Energy Ogre? Power to Choose? Going Direct? Here's What Actually Happens.
We're going to tell you the truth about every option—including our own weaknesses. Because you deserve to make this decision with actual information, not marketing fluff.
The Quick Facts
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
We're showing our cards. Here's exactly how each option stacks up—including where we fall short.
| Feature | ComparePower Free comparison + enrollment | Energy Ogre $120/year subscription | Power to Choose State-run marketplace | Go Direct Call/visit providers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||||
Service Cost What you pay to use the service | $0 Always free | $120/yr Subscription required | $0 Government site | $0 But your time isn't free |
Hidden Costs Fees not obvious upfront | ETF risk They switch you even mid-contract | Varies Sales pressure for add-ons | ||
| Transparency | ||||
Shows TRUE All-In Price Includes all fees, not just advertised rate | ||||
Uses Your Actual Usage Calculates based on your real consumption | ||||
Tells You When NOT to Switch Honest about when you're already on a good plan | ||||
| Control | ||||
You Pick Your Plan You make the final decision, not an algorithm | ||||
No Surprise Switches Won't change your plan without explicit approval | ||||
Contract Alerts Notifies you before contract expires | ||||
| Experience | ||||
Time to Compare How long to find your best option | 5 min Self-serve | 10 min Setup + waiting | 30+ min Manual research | 2+ hrs Multiple calls/sites |
Mobile-Friendly Easy to use on your phone | ||||
Enrollment Support Help if something goes wrong | ||||
What You'd Actually Pay
Not advertised rates. Not marketing math. Real annual costs based on typical Texas usage.
ComparePower
Energy Ogre
Power to Choose
Go Direct to Provider
Costs based on 1,000 kWh/month average. Your results will vary based on actual usage. Energy Ogre cost includes $120 annual membership. ComparePower rates reflect average user outcome.
Why "Total Annual Cost" Is the Only Number That Matters
Advertised rates are designed to mislead. We calculate what you'll actually pay.
You've seen it: "9¢/kWh—one of the lowest rates in Texas!" But that rate only applies at exactly 1,000 kWh. Use 850 kWh? It's actually 12¢. Use 1,200 kWh? Maybe 11¢. The "advertised rate" is marketing fiction.
Total Annual Cost cuts through the games. We take YOUR actual usage (from your bill or smart meter), apply it to every available plan including ALL fees, and show you what you'd actually pay over 12 months. Not marketing math—real math.
This is how we calculate the costs shown above. And it's the reason ComparePower users consistently find better deals than those using advertised rates alone.
What You Get With Us That You'll Never Get From a Provider
When you enroll through ComparePower, you get tools that providers won't give you—because they profit when you're confused.
Members Portal
Real-time dashboard, smart alerts ("run your dryer 2 hrs to hit your $50 credit"), and plan performance scoring. Your command center.
Explore Portal →Live Link™
Connect your smart meter for real-time usage tracking, automatic rate alerts, and contract expiration warnings. 24/7 monitoring.
Learn More →Bill Detective
Upload any bill for instant analysis. We decode every charge, expose hidden fees, and tell you exactly why your bill is high.
Try It Free →The Honest Breakdown
Every option has pros and cons. Yes, including us. Here's what you need to know.
ComparePowerTHAT'S US
Free comparison marketplace
89,247 verified reviews
What They Do Well
- +Completely free—forever
- +YOU choose your plan, not an algorithm
- +See true all-in prices, not advertised rates
- +5 more...
Watch Out For
- −You have to make the final decision yourself
- −No auto-switching if rates drop mid-contract
- −Requires ~5 minutes of your time
- +1 more...
Energy Ogre
Subscription electricity concierge
15,000+ reviews
What They Do Well
- +Truly hands-off—they handle everything
- +Uses your smart meter data for accurate analysis
- +Will switch you to better rates automatically
- +2 more...
Watch Out For
- −$120/year cost adds up over time
- −You don't control which plan you get
- −May switch you mid-contract (ETF risk)
- +3 more...
Power to Choose
Official Texas marketplace
Government site—no reviews
What They Do Well
- +Official PUC Texas resource
- +Lists every licensed provider
- +No commercial bias—government run
- +2 more...
Watch Out For
- −Confusing interface—not built for consumers
- −Shows advertised rates, not true costs
- −Doesn't know your actual usage
- +4 more...
Go Direct to Providers
Call TXU, Reliant, etc. directly
Varies by provider
What They Do Well
- +Deal directly with your provider
- +Can negotiate sometimes (maybe)
- +No middleman
- +1 more...
Watch Out For
- −Salespeople work on commission—not your side
- −No easy way to compare across providers
- −Existing customers often get WORSE rates than new customers
- +4 more...
What They Say vs. What Actually Happens
The electricity industry runs on misleading claims. Here's what's really going on.
Advertised Rates
"9¢/kWh—one of the lowest rates in Texas!"
— Typical provider ad
That 9¢ is for exactly 1,000 kWh. Use 800 kWh? It's 12¢. Use 1,200? It's 11¢. These "usage bucket" plans are designed to make the advertised rate look good while most customers pay more.
"Free nights and weekends!"
