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: Cirro Energy and Spark Energy LLC. 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 Cirro Energy and Spark Energy LLC 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 >
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 Cirro Energy and Spark Energy LLC 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 11/21/24, we’ve collected the full list of 23 currently available Cirro Energy plans and Spark Energy LLC 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 Cirro Energy which is currently the base fee 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 Spark Energy LLC lowest rate plan, the base fee 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 Cirro Energy plans is currently 14.8¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available. The average rate among all Spark Energy LLC plans is currently 13.9¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available.
Check out the tables below to compare Cirro Energy vs Spark Energy LLC 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 |
| Cirro Energy | Smart LockSM Saver 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Cirro Energy | Smart Lock Saver 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Cirro Energy | Smart Simple 12 Online (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15¢/kWh |
| Spark Energy LLC | Choose 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 15.19¢/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 |
| Cirro Energy | Smart Simple 24 Online (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15¢/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 |
| Cirro Energy | Smart Simple 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 15.4¢/kWh |
*Rates and plans may vary, make sure to check the Cirro Energy and Spark Energy LLC 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 Cirro and Spark 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 Spark Energy LLC and Cirro Energy plans stack up, and what types each company offers currently…
| Provider / Type of Plan | CIRRO | SPARK | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
100% Renewable
A plan that only uses renewable sources. |
Cirro does not currently offer gimmick-free Full Renewable plans. | Spark 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). |
4 Plans:
Cirro offers 4 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
2 Plans:
Spark offers 2 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. |
Cirro does not currently offer Solar Buyback plans. | Spark 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. |
Cirro does not currently offer Variable Rate plans. | Spark 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 | CIRRO | SPARK | 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 |
Cirro does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | Spark 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 |
11 Plans:
Cirro has 11 plans that use the Base Fee gimmick.
|
Spark does not have plans with a Base Fee currently. |
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 |
Cirro does not have plans with a Bill Credit currently. | Spark 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. |
6 Plans:
Cirro has 6 plans that use the Bullseye gimmick.
|
Spark 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 |
Cirro does not have plans with a Free Nights currently. | Spark 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 |
Cirro does not have plans with a Free Weekends currently. | Spark 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 Cirro and Spark 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 Cirro and Spark. Cirro is headquartered in Dallas and Spark’s central offices are in Houston. Headed by CEO David Brast, Cirro was founded in 2001. Spark’s chief executive is William Keith Maxwell, and the company was founded in the year 1999.
| Cirro Energy | Spark Energy LLC |
|---|---|
| 2745 Dallas Pkwy #200, Dallas, 75093 | 12140 Wickchester Ln Ste. 100, Houston, 77079 |
| CUSTOMERS: 150,000 customers |
CUSTOMERS: an unreported number of customers |
| FOUNDED: 2001 |
FOUNDED: 1999 |
| CEO: David Brast |
CEO: William Keith Maxwell |
| COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Abilene, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, Waco, and more |
COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Irving and more |
| PUCT NUMBER: 10177 |
PUCT NUMBER: 10046 |
| COMPANY BIO: Cirro Energy, a Texas-based electricity company, has been simplifying the energy experience for its customers since 2001. With its headquarters in Plano, Texas, and corporate offices located at 2745 Dallas Pkwy Suite 200, Plano, TX 75093, the company operates under the ownership of NRG Energy, which acquired it in 2014. Cirro Energy's mission is centered around providing straightforward and easily understandable electricity plans and services, designed to fit the lifestyles of a diverse customer base. The company is known for its commitment to fair pricing, simple plans, and no hidden surprises, upholding a philosophy of simplicity and clarity in its offerings. Cirro Energy offers a variety of electricity plans for both residential and business customers. For residents, popular choices include fixed-rate plans with durations of 6, 12, and 24 months, as well as a variable-rate plan with no commitment required. Businesses can select from fixed-rate, index, and variable-rate business plans, offering flexibility and market-aligned options. The company also prioritizes convenient account management on https://www.cirroenergy.com, allowing customers to handle their accounts online or via mobile apps, and provides multiple payment options, including internet, in-person, phone, and mail payments. Serving a vast area, Cirro Energy operates in association with several other electric companies like CenterPoint Energy, AEP Texas, Oncor, and Texas-New Mexico Power Area. These affiliations enable Cirro to cater to customers in diverse locations, including Houston, Midland, Odessa, Dallas, Fort Worth, and areas north of Dallas. The company's focus on community involvement is evident through its sponsorships and regular donations to various charities and organizations. In addition to standard electricity plans, Cirro Energy offers home solutions like Electric-Line Protect, in partnership with Allied Warranty, providing additional coverage and peace of mind to its customers. Cirro Energy is positioned as a customer-centric, straightforward, and community-focused electricity provider in Texas, striving to meet the diverse needs of its residential and business customers with a range of plan options and dedicated customer support. |
COMPANY BIO: Spark Energy, founded in 1999 in Houston, Texas, stands as a notable pioneer in the retail energy industry. This groundbreaking venture was initiated to recognized the potential in the utilities and property management markets. Since its inception, Spark Energy has established itself as a dependable and trusted provider of electricity, natural gas, and green energy plans, serving over 700,000 customers across various U.S. states. Headquartered in Houston and driven by CEO William Maxwell, often regarded as the energy capital of the United States, Spark Energy has expanded its reach to 18 states nationwide, offering a range of energy plans that cater to both homes and businesses. The company's expertise is evident in its commitment to energy savings knowledge, exceptional customer service, and community support, distinguishing it from its competitors. A key aspect of Spark Energy's offerings is its diverse range of fixed-rate energy plans, which include electric, natural gas, and green energy options. These plans are designed to meet the varying needs of their customers, with the company taking charge of the transition process from the current providers, ensuring a seamless switch for consumers. The company's reach extends to numerous cities across Texas, catering to both residential and commercial sectors. Some of the cities served include major areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, among others, demonstrating Spark Energy's extensive network within the state. The company's commitment to energy diversity is further highlighted by its inclusion of traditional and renewable energy plans. This approach not only caters to a broad customer base but also aligns with contemporary environmental concerns, offering more sustainable energy solutions. Additionally, Spark Energy's status as a publicly traded company under the name VIA Renewables, listed on the NASDAQ with the ticker symbol VIA, reflects its robust financial foundation and growth trajectory. For those interested in contacting Spark Energy, their corporate office is located at 12140 Wickchester Ln Ste 100, Houston, Texas, 77079. They can be reached at their customer service phone number (877) 547-7275 for any inquiries or assistance. |