With a wide range of electricity providers in Texas, finding the right fit can take some research. Whether you're new to the area or have lived here for years, the choice often comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and how you use electricity day to day.
If you’re comparing Gexa Energy vs. Direct Energy, you’re likely close to making your final decision. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the electricity plans offered by each provider and highlight key differences that can help you choose the best option for your home.
Still weighing your choices? You might also be interested in reading our comparisons of Gexa Energy vs. TXU Energy, Gexa Energy vs. Green Mountain Energy, or Gexa Energy vs. 4Change Energy. Taking the time to review what each provider offers will give you the confidence to choose the electricity plan that works best for you.
Gexa Energy vs. Direct Energy: Similarities and Differences
There are many similarities between the initiatives, technology, and comprehensive customer support offered by both Gexa and Direct Energy. They both provide their customers with plenty of value, but there are a few key differences that can help make your decision between Direct Energy vs. Gexa easier.
Similarities
- Smart thermostats: Both retail electricity providers offer plans that utilize smart thermostats, which the providers themselves can adjust, with your permission, during times of peak electricity usage to use less electricity and save you money on your bill.
- Portals and monitoring technology: Gexa and Direct provide their customers with portals and monitoring technology that help them track and manage their electricity use, account information, and billing.
- Promotional deals: Both offer promotional deals to add value to their electricity plans.
Differences
- Term lengths: Gexa Energy offers both month-to-month and fixed-term contract options, giving flexibility for renters, seasonal residents, or those who prefer shorter commitments. Direct Energy often emphasizes longer contracts, which may not be as appealing to customers looking for more flexible plan lengths. Both providers may charge early termination fees if a customer ends a contract before its term.
- EV charging: Gexa Energy offers specialized EV charging plans that allow customers to save on electricity costs by taking advantage of lower nighttime rates. These plans help reduce one of the biggest ongoing expenses for EV owners while supporting a more efficient, cost-effective charging routine.
Major Selling Points and Features: Gexa vs. Direct Energy
Gexa Energy:
Electricity Optimization
Gexa Energy helps customers monitor and reduce electricity usage so that you only pay for the power that you need. Customers can choose from customizable plans that fit different usage needs, Energy Saver plans that include smart thermostats that adjust during high-use periods, and Solar Buyback plans that help you maximize your home’s solar production—even if it means paying for less electricity.
EV and Solar Panel Support
As technology evolves, more homeowners are turning to electric vehicles and solar panels as long-term investments in reducing energy costs. Gexa Energy supports this shift by offering electricity plans specifically designed to help you get the most value from these technologies. With Gexa’s solar buyback plans, you can send unused solar energy back to the grid and receive credit on your bill. For EV owners, Gexa provides EV-friendly plans that include discounted overnight charging, helping you lower the cost of powering your vehicle at home. These tailored solutions make it easier to take advantage of modern energy technologies while managing your electricity costs more efficiently.
Free Smart Thermostats Promotion
With Gexa Energy Saver Plans, you can receive up to 2 free Sensi™ Touch thermostats. The Sensi™ smart thermostats offer precision and adaptability, allowing you to create an energy-efficient environment tailored to your preferences. Enjoy up to 23% savings on heating and cooling costs by automating your home's temperature control with the smart thermostat.
Flexible Term Lengths
Many retail electricity providers only offer long-term plan contracts, many of which have early cancellation fees. If you need power in your residence but aren't a long-term resident, or you prefer trying a provider before committing to a long-term contract, this can be a costly inconvenience.
When comparing Direct Energy vs. Gexa, keep in mind that Gexa offers a wide range of term lengths, including month-to-month plans with variable pricing. If you're not happy with your plan in the first 60 days, you can also switch to a different Gexa Energy plan without needing to pay the initial cancellation fee.*
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Direct Energy:
Amazon Prime Membership
Eligible customers can receive an Amazon Prime membership for the length of their contract on select Direct Energy plans, as well as savings on Vivint Smart Home Security systems. Direct Energy also allows plan subscribers to pay bills and refer friends via Amazon Alexa devices. However, the price per kilowatt that residents pay for these plans is higher than their other retail electricity plans, and they're only available with 24-month term lengths.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance
The Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance program from Direct allows customers to donate money to help other qualifying Texas residents pay their electricity bills. Texans who qualify for aid can receive up to $700 a year to help them pay for residential electricity, which is distributed by a number of charities, agencies, and organizations.
Home Protection Plans
Direct Energy has partnered with Allied Warranty to offer protection plans, similar to limited home warranty coverage. These plans cover certain issues surrounding your home's electrical system, including surge protection, electrical wiring, and HVAC repairs.
Important Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing an Electricity Plan
When deciding on a retail electricity provider, there are some points you should research that go beyond comparing companies like Direct Energy vs. Gexa Energy. Here are some things to keep in mind before you enroll in an electricity plan.
1. Read the EFL Carefully: An EFL, or Electricity Facts Label, carefully details the terms and conditions of a residential electricity plan. While plan overviews can be helpful in comparing different offerings, the EFL will tell you exactly how much you'll pay for electricity use and inform you of any fees or exceptions that aren't necessarily mentioned in an overview.
2. Consider Plan Values: While promotions and temporary discounts can be appealing, choosing an energy plan that works for you all year is more valuable. Do you have an electric vehicle that you charge at home? Select a plan that supports EV charging. Do you work nights and rest during the day? Select a plan with lower pricing at night. Are consistent pricing and reliability the most important things to you? Select a fixed-rate plan that doesn't fluctuate from season to season.
3. Read Customer Reviews: Who better to inform you of how a retail electricity provider operates than actual customers?
How to Switch From Direct to Gexa
If you find that Gexa Energy vs. Direct Energy aligns more closely with your electricity needs, making the switch is simple:
- Review your current Direct Energy contract for any termination fees you may have to pay.
- Visit Gexa Energy and explore our diverse electricity plans.
- Choose the plan that fits your needs and sign up.
Gexa will manage the rest, ensuring a smooth transition without service disruptions.
* If you're not happy with your new Gexa Energy residential plan, just contact us within 60 days of your service activation date. You have the freedom to choose any eligible plan we offer, without incurring penalties. It's that easy. Applies one time only for new Gexa Energy residential customers. Your contract term will restart with your second plan. Offer subject to change or withdrawal prior to customer acceptance.
