Available Plans FAQs

  • How do I find electric plans available to me?
    Enter your address to see electricity plans available for your home, or call us at 713-207-7777 or 866-222-7100 to find a plan that will work for you. Existing Reliant customers can visit their Renew or Change My Plan page to see if they're eligible for a new plan.
  • What kinds of plans are available?

    We believe in giving our customers a range of plans so you can choose what's right for you:

    • Secure Plans: The price protection of a fixed rate*
    • Flex Plans: No long-term contracts and no cancellation fees
    • Indexed Plans: When the price of natural gas is low, your rate will be too
    • Wind Plans: 100% wind-generated electricity from right here in Texas
    • ePlans: Additional savings when you also sign up for online conveniences 

    *Price can only change in response to changes in law or regulatory charges allowed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.

  • What if I’m interested in changing plans but don’t see any available?
    If you are on a term contract, available plan options will be listed as the expiration date for your current contract approaches. If you would like to discuss switching to another plan prior to your contract expiration, please call us at 1-866-222-7100.
  • What is renewable energy?
    Energy resources that are naturally replenished are considered renewable. They are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy that is available at a time. Renewable energy resources include wind, biomass, hydro, geothermal, solar, ocean thermal, wave action and tidal action. Reliant's renewable plans offer a pollution-free energy product generated from 100% wind.
  • Do you offer a green or renewable energy plan?
    With Reliant’s renewable products, you’ll enjoy knowing your power is being produced by 100% environmentally friendly sources. You can view our prices and plans to see the renewable plans available in your area.
  • What is wind energy?
    Wind energy is derived from a power plant that uses windmills or wind turbines to generate electricity.

Signing Up FAQs

  • Why should I choose Reliant as my retail electricity provider?

    Reliant brings you more every day. Each person at Reliant is committed to our customers and our community. We are passionate about providing electricity, smart energy solutions, and 24/7 service and support to our customers. See how we compare to our competitors:

    Feel free to check out our plans and rates, chat with us online, or call us at 1-866-222-7100 to learn more. 

  • How do I sign up for service with Reliant?
    You can quickly and easily sign up for service online or by phone at 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100.
  • When will my switch to Reliant become effective?

    The switch can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to be processed, unless you have a prearranged date set.* We'll send you an email once your service starts with Reliant. You may also check your status by calling us at 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100, or through online chat. 

    *Charges may apply.

  • Can I change my Reliant start date?
    Yes. We offer the option to change your desired start date; however, this change is not available online. Please call us at 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100.
  • I am a Reliant customer. How do I sign up for one of your new electricity plans?
    Log in to your account, go to My Profile or the Plan section in the top menu, and then choose "Change or Renew Plan" under Plan in the left menu. If you're eligible to change plans, you'll find the details on this page.
  • When I sign up for service, can I list more than one person on the account?
    The system allows only one name to be used as the account owner; however, multiple users can log on using the same username and password.
  • How do I sign up for service with Reliant Business Services?
    You can get a price quote and sign up in the small business section of reliant.com.
  • Is it easy to switch to Reliant from another provider?

    Yes. It only takes a few minutes, plus:

    • There's no need to contact your current provider; we’ll take care of the switch for you. 
    • Your service will not be interrupted. 
    • You'll keep the same meter and same power lines you had before. 
  • When I sign up, how long will it take for my Reliant service to begin?
    If you're starting service at a new location, your service can begin a minimum of two business days after you sign up. If you're switching from another provider, your service with Reliant will begin within two weeks after you sign up. Please keep in mind that you may need to satisfy certain requirements, such as paying a deposit or providing valid ID, and delays in satisfying these requirements can delay your start date.
  • What do I need to provide when I sign up with Reliant?
    We'll need a valid form of personal identification to verify that service is being established in your name and to perform a credit check.
  • What is an acceptable form of identification, and where do I send it?
    Acceptable forms of identification to set up a Reliant account include:
    • Valid, non-expired state issued identification card
    • Driver's license from the United States
    • Passport (only front of document is required)
    • Alien registration card
    • Consulate ID / Matricula Consular (for any country)
    • Copy of an identity theft report
    • Texas Concealed Handgun License
    • Social Security card
    Please fax a copy of one of the above to 800-711-5114, and include the following information on the fax cover sheet (allow one business day for processing):
    • Your Reliant account number 
    • Name on the  account 
    • Address that will be receiving electricity 
    • Your contact phone number 
    Please note that failure to provide valid identification may result in a delay of your requested date for electric service. For more on service start requirements, visit this page.
  • Where can I find my ESID?

