TXU Energy vs. Cirro Energy. Which provider is better?
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Comparing TXU Energy and Cirro Energy and BKV Energy
You may be considering TXU Energy or Cirro Energy as your next Texas electricity provider, but here’s why you should pick BKV Energy instead. Enter your zip code below to shop BKV Energy’s affordable electricity plans, or keep scrolling to explore the pros and cons of these energy companies.
Energy provider comparison criteria
Types of plans from TXU Energy vs Cirro Energy
In the Texas electricity market, you can find a wide variety of plan types, including the following:
- Fixed Rate: Fixed rate plans lock in an energy charge for the duration of your contract.
- Variable Rate: The energy charge is subject to change each month based on changes to wholesale electricity prices.
- Solar Buyback: Plans that allow you to sell energy back to the grid from solar panels installed on your property.
- Bill Credit: A common electricity plan gimmick that disguises high energy charges with a bill credit.
- Time-of-Use: Time-of-use plans offer different energy charges based on the time of day or day of the week. The most common are “free nights” and “free weekends” — watch out for these gimmicky plans because free electricity at night or on the weekend often means much higher energy charges during the day or during the week.
- Base Charge: Plans that include monthly base charges. An extra fee added to your bill no matter how much electricity you consume.
- Usage Fee: Plans that include usage fees. These extra costs are added to bills when you use the “wrong” amount of energy during a billing period.
| Provider | Plan Types |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | Base Charge, Bill Credit, Fixed, Time of Use, Variable, Solar Buyback |
| Cirro Energy | Variable, Usage Fee, Fixed, Base Charge, Bill Credit |
| BKV Energy | Fixed Rate |
Terms lengths offered
Contract length is an important consideration when choosing an electricity plan. We recommend selecting a plan that allows you to renew in the spring or fall, as those months often have the best available prices.
| Provider | Term lengths |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | 1, 10, 12, 24, 36 or Months |
| Cirro Energy | 1, 12, 18, 24, 36 or Months |
| BKV Energy | 12, 24, or 36 months |
Renewable energy options
Texas electricity providers offer a wide range of plans with varying renewable energy percentages. Compare the renewable plan options between TXU Energy, Cirro Energy, and BKV Energy.
| Provider | Renewable energy options |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | 9% to 100% renewable |
| Cirro Energy | 12% to 24% renewable |
| BKV Energy | 29% to 100% Renewable |
Referral programs
Compare the referral programs and referral rewards of TXU Energy, Cirro Energy, and BKV Energy.
| Provider | Referral amount | Referral limits |
|---|---|---|
| TXU Energy | Give $50 get $50 (bill credit) | Unlimited |
| Cirro Energy | Give $50 get $50 (bill credit) | Unlimited |
| BKV Energy | Give $50 get $50 (bill credit) | Unlimited |
Service area
There are six major service regions within the deregulated ERCOT market, each serviced by its own transmission and distribution utility (TDU).
- Oncor: Dallas, Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, Round Rock, Midland, Odessa
- CenterPoint: Houston, Beaumont
- Texas-New Mexico Power: League City, Glen Rose, Pecos, Angleton
- AEP North: Abilene, San Angelo, Vernon
- AEP Central: Corpus Christi, McAllen, Victoria, Laredo, Harlingen
- Lubbock Power & Light: Lubbock
| Provider | Service Areas |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
| Cirro Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
| BKV Energy | Oncor, CenterPoint, Texas-New Mexico Power, AEP North, AEP Central, Lubbock Power & Light |
Usage fees
Usage fees are extra costs added to bills when kWh consumption is either “too high” or “too low” during a billing period. In the case of a minimum usage fee, if you use less than the specified kWh amount, an electricity provider may tack another fee onto your bill. It’s generally recommended to avoid electricity plans that charge usage fees.
| Provider | Usage fees |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | No usage fees |
| Cirro Energy | $9.95 |
| BKV Energy | No usage fees |
Base charges
Base charges are extra costs added to every bill, regardless of how much electricity is used during that billing period. We recommend finding a provider and a plan that does not include base charges in the contract.
