Chariot Energy Review 2026
Honest analysis of Chariot Energy plans, rates, and customer service. Serving 50,000+ Texas customers since 2019.
Compare Chariot Energy rates in your area
Quick Verdict
Best For:
- ✓Customers who want solar-specific renewable energy
- ✓Night owls who can shift usage to free nighttime hours
- ✓Those who value award-winning customer service
- ✓EV owners who charge overnight
Not Ideal For:
- ✗Daytime-heavy electricity users (work from home, stay-at-home parents)
- ✗Those who want an established long-track-record provider
- ✗Customers concerned about the low PUCT rating
About Chariot Energy
Chariot Energy is a Houston-based provider that launched in 2019 with a focus on solar power. They brand themselves as "Powered by the Sun" and all their plans are 100% renewable. What sets them apart is their connection to 174 Power Global, which builds and operates large-scale solar farms across Texas.
Chariot offers standard fixed-rate plans plus "Bright Nights" plans that give you free electricity from 9pm to 7am. They've won industry awards for customer service and maintain an A+ BBB rating. They're backed by Hanwha Group, a Korean conglomerate with significant investments in solar manufacturing and energy.
Company History
Chariot Energy was founded in 2019 as an affiliate of 174 Power Global, a solar energy company owned by Hanwha Group. The name "174" refers to the 174 petawatts of solar energy that hits Earth every second. Rather than just buying renewable energy credits, Chariot's parent company actually builds and operates the solar farms that generate clean electricity in Texas. They've grown to serve over 50,000 customers and won the 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year award.
Parent Company: Hanwha Group | PUCT Certificate: #10280
Chariot Energy Pros and Cons
Strengths
- +100% solar-powered, backed by actual solar farm ownership
- +Bright Nights plans offer free electricity 9pm-7am
- +Won 2024 Retail Electricity Provider of the Year
- +A+ BBB rating with strong customer reviews
- +Backed by Hanwha Group resources and solar expertise
Weaknesses
- −Relatively new company (founded 2019)
- −Low PUCT rating (1/5) despite good BBB and Google reviews
- −Bright Nights plans have higher daytime rates
- −Fewer plan options than larger competitors
- −Less name recognition than established providers
Current Chariot Energy Plans
Bright Nights 4
- •100% renewable
- •$15 early termination fee
Bright Nights 18
- •100% renewable
- •$15 early termination fee
Bright Nights 12
- •100% renewable
- •$15 early termination fee
Bright Nights 24
- •100% renewable
- •$15 early termination fee
Bright Nights 36
- •100% renewable
- •$15 early termination fee
Rates shown at 1,000 kWh usage. These are the lowest rates available across Texas for each plan (typically Oncor/Dallas-Fort Worth area). Rates vary by TDSP (delivery) area.
Chariot Energy Rates by Area
Chariot Energy rates vary by TDSP (transmission and distribution provider) area because delivery charges differ by region.
| TDSP Area | Major Cities | Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Oncor | Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano | 11.8-15.2¢/kWh |
| CenterPoint | Houston, Galveston, Beaumont | 12.1-15.5¢/kWh |
| AEP Texas | Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo | 12.4-15.8¢/kWh |
| TNMP | Lubbock, Midland, parts of Houston | 12.7-16.1¢/kWh |
Live rates from Texas electricity marketplace. Last updated: January 2026.
Chariot Energy Customer Service
Phone: 1-833-242-7468
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm CT
Customer Rating: 4.0/5
Common Complaints:
- • Limited phone support hours
- • Bright Nights plans can be confusing
- • Daytime rates higher than expected
Signup Requirements
Credit Check
Yes (soft pull)
Deposit
$0-$200 depending on credit
No-Deposit Options
Available
Chariot Energy FAQs
Are Chariot Bright Nights plans really free at night?
Yes, electricity usage between 9pm and 7am has no energy charge. However, you still pay TDSP delivery charges during those hours (about 3-4¢/kWh), and daytime rates are higher than standard plans. The plan works best if you can shift 40%+ of usage to nighttime—laundry, dishwasher, EV charging, etc.
Why does Chariot have a low PUCT rating but good BBB and Google reviews?
This is a common confusion. PUCT complaint statistics measure complaints per 1,000 customers, which can look worse for smaller, growing companies. Chariot's low PUCT rating contrasts with their A+ BBB rating and 4.3/5 Google rating from 600+ reviews. Look at recent reviews to judge current service quality.
What makes Chariot different from other renewable providers?
Chariot is specifically solar-focused, not wind-and-solar mixed. Their parent company (174 Power Global) actually owns and operates solar farms in Texas rather than just purchasing renewable energy credits. If you specifically want to support Texas solar development, Chariot is a direct way to do that.
Does Chariot offer plans for EV owners?
Yes, their Bright Nights plans are particularly good for EV owners who can charge overnight when electricity is free. You'll pay TDSP delivery charges (about 3-4¢/kWh) but no energy cost, making overnight charging very affordable.
Data Sources: Company information from public filings and PUCT records. Rate data is live from the Texas electricity marketplace and updated regularly. Editorial opinions (pros/cons, recommendations) are based on industry analysis and customer feedback patterns. Always verify current rates and terms on the Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before signing up.
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