The Quick Answer
Best options for no-ETF flexibility:
- • Reliant Energy: 90-day satisfaction guarantee (longest)
- • Cirro Energy: 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- • TXU Energy: 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- • 4Change Energy: 60-day satisfaction guarantee
- • Just Energy: 60-day satisfaction guarantee
These guarantees let you cancel completely or switch plans without paying the typical $150-295 ETF.
What Is an Early Termination Fee?
An early termination fee (ETF) is a penalty you pay if you cancel your electricity contract before it ends. In Texas, ETFs typically range from $150 to $295 for residential plans. Some providers charge a flat fee; others charge per month remaining on your contract (e.g., $20/month remaining).
Typical ETF Structures
Flat Fee
$150-200 regardless of when you cancel
Example: TXU, Reliant
Per-Month Remaining
$10-20 × months left on contract
Example: Rhythm ($10-20/mo)
Good News: ETFs Are Often Waived
Texas law requires providers to waive ETFs when you move to a new address with proof (forwarding address, lease agreement). Plus, you can switch without penalty during the last 14 days of your contract. And many providers offer "satisfaction guarantees" that waive ETFs during the first 30-90 days.
Providers with Satisfaction Guarantees (No ETF Period)
These Texas electricity providers let you cancel or switch plans during an introductory period without paying early termination fees:
90 DaysBest for Maximum Flexibility
Reliant Energy
90-Day GuaranteeReliant's satisfaction guarantee is one of the most consumer-friendly in Texas. New residential customers can switch to any other Reliant plan or cancel service entirely within 90 days of enrollment - with no termination fees.
What's Covered:
- • Cancel contract completely - no ETF
- • Switch to different Reliant plan - no ETF
- • You only pay for electricity used
Cirro Energy
90-Day GuaranteeCirro Energy (part of NRG, same parent company as Reliant) offers a 90-day window for new customers to switch to a different Cirro plan without paying an early cancellation fee. Some Cirro plans also include a shorter 30-day full-cancel option.
What's Covered:
- • Switch to different Cirro plan - no ETF
- • Some plans allow full cancellation within 30 days
- • New customers only
60 DaysGood Balance of Flexibility
TXU Energy
60-Day GuaranteeTXU Energy's satisfaction guarantee allows new residential customers a 60-day window to reconsider their plan selection. You can switch to any other TXU plan or cancel service entirely - with no termination fees or penalties.
What's Covered:
- • Cancel contract completely - no ETF
- • Switch to any other TXU plan - no ETF
- • You remain responsible for billed/unbilled charges
4Change Energy
60-Day Guarantee4Change Energy offers a 60-day satisfaction guarantee for new customers on their first plan. If your plan isn't the right fit, they'll help you switch to a better-suited plan or let you cancel entirely without penalties.
What's Covered:
- • Cancel contract completely - no ETF
- • Switch to different 4Change plan - no ETF
- • First plan with 4Change only
- • Only pay for electricity used
Just Energy
60-Day GuaranteeJust Energy provides a 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee from your service start date. You can switch to any other Just Energy plan without paying termination fees during this window.
What's Covered:
- • Switch to different Just Energy plan - no ETF
- • 60 days from service start date
- • New residential customers
TriEagle Energy
60-Day GuaranteeTriEagle Energy includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee with many of their plans, along with perks like $50 bill credits and renewable energy options.
What's Covered:
- • Cancel or switch within 60 days
- • Check specific plan terms for details
- • Often includes signup bonuses
Express Energy
60-Day GuaranteeExpress Energy includes a 60-day guarantee on many plans. They're also known for usage credits and competitive rates in the DFW market.
What's Covered:
- • 60-day satisfaction window
- • Plan-specific - check EFL for details
Gexa Energy
60-Day "Happiness Guarantee"Gexa Energy's "Happiness Guarantee" provides 60 days for new residential customers to switch to a different Gexa plan without penalties. Note: This allows plan switching within Gexa, not necessarily full cancellation.
What's Covered:
- • Switch to different Gexa plan - no ETF
- • One-time offer for new residential customers
- • Full cancellation may still incur fees
30 DaysBasic Protection
Rhythm Energy
30-Day GuaranteeRhythm Energy's "Easy Energy Promise" gives you 30 days to try their service. If you're not satisfied, you can leave without paying the early termination penalty. After 30 days, their ETF is $10-20 per month remaining.