| Provider | Base charges |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | $4.95 to $14.95 |
| Cirro Energy | $4.95 to $5.00 |
| BKV Energy | No base charges |
Early termination fees
Early termination fees (or early cancellation fees) may be charged when you decide to cancel a plan before the end of the contract. Texas electricity providers typically charge ETFs in one of two ways. First, some providers will charge a flat cancellation fee that remains the same no matter how far you are into your contract. Second, other providers, like BKV Energy, will charge a cancellation fee that decreases the longer you remain a customer. This often makes switching providers less costly if you switch to a different provider early.
| Provider | Early Termination Fees |
|---|---|
| TXU Energy | Ranges from $150 to $395 depending on contract length |
| Cirro Energy | Ranges from $100 to $395 depending on contract length |
| BKV Energy | $20 per remaining month |
Company history and information
Let’s compare basic company information and history for TXU Energy, Cirro Energy, and BKV Energy side-by-side.
| TXU Energy | Cirro Energy | BKV Energy |
|---|---|---|
| Year Founded 2002 | Year Founded 2001 | Year Founded 2022 |
| CEO Scott A. Hudson | CEO David Brast | CEO Chris Kalnin |
| CEO 10004 | CEO 10177 | PUCT PUCT 10323 |
| Company Bio You can trace our roots back to 1882 when Dallas Electric Lighting Company brought electricity to North Texas. We watched as the arrival of porch lights first welcomed neighbors and confused moths. We saw the introduction of air conditioning make our brutal summers somewhat bearable. And we marveled at the first electric car buzzing down our streets. More than 100 years later, in 2002, the Texas competitive electricity market opened, and TXU Energy became the state’s leading retail electric provider. Today, more Texans trust us to power their homes and businesses than any other electricity provider. We’ve come a long way, but we never forget our heritage. We’re committed to always improving the communities where we live, work and serve. Most of all, we’re committed to our customers. | Company Bio As a Texas-based electricity company, we provide simple and easy electricity plans, home protection options and great customer service to homes and businesses across the state. For nearly 15 years, we have lived by these words: fair prices, simple plans, no surprises. | Company Bio BKV Energy is a Texas-based electricity provider committed to delivering reliable and affordable energy solutions to households across the state. Our business model is distinguished by the absence of monthly base charges, usage requirement fees, and gimmicky plans, ensuring straightforward, fixed-rate pricing structures. We prioritize transparency and simplicity, aiming to educate and empower consumers to make informed energy choices. Our fixed-rate plans offer price stability, aiding customers in effective energy budgeting. Additionally, we collaborate with our clientele to promote reduced energy consumption and cost savings. Notably, customers dissatisfied within the initial 30 days of service can terminate their contracts without incurring any cancellation fees. |
Why you should switch to BKV Energy
BKV Energy offers simple, transparent, and straightforward fixed-rate Texas electricity. Our Bluebonnet plan is customizable by term length and renewable energy percentage. There are no extra costs such as base charges, usage fees, or setup/bundle fees. Additionally, enjoy access to Premier+ Benefits. This program comes with amazing benefits such as:
- Reduce Your Rate: If market prices fall after you enroll, you can switch to a lower-priced plan at no cost. With Reduce Your Rate, we’ll notify you when there are opportunities to save!
- ElectroShare: Get paid every November with ElectroShare. The longer you’re a customer the more you earn.
- VoltPoints: 25 reward points per month. Enter to win daily, weekly, and monthly prizes up to $1,000.
- Save Now Pay Later: Bill payment flexibility! Skip your next bill and pay it off in equal installments over the next six months.
- Contract Consultation: Chat with a Texas energy expert to find the best BKV Energy renewable plan based on market insights including weather, seasonality, and wholesale prices.
- 30-Day Power Pilot: Try BKV Energy’s Bluebonnet plan risk-free for 30 days. No early cancellation fee in the first 30 days.
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Texans love BKV Energy
Affordable plans available, which is very helpful in the DFW area, also they are a company that values their customers and incentives them for their loyalty and makes sure they are taken care of! I’ve had a great year using the company, and just renewed for another 12 months of service with them!
Just been with BKV Energy for one month. Switch from last provider was seamless. BKV Energy website was intuitive, easy navigation. AutoPay occurred on “Due Date”. I would like to see an option for me to be able to set the auto pay to happen sooner after the invoice date, soon after I review the bill. I was with my last provider for 25 years. I hope BKV can provide me the best rates for the next 25 years.
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