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: Reliant Energy and Shell 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 Reliant Energy and Shell 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 Reliant and Shell 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 500 kWh usage per month.
In conclusion, while Reliant Energy and Shell 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 25 currently available Reliant Energy plans and 9 Shell 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 Reliant 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 Shell 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 Reliant Energy plans is currently 14.8¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available. The average rate among all Shell Energy plans is currently 13.9¢ per kWh, including all term lengths available.
Check out the tables below to compare Reliant Energy vs Shell 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 |
| Reliant Energy | Basic Power 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Basic Power 12 plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Basic Power 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | Shell Energy Fixed 100% Renewable Plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.7¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | Shell Energy EV Free Charging Plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , EV Charging (Gimmick Plan) | 15.8¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Secure Advantage 12 plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.9¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | SES Free Energy Nights (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 16.2¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 17.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Truly Free Weekends 100% Solar 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 17.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 (EFL) | 12 Months | Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 17.9¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Truly Free Nights 100% Solar 12 plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 17.9¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant 100% Solar 12 plan (EFL) | 12 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 21.8¢/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 |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Basic Power 24 plan (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Basic Power 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Basic Power 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.5¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Secure Advantage 24 plan (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.9¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | SES Free Energy Weekends (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Weekends (Gimmick Plan) | 15.2¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | Shell Energy Fixed 100% Renewable Plan (EFL) | 24 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.6¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | SES Free Energy Nights (EFL) | 24 Months | Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) , Free Nights (Gimmick Plan) | 16.1¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Power on 24 (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 17.6¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Flextra Credits 24 plan (EFL) | 24 Months | Bill Credit (Gimmick Plan) | 17.9¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Secure 24 plan with Rapid Rewards (EFL) | 24 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 18.5¢/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 |
| Shell Energy | Shell Energy Fixed Standard Plan (EFL) | 36 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 14.9¢/kWh |
| Shell Energy | Shell Energy Fixed 100% Renewable Plan (EFL) | 36 Months | Bullseye (Gimmick Plan) , Base Fee (Gimmick Plan) | 15.4¢/kWh |
| Reliant Energy | Reliant Power on 36 (EFL) | 36 Months | Simple Fixed Rate | 17.5¢/kWh |
*Rates and plans may vary, make sure to check the Reliant Energy and Shell 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 Reliant and Shell 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 Shell Energy and Reliant Energy plans stack up, and what types each company offers currently…
| Provider / Type of Plan | RELIANT | SHELL | BKVE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
100% Renewable
A plan that only uses renewable sources. |
Reliant does not currently offer gimmick-free Full Renewable plans. | Shell 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). |
8 Plans:
Reliant offers 8 Simple Fixed Rate plans with no gimmicks:
|
4 Plans:
Shell offers 4 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. |
Reliant does not currently offer Solar Buyback plans. | Shell 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. |
Reliant does not currently offer Variable Rate plans. | Shell 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 | RELIANT | SHELL | 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 |
Reliant does not have plans with a EV Charging currently. | 1 Plans:
Shell has 1 plans that use the EV Charging gimmick.
|
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:
Reliant has 11 plans that use the Base Fee gimmick.
|
9 Plans:
Shell has 9 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 |
1 Plans:
Reliant has 1 plans that use the Bill Credit gimmick.
|
Shell 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. |
9 Plans:
Reliant has 9 plans that use the Bullseye gimmick.
|
5 Plans:
Shell has 5 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 |
2 Plans:
Reliant has 2 plans that use the Free Nights gimmick.
|
2 Plans:
Shell has 2 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:
Reliant has 2 plans that use the Free Weekends gimmick.
|
1 Plans:
Shell has 1 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 Reliant and Shell offer estimated 2000 kWh plans for Houston for as much as 14.5¢ 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 Reliant and Shell. Reliant is headquartered in Houston and Shell’s central offices are in Dallas. Headed by CEO Elizabeth Killinger, Reliant was founded in 2000. Shell’s chief executive is Wael Sawan, and the company was founded in the year 2008.