    Your ESID (electric service identifier) is a unique 17- or 22-digit number given to an electricity delivery point in the ERCOT market. In other words, it is a long number typically used to identify your electric meter. You may also see it written as ESI I.D.

    This number is often visible on your meter, but it also appears on your electric bill and in your online Reliant account. To find your ESID online:

    • Log in to your account.
    • Go to your Plan page by clicking Plan in the top menu. 
    • Your ESID is listed under the name of your plan.

    ESID Online Account Location

    On your bill, your ESID is located in the second Account Information section, usually on page 2. It should be on the left, next to your name.

    ESID On Bill

  • Will I have to pay a deposit to begin service?
    A deposit may be required depending on your payment history and your credit score. If so, you'll need to satisfy the deposit requirement before your service can begin. Your deposit amount will be calculated at the time of your enrollment request.
  • What methods of payment do you accept for the initial deposit?

    You can pay your deposit using any of these methods: 

    Low-income customers may be eligible for deposit payment assistance. Please contact us at 713-207-7777 or 866-222-7100 to find out more, or visit this page.

  • Are there other options to satisfy my deposit requirement?
    You may be able to arrange for one of the following to satisfy your deposit requirement: 
    • A satisfactory credit reference letter from your prior electricity provider can be faxed to 713-488-4422 or 800-563-0120, or mailed to Reliant, P.O. Box 3765, Houston, TX 77253-3765. 
    • A Satisfactory Guarantee Agreement from an eligible, current Reliant customer. Call us at 866-222-7100 and provide the name, address, phone number and Reliant account number of a customer who will sign a guarantee agreement for you. 
    • Low-income customers may be eligible for deposit payment assistance. Please contact us at 713-207-7777 or 866-222-7100. 
    Deposits may be waived for: 
    • Senior citizens: We may waive your deposit with proof that you are age 65 or older. Please call us at 713-207-7777 or 866-222-7100 to find out more. 
    • Victims of family violence: Fax a copy of your certification letter from the Texas Council on Family Violence to 713-488-4422 or 800-563-0120 and include your Reliant account number. 
    • Medical indigence: Please submit a certification letter establishing that you are medically indigent by fax to 713-488-4422 or 800-563-0120, or by mail to Reliant, P.O. Box 3765, Houston, TX 77253-3765. 
    • For more information, please contact a customer service representative at 713-207-7777 or 866-222-7100.
  • When will I get my deposit back? How will I receive it?

    Deposits made with cash, check or credit card will be returned as a credit to your account after you have made 12 consecutive, on-time electric bill payments. If you leave Reliant and switch to a different electricity provider, we will use your deposit to pay your final bill. Any extra will be returned to you as a check in the mail, along with any other credits on your account. 

    If you satisfied your deposit requirement with a surety bond or other means, the deposit will not be returned to you.

  • How much will my average electric bill be?

    Your bill will vary depending on how much electricity you use, the plan you are on, the weather, the energy efficiency of your home and many other factors. However, you can see what the average electric bill has been in past months according to your address using the Reliant Bill Estimator.*

    *Estimates are based on average consumption by comparable dwellings in the same area and are not are not exact predictors. Your electricity bills may vary. The Reliant Bill Estimator should be used for informational purposes only.

Moving/Transferring Service FAQs

  • How far in advance can I schedule my transfer or move online?
    Flexible Move-In can get you same-day electricity service or lets you schedule your new connection up to 60 days in advance.*
     
    *Requests processed after 5:00 p.m. Central Time will be connected the next business day. Same-day service is offered Monday through Saturday, weather permitting, where an existing meter is in place. No connections on holidays. Enrollment and permit requirements must be met before a request can be processed. Additional charges apply.
  • Do I need to sign up my new location for online account management if I already have an online account with Reliant?
    No. The transfer process allows you to retain the same Reliant contract account number; therefore, once the transfer is completed, your new address information will automatically show up when you log in to your account at reliant.com.
  • Will I have to re-enroll in my current Reliant billing and payment plans like paperless billing, AutoPay or average billing?

