We regularly receive flyers for Reliant’s “Texas Bonus 24” electric plan with all the warning signs: “Get a low price”, $600 bonus”, and of course “Limited time offer”. They’ll even offer to discount your current provider’s cancellation fee so you can “take advantage of this deal”.
Curiously, there’s no mention of electricity pricing. You have to call them to learn those details, using the promo code from your flyer.
Once you do you’ll see that this plan is no deal. At 10.2 ¢/kWh (…as of November 2018, see below for updates), the “energy charge” is 4.9 ¢/kWh more than the lowest cost competitor. For the average Houston home, that means paying an extra $1372 to get a $600 rebate, which is a “bonus” for nobody except Reliant. Those with higher usage can expect to overpay even more. And if you sign up and then realize you’ve made a mistake, you’ll incur a whopping $295 cancellation fee.
Don’t fall for high rates masked by cash-back gimmicks. All electricity is the same, and many competitors — and even other Reliant plans — offer much better rates. To start saving today, skip the runaround and click below to find your best rate.
October 2020 update:
Another month, another ludicrous “Texas Bonus 24” offer. The latest (via promo code MC9UBK) costs 9.1326 ¢/kWh plus ~4.5 ¢/kWh for Centerpoint delivery. With competitive rates at ~4.9 ¢/kWh plus delivery, you should run — not walk — away from this offer.
July 2023 update:
With promo code MH1BA5, the plan costs 11.9972 ¢/kWh (energy-only) plus Centerpoint delivery. That equates to ~15.9 ¢/kWh for 2000 kWh/mo usage, vs. ~10.5 ¢/kWh for more competitive alternatives.
Did you receive an even newer version? Send it to us and we’ll help check it out.
* Notes: Calculations above are based on the plan EFLs posted on Reliant.com and competitor sites as of 11/1/2018, and assume the 2016 average Texas monthly residential load profile from EIA scaled linearly to each target monthly usage. Cost projections exclude taxes and non-recurring fees.
when I checked this plan is now charging >12c per kWh, is energy cost going up? I thought winter is usually the low season.
Hi Kevin. Competitive rates are indeed higher than usual this winter, due in part to uncertainty around lower natural gas reserves for winter heating. See the Rate Trends graph on our homepage for details. (That said, plans based on marketing gimmicks like cash back, BOGO, free nights/weekends, etc are not generally “competitive”, and typically charge high rates regardless of the season or wholesale market.)
Just got july 2023 one in mail . Curious what 500kwh and 1000kwh amounts are . I’m sure way higher lol
Promo MU1BA9 received Sept 23. Called them. All charges and fees included was 16.5 per K. Told them too much. Finding plans in 13-14 cent range. Even with their rebate it still come out at 14.5 for my usage which is about 1250/month average. Some one else from Reliant who can offer lower rates is supposed to call me back in a couple days. We’ll see.
i have been waiting for Reliant to credit me $250 for switching over. they refuse to give me the promotional price and change it to $150.00. i have been talking with someone once a week and they give me a different excuse.
I got one today Same deal, Reliant Texas Bonus 24 plan. $600 Bonus offer, but no Electricity Facts Label (EFL) or other pricing details, just a number to call. I am in involved with electricity pricing for work all over Texas, so I am always shopping rates. I was curious to see the EFL label for this gimick plan, and my search brought me here.
If you are reading this, do not fall for this. It is a gimick rate. Currenty you can find pricing at other well known generators for between 6-7 cents/kWh for generation. All plans will have the delivery fee (TDSP) charges of 5 to 5-1/2 cents per kWh, plus a metering fee.
As a public reminder, Always shop around, Always comare EFL’s and Always go with one that charges by the actual kWh you used and steer clear of flat rate plans, stable plans, cash back plans, free nights, 4 free days a month, etc…, they are all a gimick.