What's Covered:
- • Cancel within first 30 days - no ETF
- • After 30 days: $10-20/month remaining ETF
- • 30 days is barely enough to receive first bill
No GuaranteeProviders Without Satisfaction Periods
Some providers don't offer satisfaction guarantees. If you sign a fixed-rate contract with these providers, you'll pay the full ETF if you cancel early (unless you're moving).
- • Green Mountain Energy - No satisfaction guarantee period
- • Many smaller providers - Check EFL carefully
This isn't necessarily bad - these providers may have better rates. Just understand the terms.
Satisfaction Guarantee Comparison
| Provider | Days | Can Cancel? | Can Switch? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant | 90 | Yes | Yes | Best overall flexibility |
| Cirro | 90 | Varies | Yes | Some plans 30-day cancel |
| TXU | 60 | Yes | Yes | Major provider, trusted |
| 4Change | 60 | Yes | Yes | First plan only |
| Just Energy | 60 | Varies | Yes | Plan switch focused |
| Gexa | 60 | No | Yes | Switch only, no cancel |
| Rhythm | 30 | Yes | Yes | Short window |
Other Ways to Avoid Early Termination Fees
1. Moving to a New Address
Texas law requires all electricity providers to waive ETFs when you move to a different address. Just provide proof (forwarding address, lease agreement, closing documents) when you cancel.
2. Switch During Last 14 Days
You can switch providers without penalty during the last 14 days of your contract. Set a calendar reminder 3-4 weeks before your contract expires to shop for new rates.
3. ETF Reimbursement Programs
Some providers will pay your early termination fee if you switch to them:
- • Stream Energy: Up to $150 ETF reimbursement on plans 12+ months
- • Rhythm Energy: Up to $150 in loyalty points (bill credits) for your old provider's ETF
4. Choose Month-to-Month Plans
Variable rate month-to-month plans have no contract and no ETF. The tradeoff is higher rates (typically 2-4¢/kWh more) and exposure to market price swings.
Learn more about short-term electricity plans →When Does a Satisfaction Guarantee Matter?
Good Reasons to Prioritize It
- ✓First time in Texas: Not sure what rates to expect
- ✓Uncertain usage: New home, don't know your kWh patterns
- ✓Signed up quickly: Didn't have time to compare properly
- ✓Complex plans: Free nights, tiered usage, bill credits
When It Matters Less
- →Know your usage: Lived in same home for years
- →Simple fixed rate: Easy to understand, less risk
- →Planning to move: ETF waived anyway
- →Much better rate: Savings may outweigh guarantee value
Compare Plans with Satisfaction Guarantees
Enter your ZIP code to see current rates from providers with 30-90 day satisfaction guarantees. We show the total all-in cost and highlight which plans let you cancel without penalty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which Texas electricity providers have no early termination fee?
Several Texas providers offer satisfaction guarantees that waive ETF during initial periods: Reliant (90 days), Cirro Energy (90 days), TXU Energy (60 days), 4Change Energy (60 days), Just Energy (60 days), TriEagle Energy (60 days), and Rhythm Energy (30 days). These allow you to cancel or switch plans without penalty during the guarantee period.
What is a satisfaction guarantee in Texas electricity?
A satisfaction guarantee is a risk-free trial period (typically 30-90 days) offered by some Texas electricity providers. During this window, you can cancel your contract entirely or switch to a different plan from the same provider without paying an early termination fee. You only pay for the electricity you used.
Do I still have to pay for electricity used during the satisfaction guarantee period?
Yes. Satisfaction guarantees waive the early termination fee, not your electricity charges. If you cancel during the guarantee period, you still owe for all electricity consumed up to your cancellation date. The guarantee simply removes the contract penalty.
Can I switch providers if I'm moving?
Yes, and you don't need a satisfaction guarantee. Texas law requires all electricity providers to waive early termination fees when you move to a new address. Just provide proof of your move (forwarding address, lease, closing documents) when you cancel.
What's the difference between canceling and switching plans?
"Canceling" means ending your service entirely and choosing a different provider. "Switching plans" means staying with the same provider but moving to a different rate plan. Some satisfaction guarantees only allow switching (not canceling), so read the terms carefully.