bullseye currently. | Express does not have plans with a Bullseye currently. |
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 |
5 Plans:
Chariot has 5 plans that use the Free Nights gimmick.
|
Express does not have plans with a Free Nights currently. |
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 |
Chariot does not have plans with a Free Weekends currently. | Express does not have plans with a Free Weekends currently. |
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 Chariot and Express offer estimated 2000 kWh plans for Houston for as much as 14.8¢ kWh, BKVE has 12, 24 and 36 month plans for as low as 14.5¢ kWh - and no gimmicks!
What better way to compare companies than a simple side-by-side dust up of Chariot and Express. Chariot is headquartered in Houston and Express’s central offices are in Houston. Headed by CEO In Kyu Park, Chariot was founded in 2019. Express’s chief executive is Stuart Bodden, and the company was founded in the year 2000.
| Chariot Energy | Express Energy |
|---|---|
| 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 4100, Houston, 77056 | 9800 Richmond Ave, Houston, 77042 |
| CUSTOMERS: an unreported number of customers |
CUSTOMERS: an unreported number of customers |
| FOUNDED: 2019 |
FOUNDED: 2000 |
| CEO: In Kyu Park |
CEO: Stuart Bodden |
| COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Midland, Corpus Christi, and many more |
COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Irving, Laredo, Garland, and more |
| PUCT NUMBER: 10260 |
PUCT NUMBER: 10041 |
| COMPANY BIO: In the dynamic world of energy provision in Texas, Chariot Energy stands out as a key player. Established to meet the growing energy demands of Texas, Chariot Energy has carved a niche for itself with its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach. The company's journey began 2019, marking its entry into the competitive energy market of Texas. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company operates from its corporate office located at 2800 Post Oak Blvd., Suite 4100, a hub of energy innovation and business strategy. Chariot Energy's leadership team, lead by In Kyu Park, comprised of seasoned professionals in the energy sector, drives the company's vision and strategic decisions. Their diverse expertise and experience have been pivotal in steering Chariot Energy towards its goals. The team's collective efforts are focused on delivering reliable and affordable energy solutions to the residents and businesses of Texas. The company can be reached for customer service inquiries at 1-855-524-2746, ensuring accessibility and support for its customers. Central to Chariot Energy's operations is its mission statement, a reflection of its commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions. The company's mission focuses on harnessing renewable energy sources to power homes and businesses, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future. Chariot Energy's energy plans are diverse, catering to the varied needs of its customer base. From residential to commercial clients, the company offers tailored energy solutions designed to meet the specific requirements of each segment. The geographical reach of Chariot Energy spans multiple cities across Texas, making its services accessible to a broad audience. This wide coverage ensures that a larger population benefits from their energy solutions, thereby amplifying their impact on the state's energy sector. The types and sources of energy utilized by Chariot Energy are diverse, ranging from traditional sources to more sustainable options like solar and wind power. This diversification in energy sources not only enhances the reliability of their service but also underscores their commitment to environmental sustainability. As we delve into the competitive landscape, Chariot Energy's positioning becomes evident. Its pricing strategies are designed to offer value to its customers, making energy affordable without compromising on quality or service. Customer testimonials and reviews reflect the high level of satisfaction among Chariot Energy's clientele, a testament to the company's dedication to customer service excellence. Looking ahead, Chariot Energy's role in Texas's energy sector is increasingly significant. As the state moves towards a more sustainable future, the company's focus on renewable energy sources positions it as a forward-thinking player in the market. Their ongoing efforts in technology and innovation, coupled with a strong commitment to community engagement and environmental responsibility, set the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future in Texas's energy landscape. |
COMPANY BIO: Express Energy, founded in 2006, is a reputable provider in Texas known for offering some of the cheapest electricity rates. They are a subsidiary of Vistra Energy, a Fortune 500 company, and are known for their price-protected plans and an Express Satisfaction Guarantee. Express Energy offers a variety of low-cost electricity plans, including both traditional and renewable energy plans, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. Their approach is characterized by simplicity, which allows them to offer lower energy rates. They offer fixed-rate energy plans with various term lengths, providing customers with predictable billing and price protection. The cancellation fees for their plans are quite reasonable, with only $20/month remaining on the contract, and they also offer a 30-day Satisfaction Guarantee. Express Energy's headquarters can be contacted at 9800 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77042. For inquiries or to sign up for a plan, customers can contact their corporate headquarters at 844-361-2080. As a retail electricity provider (REP), Express Energy serves residential energy customers across Texas, marketing itself as a “no-frills” energy provider. It's worth noting that since Express Energy is owned by Value Based Brands, the leadership and mission statement might align with those of its parent company, Vistra Energy. For more detailed information about their executive team, including CEO Stuart Bodden, and mission, you can contact Express Energy directly or visit their official website, www.myexpressenergy.com. |