TXU Energy

TXU Energy has been the biggest name in Texas lights since deregulation opened in 2002, and their roots go back to 1884. More than 2 million Texas households get their lights through TXU right now. That history means something: a stable company backed by Vistra Corp isn’t going anywhere.

But name recognition doesn’t change the credit check. TXU runs one on every traditional plan application.

What to Expect from TXU’s Credit Check

Good credit (670 or above) usually means $0 deposit. Fair credit in the 580-669 range typically triggers a deposit of $150-$300. Lower credit below 580 can push that deposit to $200-$400, roughly equal to two months of estimated bills. If TXU quotes you a deposit you can’t cover right now, that number isn’t the end of the road.

This is exactly where we help. We check 5-6 other light companies at once, because every company sets its own credit thresholds. The one that wants $300 from you and the one that says $0 are looking at the same credit file. Many people find a $0 deposit traditional option through this process. If none work out, pay-as-you-go is always available with no credit check and no deposit. Our prepaid vs traditional guide breaks down the real cost difference.

What TXU Does Well

TXU offers more plan variety than most Texas light companies. Fixed-rate plans lock your rate for 12, 24, or 36 months. Free Nights plans run your AC, laundry, and dishwasher overnight at no charge. Season Pass plans credit your bill during Texas summer peaks. Month-to-month plans skip the long contract.

The 60-day Total Satisfaction Guarantee stands out. You can switch to a different TXU plan or leave TXU entirely within 60 days with no early termination fee. Most light companies only let you swap plans within the same company. TXU lets you walk away clean, which lowers the risk of a 24-month contract.

Same-day lights are available Monday through Saturday if you sign up before 6 PM CT. After that cutoff, your lights typically come on the next business day. If you need power today, sign up before 6 PM.

What TXU Gets Wrong

The rates run 5-20% higher than budget light companies like Gexa or Frontier. On a home using 1,000 units per month, that gap can add up to $120-$400 more per year. Budget matters, and TXU isn’t the cheapest option in Texas by a long stretch. See our best no-deposit light companies ranking for the full picture.

Early termination fees bite hard: $150 for 12-month plans, up to $395 for 36-month plans. If your situation changes and you need to switch, that fee is real. Compare that to $50-$100 at most budget light companies.

TXU also discontinued their FlexPower prepaid option for new customers. If you can’t pass TXU’s credit check, there is no TXU fallback. You’ll need a different path.

Who TXU Is Right For

TXU makes sense if your credit is solid, you want a long-established Texas company, and you value plan options like Free Nights or cash back rewards. The 60-day exit clause makes long contracts less risky.

TXU is the wrong call if you’re carrying a deposit or need the cheapest rate available. Our deposits explained guide walks through what a deposit means for your budget and the path to traditional plans shows how to get to better rates over time. If TXU asks for a deposit and you can’t swing it today, here’s how we find you alternatives.

Read our full TXU Energy review for detailed rate tables, complaint data, and a side-by-side comparison against other Texas light companies.