How We Ranked These Light Companies
Years in Texas, BBB rating, PUCT complaint data
Cutoff times and days of operation
Minimum amount needed to get lights on
Operating hours, bilingual support, reviews
Rankings based on data verified January 2026. We research PUCT license database, customer reviews, and direct verification calls.
Top 3 No Deposit Light Companies
Payless Power
High Trust Our Top PickTexas prepaid pioneer since 2005
$40
to start
6PM
cutoff
What we like
- No credit check required
- No deposit ever
- Same-day service available 7 days a week
Watch out for
- Rates 30-50% higher than traditional fixed plans
- Daily billing - power disconnects if balance reaches $0
In Texas since 2005
Now Power
Pay-as-you-go lights with low startup
$0
to start
2PM
cutoff
What we like
- No deposit required
- No credit check
- Same-day service available
Watch out for
- Prepaid rates higher than fixed plans
- Balance hits $0, lights go off
In Texas since 2016
Pogo Energy
No deposit prepaid lights for Texas
$30
to start
3PM
cutoff
What we like
- No deposit required
- No credit check
- Same-day service available
Watch out for
- Prepaid rates higher than fixed plans
- Balance hits $0, lights go off
In Texas since 2017
Quick Comparison
| Light Company | Startup Cost | Credit Check | Same-Day Cutoff | Trust Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Payless Power | $40-75 | None | 6:00 PM | High |
| 2. Now Power | $0-40 | None | 2:00 PM | Medium |
| 3. Pogo Energy | $30-50 | None | 3:00 PM | Medium |
Cheapest No-Deposit Light Company: Who Has the Lowest Rates?
Looking for the cheapest prepaid light company with no deposit and no down payment? If price is your main concern, here's what you need to know. The cheapest per-unit rate doesn't always mean the lowest monthly light bill — daily fees and how much power you use matter just as much. Every affordable light company listed above is zero down with no money down for a deposit.
How usage changes the math
- Light users (under 500 units/month): Companies with no daily fee save the most. A $1/day service fee adds $30/month before you even flip a switch.
- Average Texas homes (1,000+ units): The per-unit rate matters more than the daily fee. A few cents per unit adds up fast at higher usage.
Rates also change based on your TDU area — what you pay in Houston is different from Dallas. The only way to know your actual cost is to plug in your numbers.
Use our prepaid calculator to see what you'd actually payWhen No-Deposit Prepaid Makes Sense
Prepaid light company plans cost more per unit than traditional fixed plans. Here's when month-to-month prepaid is still the right choice:
Good fit for prepaid
- • You need lights today and can't wait for credit approval
- • A deposit would wipe out your savings
- • You're getting power back on after disconnection
- • Short-term housing (3-6 months)
- • Rebuilding credit and want to avoid another hit
Consider alternatives
- • You can afford to wait 1-2 days for a deposit waiver check
- • You have $200-400 available for a deposit (you get it back)
- • Long-term stay (12+ months) — the rate difference adds up
- • You qualify for traditional plans with no deposit
Not sure which path is right? Use our deposit checker tool to see what you might pay with traditional light companies.
Common Questions
Which light company is best for no deposit in Texas?
Payless Power is the top choice for no-deposit lights in Texas. They have been serving Texas since 2005, require no credit check, and offer same-day service 7 days a week with a starting cost as low as $40.
Can I get lights with no deposit and bad credit?
Yes. Prepaid light companies like Payless Power do not run credit checks at all. You pay upfront for your usage, so there is no deposit and no credit requirement. The tradeoff is higher per-unit rates.
What is the cheapest no deposit light company?
Payless Power and Frontier Utilities have the lowest startup costs at $40-50. However, prepaid rates are 30-50% higher than traditional fixed plans, so "cheapest to start" is not always "cheapest overall."
Which no-deposit light company has the cheapest rates?
Rates vary by your location and usage, but companies without daily service fees tend to be cheapest for light users. Use our prepaid calculator to compare actual costs for your situation.
Consumer Advocate
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).