— Multiple providers
The daytime rate is 18-22¢/kWh to subsidize "free" nights. Unless you're nocturnal and run all appliances after 9pm, you'll pay MORE than a simple flat-rate plan. We've done the math—it rarely works out.
Service Claims
"We find you the best rate, guaranteed!"
— Energy Ogre marketing
They find A good rate. But "best" is subjective—their algorithm optimizes for rate, not for your preferences about contract length, provider reputation, or renewable energy. And they'll switch you even if you didn't ask.
"Compare all plans in one place"
— Power to Choose
Yes, all LICENSED providers are listed. But the comparison shows advertised rates at fixed usage tiers, not what you'd actually pay. Most users pick a plan optimized for 1,000 kWh when their usage is 847 kWh—and pay significantly more.
"Members save an average of 40%"
— Energy Ogre
Compared to what? Provider standard variable rates—the worst rates available. Compared to a savvy shopper using free tools? The savings difference is much smaller, and you're paying $120/year for the service.
Provider Tactics
"Call us for exclusive offers!"
— Provider customer service
The "exclusive" offer is usually available online too—or worse than online rates. Salespeople are incentivized to close deals, not give you the best price. And existing customers typically get offered HIGHER rates than new customers.
"No deposit required!"
— Various providers
If you have good credit. The asterisk leads to: "Subject to credit approval." Low credit scores mean deposits of $200-400. Some providers are deposit-free regardless of credit—but you have to know to look for them.
Contract Terms
"Your rate is locked in for 12 months"
— Contract terms
The ENERGY rate is locked. Delivery charges, fees, and other components can still change. When TDU rates go up, your bill goes up—even on a "fixed" plan. Always check the EFL for what's actually locked.
We're not trying to trash the competition.
These are real issues real Texans run into. We think you deserve to know before you sign up for anything—including us. We have our own limitations too, and we're upfront about them.
Which Option Fits You?
Answer 4 quick questions. We'll tell you honestly—even if the answer isn't us.
How much is your time worth?
Be honest—this determines a lot.
See Your Scenario
Pick the situation closest to yours. See what each option would actually cost you.
Which sounds most like you?
Apartment Dweller
1-2 bedroom apartment, 600-900 sq ft
AC runs May-Sept, works from home sometimes
Here's what you'd actually pay:
Want to see your exact numbers? Enter your zip code.
See Plans for My AddressWhy 2.5 Million Texans Trust Us
True All-In Pricing
We show what you'll actually pay—not the advertised rate that only applies at exactly 1,000 kWh.
Always Free
No subscriptions. No hidden fees. We make money from provider commissions—same amount regardless of which plan you pick.
Radical Transparency
We'll tell you if your current plan is already good. We'd rather earn your trust than a quick commission.
Contract Alerts
We'll remind you when your contract is expiring so you don't roll into expensive month-to-month rates.
Neighbor Proof
See what people in your zip code are actually paying. Real data, not marketing claims.
You Stay in Control
We recommend—you decide. No surprise switches. No algorithms choosing for you.
From People Who've Tried Everything
I was paying $180/month with TXU. ComparePower showed me I could get the same service for $120. Switched in 5 minutes. Why did I wait so long?
Tried Energy Ogre for a year. Saved money but hated not knowing what plan I was on. ComparePower gives me the same info for free, and I pick.
Power to Choose was overwhelming. 100 plans, no idea which was actually cheapest for MY usage. ComparePower sorted it in 3 minutes.
They told me my current plan was fine and I shouldn't switch. That honesty made me trust them for my next contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does ComparePower make money if it's free?
We earn a commission from providers when you enroll through us—typically $50-150. Here's the key: we make the SAME commission regardless of which plan you pick. So we have zero incentive to push expensive plans. If your current plan is best, we tell you, even though we make nothing.
Is Energy Ogre a scam?
No, Energy Ogre is legitimate. They've helped many Texans save money. Our differences: 1) They charge $120/year, we're free. 2) They choose your plan for you, we let you choose. 3) They may auto-switch you, we never do. If you want totally hands-off and don't mind paying, they're a valid option.
Why is Power to Choose so confusing?
Power to Choose is a government mandate, not a consumer product. It exists because Texas law requires providers to list plans publicly. It shows advertised rates at fixed usage tiers (500, 1000, 2000 kWh)—but most people's usage doesn't match these tiers, so the "rate" shown isn't what you'd actually pay.
Should I call my provider directly for a better rate?
Usually no. Provider salespeople work on commission and are trained to close deals, not save you money. Plus, existing customers typically get OFFERED higher rates than new customers—the loyalty penalty is real. Use ComparePower to see what rates are actually available, then decide.
What if ComparePower says I shouldn't switch?
Then don't switch. Seriously. About 47% of people who check are already on a good plan. We'd rather tell you the truth and earn your trust for next time than push a switch that doesn't help you. Set up a contract alert and we'll remind you when it's actually time to shop.
How accurate is your "true cost" calculation?
Very accurate—if you give us your actual usage. We pull your usage from your bill or Smart Meter Texas, then calculate what you'd pay on each plan including ALL fees (TDU delivery, base charges, tiered pricing). The advertised rate is marketing; our number is math.
Ready to See the Truth?
Enter your zip code. See what you'd actually pay. Takes 5 minutes. If your current plan is already good, we'll tell you.