    If you are signed up for average billing, you will not be able to set up average billing for your new address until the final bill for your old address has been paid. Once you have paid your final bill, residential customers can call 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100 and business customers can call 713-207-5555 or 1-866-660-4900 to check eligibility and set up average billing for your new address. Paperless billing and AutoPay will transfer to your new address automatically.

  • What happens to my deposit when I transfer service?

    In most circumstances your deposit will transfer to your new address.

  • I’m currently receiving the LITE-UP Texas Discount. Do I need to notify them of my new address?
    If you are on the LITE-UP Texas program and move from one address to another, you must notify your benefits agency (e.g. Medicaid, SSI, etc.). Failure to do so will result in Reliant late fees being billed to you, if applicable, and you might not receive summer discounts.
  • Can I check the status of my transfer of service request?
    Yes. Log in to your account to view the status of your move-in and move-out requests on your dashboard.
  • What is the cost to transfer my service?
    Your local utility company will charge a move-in fee to establish electric service in your name at the new address. This fee will appear on your first bill. Depending on your new location, a permit may also be required, which may involve additional fees. You will also be responsible for paying any remaining balance on your Reliant account that is associated with your current address.
  • Will the service stop date I request be guaranteed?

    Because several factors can affect the utility company's ability to start or stop your service — for example, your meter may be physically inaccessible — we cannot guarantee the date you select. You can check the status of your transfer by logging in to your account at reliant.com.

    You are still responsible for all electricity consumed until your service is stopped. Therefore, you may want to turn off all appliances upon moving out to avoid incurring further charges.

  • Does my stop date have to be the same as my start date?
    No, your stop and start dates do not have to be the same. However, if there is a gap between the two, you should pay the deposit at the new address to avoid late fees and a possible disconnection. The deposit for the new address will appear as a charge on the first bill at your new address, and the credit for the deposit at your existing address will appear on your final bill after the move-out is completed.
  • What if the electricity is already on at my new address?
    You will still need to submit a transfer request so that we can establish service in your name. Otherwise, the electricity can be turned off at any time based on the previous customer's move-out request, and you will be without power for one to three business days.
  • How much will my average electric bill be?

    Your bill will vary depending on how much electricity you use, the plan you are on, the weather, the energy efficiency of your home and many other factors. However, you can see what the average electric bill has been in past months according to your address using the Reliant Bill Estimator.*

    *Estimates are based on average consumption by comparable dwellings in the same area and are not are not exact predictors. Your electricity bills may vary. The Reliant Bill Estimator should be used for informational purposes only.

  • Will the service start date I request be guaranteed?
    Because several factors can affect our ability to start your service — for example, your meter may be physically inaccessible or a permit may be required — we cannot guarantee the transfer date you select. You can check the status of your transfer by logging in to your account at reliant.com.
  • Why am I asked to confirm that my utility company will have access to my meter?
    Your local utility company will have to take a meter reading for your service to begin. To avoid delays in processing your request, we ask you to ensure that the meter will be completely accessible on this date. This includes making sure there are no locked gates or overgrown foliage hindering access to the meter.
  • I'll soon be moving out of my house. Will I still have access to the historical electricity usage information?
    Yes, your historical information will continue to appear in your online profile even if the service address is no longer receiving electricity. You can remove your old account via the My Profile page when you no longer need access to this information.
  • I'm moving out of Texas. How do I get the electricity disconnected at my current residence?
    Please call us at 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100 to request a move-out.
  • I'm moving to another location in Texas. How do I transfer electricity service to my new address?

    Online: If you're moving within the Reliant service area, you may be able to request a transfer using our convenient online process; all you need is your new service address and your desired service start and stop dates. 

    By phone: We can help you transfer your service in a matter of minutes at 713-207-7777 or 1-866-222-7100. 

  • Help! I accidentally transferred service to the wrong address.

    Give us a call right away at 1-866-222-7100 with the correct service address. Failure to do so could cause a delay in your service start date.

  • Am I eligible for the Home Energy Checkup?
    Not all parts of the Home Energy Checkup are available to all customers. The Home Energy Snapshot is available to all Reliant residential customers living in single-family homes that have been powered by Reliant for at least 12 concurrent months. An in-home consultation is available to Reliant residential customers in single-family homes in the Houston and Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex areas.