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: Green Mountain and Payless Power. 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 Green Mountain and Payless Power 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 500 kWh usage per month.
In conclusion, while Green Mountain and Payless Power 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 7 currently available Green Mountain plans and Payless Power 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 Green Mountain which is currently the base fee plan at 14.4¢ 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 Payless Power lowest rate plan, the base fee plan at 14.4¢ 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 Green Mountain plans is currently 14.8¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available. The average rate among all Payless Power plans is currently 14.4¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available.
Check out the tables below to compare Green Mountain vs Payless Power 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 |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 12 Choice (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.4¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Renewable Rewards Solar Credit 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 16.2¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 16.5¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Renewable Rewards Essential 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 17.6¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Solar with Green Mountain Driver 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 19.4¢/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 |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Choice (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.4¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Renewable Rewards Solar Credit 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.7¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 15.9¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Renewable Rewards Essential 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 17.2¢/kWh |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Preferred (EFL) | 24 Months | Full Renewable , Simple Fixed Rate | 17.5¢/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 |
| Green Mountain | Pollution Free e-Plus 36 Choice (EFL) | 36 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.4¢/kWh |
*Rates and plans may vary, make sure to check the Green Mountain and Payless Power 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 Green Mountain and Payless 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 Payless Power and Green Mountain plans stack up, and what types each company offers currently…
| Provider / Type of Plan | GREEN MOUNTAIN | PAYLESS | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
100% Renewable
A plan that only uses renewable sources. |
5 Plans:
Green Mountain offers 5 Full Renewable plans with no gimmicks:
|
Payless 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:
Green Mountain offers 4 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
2 Plans:
Payless 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. |
Green Mountain does not currently offer Solar Buyback plans. | Payless 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:
Green Mountain offers 1 Variable Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
Payless 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 | GREEN MOUNTAIN | PAYLESS | 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 |
Green Mountain does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | Payless 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:
Green Mountain has 7 plans that use the Base Fee gimmick.
|
Payless 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 |
Green Mountain does not have plans with a Bill Credit currently. | Payless 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. |
Green Mountain does not have plans with a Bullseye currently. | Payless 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 |
Green Mountain does not have plans with a Free Nights currently. | Payless 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 |
Green Mountain does not have plans with a Free Weekends currently. | Payless 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 Green Mountain and Payless offer estimated 2000 kWh plans for Houston for as much as 14.4¢ 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 Green Mountain and Payless. Green Mountain is headquartered in Houston and Payless’s central offices are in Dallas. Green Mountain has about 400,000 customers, with Payless at around over 400 residential communities. Headed by CEO Mark Parsons, Green Mountain was founded in 1997. Payless’s chief executive is Brandon Young, and the company was founded in the year 2005.
| Green Mountain | Payless Power |
|---|---|
| 910 Louisiana St 22nd floor, Houston, 77002 | PO Box 975428, Dallas, 75397 |
| CUSTOMERS: 400,000 customers |
CUSTOMERS: over 400 residential communities |
| FOUNDED: 1997 |
FOUNDED: 2005 |
| CEO: Mark Parsons |
CEO: Brandon Young |
| COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Plano, Irving, Laredo, Garland, and more. |
COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Round Rock, McKinney, Killeen, Garland, Frisco, Pflugerville, and more |
| PUCT NUMBER: 10009 |
PUCT NUMBER: 10110 |
| COMPANY BIO: Green Mountain Energy, a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector, commenced its journey in Vermont in 1997. It was established as an offshoot of Green Mountain Power to leverage the deregulation of the Texas electricity market. In 2000, the company shifted its headquarters to Austin, Texas, and began serving the Texas market in 2002, becoming the first to offer alternative energy in the state. Green Mountain Energy has a clear mission: to use consumer choice to change the way power is made, emphasizing sustainability and environmental protection by offering products with an environmental benefit and operating with a zero-carbon footprint. The company's leadership includes President Mark Parsons, who has been with Green Mountain Energy since 2003. Green Mountain Energy, headquartered at 910 Louisiana St 22nd floor, Houston, Texas 77002, can be contacted at their main number, 866-301-3120. The company primarily serves residential customers in unregulated electricity markets across the United States, including Texas, and has expanded its services to commercial and industrial customers in Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania. Green Mountain Energy's approach is unique in that it not only focuses on providing renewable energy solutions but also actively contributes to sustainability initiatives through its Sun Club, which donates solar and renewable energies to non-profit organizations. In summary, Green Mountain Energy has positioned itself as a pioneering and responsible renewable energy provider. Its leadership team, driven by a passion for sustainability and environmental conservation, guides the company in offering renewable energy solutions and supporting community initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future. |
COMPANY BIO: Payless Power, established in 2005 by brothers Brandon, Byron, and Brian Young, has been an active participant in the Texas electricity market for over 15 years. The company, based in Dallas, Texas, operates as a retail electric provider (REP), initially focusing on serving customers with little or no credit history. It now serves more than 400 residential communities across Texas and also offers commercial and business electricity plans through a partnership with Utility Choice. Brandon Young, serving as the CEO since 2009, has led the company to become one of the top Retail Electric Providers in Texas. The company is recognized for its affordable electricity and excellent customer service. Payless Power's mission is to offer simple, affordable electricity to all Texas residents. They provide both prepaid and traditional electric plans, known for their competitive pricing and flexibility. The company emphasizes customer service through technology and innovation, ensuring transparent pricing and flexible payment options. They offer their customers the ability to control their usage and budget effectively, without the fear of disconnection. The company serves customers in various large cities and small towns in Texas, working with principal utilities such as Oncor, CenterPoint Energy, AEP Central, and AEP North. Payless Power offers a range of electric plan options, including no credit check and no deposit plans, catering to diverse customer needs and lifestyles. Payless Power's contact details include a customer service number, 1-866-963-9353, and their mailing address is PO Box 975428, Dallas, TX 75397-5428. For more detailed information about their services and plans, interested parties can visit their official website, https://paylesspower.com. |