Home>Head to Head>Chariot Energy vs SmartEnergy
Back to All ProvidersRates last checked: October 29, 2026
Chariot Energy
vs
SmartEnergy

Chariot Energy vs SmartEnergy: Texas Electricity Head-to-Head

Chariot Energy offers 156 plans starting at 6.0c/kWh while SmartEnergy has 20 plans from 9.5c/kWh across all 6 Texas TDU service areas. Here is how their rates, terms, renewable options, and fees compare.

Chariot Energy
SmartEnergy
156
Total Plans
20
6.0c
Lowest Rate
at 1,000 kWh
9.5c
14.5c
Average Rate
at 1,000 kWh
12.6c
13.4c
Rate Spread
max minus min
6.0c
8-36 mo
Term Range
3-24 mo
150 (96%)
100% Renewable
plan count
20 (100%)
30
Solar Buyback Plans
0
82
Time-of-Use Plans
0
0
Prepaid Plans
0
$15 - $150 (mixed fee types)
Cancellation Fee
$20 - $20 (mixed fee types)
6 of 6
Service Areas
of 6 TDUs
5 of 6

Rate Curve Comparison

Chariot Energy SmartEnergyBest available rate at each usage level
6c8c10c12c500 kWh1,000 kWh2,000 kWhMonthly Usage11.9c6.0c9.9c10.4c9.5c9.1c
Rate Curve Winner: Chariot Energy

Lowest average rate across all usage levels (9.3c/kWh vs 9.7c/kWh). Consistent pricing regardless of how much electricity you use.

Below 1,000 kWh, SmartEnergy tends to be cheaper. Above that, Chariot Energy has the edge.

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

TermChariot Energy Best PlanRateFeeSmartEnergy Best PlanRateFeeWinner
6 MonthN/AN/AN/ASmartGreen 3EFL9.5cNoneSmartEnergy
12 MonthGridPlus 12EFL6.0c$15/mo remainingSmartGreen 9 $200 Bill CreditEFL11.6c$20/mo remainingChariot Energy
24 MonthBright Nights 24EFL11.7c$15/mo remainingSmartGreen 24 $200 Bill CreditEFL12.9c$20/mo remainingChariot Energy
36 MonthBright Nights 36EFL12.0c$15/mo remainingN/AN/AN/AChariot Energy

Plan Type Breakdown

Chariot Energy

Fixed Rate150 plans (6.0c - 19.4c)
Variable Rate6 plans
Time-of-Use82 plans
Prepaid0 plans
100% Renewable150 plans (avg 14.3c)

SmartEnergy

Fixed Rate20 plans (9.5c - 15.5c)
Variable Rate0 plans
Time-of-Use0 plans
Prepaid0 plans
100% Renewable20 plans (avg 12.6c)

Cancellation Fee Comparison

Chariot Energy

Flat Fee Plans4 plans
Per-Month-Remaining Plans146 plans
Average Fee$17.92
No-Fee Plans6 plans (4%)
Fee Range$15 - $150 (mixed fee types)

SmartEnergy

Flat Fee Plans0 plans
Per-Month-Remaining Plans15 plans
Average Fee$20
No-Fee Plans5 plans (25%)
Fee Range$20 - $20 (mixed fee types)

Renewable Energy Deep Dive

Chariot Energy

100% Renewable Plans150 plans (96%)
Partial / Non-Renewable6 plans
Avg Renewable Rate14.3c
Avg Overall Rate14.5c
Green Premium-0.2c

SmartEnergy

100% Renewable Plans20 plans (100%)
Partial / Non-Renewable0 plans
Avg Renewable Rate12.6c
Avg Overall Rate12.6c
Green PremiumNone

Full Plan Tables

or

Chariot Energy (0 plans)

No plans available in this service area.

SmartEnergy (0 plans)

No plans available in this service area.

Which Provider Fits You Better?

Looking for the Lowest Rate?

Better fit: Chariot Energy

Chariot Energy has the lower advertised rate at 6.0c/kWh (1,000 kWh usage), compared to 9.5c/kWh.

Want a Long-Term Price Lock?

Better fit: Chariot Energy

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

Going Green?

Better fit: Chariot Energy

Chariot Energy offers more 100% renewable plans (150 vs 20).

Need Flexibility?

Better fit: Chariot Energy

Chariot Energy has more flexible cancellation terms, including short-term or lower-commitment plans.

WattTrim: see how every available electricity plan performs against your actual usage. Trim My Bill

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chariot Energy cheaper than SmartEnergy?

Based on current plan data, Chariot Energy has the lower advertised rate, offering plans starting at 6.0c/kWh compared to 9.5c/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 Chariot Energy offer renewable energy plans compared to SmartEnergy?

Chariot Energy offers 150 plans (96% of its lineup) at 100% renewable energy, while SmartEnergy offers 20 plans (100% of its lineup).

What are the cancellation fees for Chariot Energy vs SmartEnergy?

Chariot Energy charges $15 - $150 (mixed fee types) on its tracked plans, while SmartEnergy charges $20 - $20 (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, Chariot Energy or SmartEnergy?

Chariot Energy currently offers more plan options across the Texas TDU areas we track, with 156 plans compared to 20.

Can I switch from Chariot Energy to SmartEnergy?

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.