Home>Head to Head>4Change Energy vs Direct Energy
Back to All ProvidersRates last checked: October 11, 2026
4Change Energy
vs
Direct Energy

4Change Energy vs Direct Energy: Texas Electricity Head-to-Head

4Change Energy offers 61 plans starting at 7.0c/kWh while Direct Energy has 46 plans from 13.3c/kWh across all 6 Texas TDU service areas. Here is how their rates, terms, renewable options, and fees compare.

4Change Energy
Direct Energy
61
Total Plans
46
7.0c
Lowest Rate
at 1,000 kWh
13.3c
14.9c
Average Rate
at 1,000 kWh
16.0c
13.1c
Rate Spread
max minus min
5.6c
8-36 mo
Term Range
12-36 mo
0 (0%)
100% Renewable
plan count
0 (0%)
0
Solar Buyback Plans
2
0
Time-of-Use Plans
0
0
Prepaid Plans
0
$160 - $720
Cancellation Fee
$150 - $395 (mixed fee types)
6 of 6
Service Areas
of 6 TDUs
6 of 6

Rate Curve Comparison

4Change Energy Direct EnergyBest available rate at each usage level
6c8c10c12c14c500 kWh1,000 kWh2,000 kWhMonthly Usage12.2c7.0c10.6c12.7c13.3c12.9c
Rate Curve Winner: 4Change Energy

Lowest average rate across all usage levels (9.9c/kWh vs 13.0c/kWh). Consistent pricing regardless of how much electricity you use.

Shows the best available all-in rate from each provider at 500, 1,000, and 2,000 kWh usage levels. The best plan may differ at each tier.

Best Plan Per Term Length

Term4Change Energy Best PlanRateFeeDirect Energy Best PlanRateFeeWinner
12 MonthMaxx Saver Value 12EFL7.0c$240 flatAutopay Texas 12EFL13.3c$150 flat4Change Energy
24 MonthMaxx Saver Value 24EFL8.2c$480 flatAutopay Texas 24EFL13.6c$295 flat4Change Energy
36 MonthMaxx Saver Value 36EFL8.6c$720 flatAutopay Texas 36EFL14.1c$395 flat4Change Energy

Plan Type Breakdown

4Change Energy

Fixed Rate61 plans (7.0c - 20.1c)
Variable Rate0 plans
Time-of-Use0 plans
Prepaid0 plans
100% Renewable0 plans

Direct Energy

Fixed Rate46 plans (13.3c - 18.9c)
Variable Rate0 plans
Time-of-Use0 plans
Prepaid0 plans
100% Renewable0 plans

Cancellation Fee Comparison

4Change Energy

Flat Fee Plans61 plans
Per-Month-Remaining Plans0 plans
Average Fee$351.48
No-Fee Plans0 plans (0%)
Fee Range$160 - $720

Direct Energy

Flat Fee Plans46 plans
Per-Month-Remaining Plans0 plans
Average Fee$232.39
No-Fee Plans0 plans (0%)
Fee Range$150 - $395 (mixed fee types)

Renewable Energy Deep Dive

4Change Energy

100% Renewable Plans0 plans (0%)
Partial / Non-Renewable61 plans
Avg Renewable RateN/A
Avg Overall Rate14.9c
Green PremiumN/A

Direct Energy

100% Renewable Plans0 plans (0%)
Partial / Non-Renewable46 plans
Avg Renewable RateN/A
Avg Overall Rate16.0c
Green PremiumN/A

Full Plan Tables

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Which Provider Fits You Better?

Looking for the Lowest Rate?

Better fit: 4Change Energy

4Change Energy has the lower advertised rate at 7.0c/kWh (1,000 kWh usage), compared to 13.3c/kWh.

Want a Long-Term Price Lock?

Better fit: 4Change Energy

4Change Energy has the better option for locking in a rate on a 24-month or longer contract.

These rates are based on 1,000 kWh average usage. Your actual savings depend on YOUR usage pattern.

WattTrim analyzes your real Smart Meter data to find the plan that saves you the most - across all providers, not just these two.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 4Change Energy cheaper than Direct Energy?

Based on current plan data, 4Change Energy has the lower advertised rate, offering plans starting at 7.0c/kWh compared to 13.3c/kWh from the other provider at 1,000 kWh of usage. Your actual cost depends on your usage pattern and the specific plan you choose.

Does 4Change Energy offer renewable energy plans compared to Direct Energy?

Neither 4Change Energy nor Direct Energy currently lists any 100% renewable plans in our tracked Texas service areas, though many standard plans include some percentage of renewable content.

What are the cancellation fees for 4Change Energy vs Direct Energy?

4Change Energy charges $160 - $720 on its tracked plans, while Direct Energy charges $150 - $395 (mixed fee types) on its tracked plans. Always review the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) for the exact fee structure before enrolling.

Which provider has more plan options in Texas, 4Change Energy or Direct Energy?

4Change Energy currently offers more plan options across the Texas TDU areas we track, with 61 plans compared to 46.

Can I switch from 4Change Energy to Direct Energy?

Yes. Texas is a deregulated electricity market, so you can switch retail electric providers at any time. If you are still under contract with your current provider, check for an early termination fee before switching. New service with either provider typically starts within 1 to 5 business days of enrollment.