| Reliant Energy | Shell Energy |
|---|---|
| 6100 West Fuqua St, Houston, 77085 | PO Box 733543, Dallas, 75373-3543 |
| CUSTOMERS: 1.5 million customers |
CUSTOMERS: an unreported number of customers |
| FOUNDED: 2000 |
FOUNDED: 2008 |
| CEO: Elizabeth Killinger |
CEO: Wael Sawan |
| COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Katy, Corpus Christi, Spring, Plano, Irving, Laredo, and more |
COVERAGE AREAS: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Corpus Christi, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Laredo, Pasadena, and more |
| PUCT NUMBER: 10007 |
PUCT NUMBER: 10174 |
| COMPANY BIO: Reliant Energy, established in 2000 and a subsidiary of NRG Energy, is a significant electricity provider in Texas. Guided by CEO Elizabeth Killinger, the company is headquartered at 6100 West Fuqua Street in Houston, Texas, serves over 1.5 million Texans, providing over 23 million megawatts of power annually to both residential and business customers. This robust customer base and extensive power supply highlight Reliant's scale and reach within the Texas energy market. The company's customer service is a key component of its operations, offering support to its clientele through various channels. Reliant Energy can be reached at their corporate phone number, 713-537-3000, and offers dedicated customer support at 1-866-222-7100. Reliant Energy's commitment to Texas is evident in its service offerings and community engagement. The company takes pride in powering residences and businesses across the state, delivering award-winning customer service and support 24/7. As the largest commercial and industrial retail electricity provider in Texas, Reliant offers competitive pricing and innovative power solutions. In terms of energy plans, Reliant Energy offers a diverse range of options to cater to different customer needs. These include fixed-rate, variable-rate, and prepaid electricity plans, as well as plans with free nights and weekends, catering to both residential and commercial properties. Reliant is also known for its green energy initiatives. All of their electricity plans in Texas include some portion of energy from renewable sources. The company offers green energy plans sourced from local solar farms in Texas, and customers can opt into the Make It Solar program, where Reliant offsets energy usage by purchasing solar renewable energy certificates. Reliant Energy serves deregulated communities across Texas, covering a wide geographic area. This includes utility service areas such as AEP Texas Central, AEP Texas North, CenterPoint Energy, Oncor Electric Delivery, and Texas-New Mexico Power. These areas encompass major cities like Harlingen, Laredo, Corpus Christi, San Angelo, Abilene, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and many parts of the state. In summary, Reliant Energy stands out as a key electricity provider in Texas, known for its comprehensive range of energy plans, commitment to renewable energy, and extensive community involvement. Their dedication to providing reliable power solutions and exemplary customer service positions them as a trusted energy partner for Texas residents and businesses. |
COMPANY BIO: Shell Energy, a prominent energy provider in Texas, has made significant strides in the residential power market in the United States. The company's introduction of the Shell Energy brand into the residential sector, particularly in Texas, reflects its commitment to renewable energy solutions. Shell Energy's offerings in Texas include 100% renewable electricity plans, underscoring the company's focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. These plans are available to customers in competitive areas of the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid and are backed by renewable energy certificates, ensuring that energy generation comes from renewable resources. As part of its diverse range of plans, Shell Energy caters to specific customer needs. For example, electric vehicle (EV) owners can benefit from a plan that offers free charging during off-peak hours, along with a fixed electricity rate. Additionally, homeowners with solar panels have the option of a solar buyback plan, which credits them for any excess solar power they export back to the grid. This variety of options demonstrates Shell Energy's adaptability and responsiveness to different energy requirements in the residential sector. Shell Energy's operational scale extends beyond the U.S. The company serves approximately 1.5 million customers across nine countries. This global presence is part of Shell's broader strategy to develop an integrated power business and to achieve its goal of becoming a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050. This vision aligns with Shell Energy's mission, which is centered around enabling people to feel good about their energy usage. The company aims to power lives—from individuals to entire communities—in a manner that contributes to a better energy future for all. Shell Energy is driven by CEO Wael Sawan. The corporate office of Shell Energy North America can be reached at PO Box 733543, Dallas, Texas 75373. Customers can reach Shell Energy's customer service at (833)-SHELL-HM (743-5546), operational Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM CDT. This accessibility is a testament to Shell Energy's commitment to customer support and service. |