Green Mountain Energy Review 2026
Honest analysis of Green Mountain Energy plans, rates, and customer service. Serving 300,000+ Texas customers since 1997.
Compare Green Mountain Energy rates in your area
Quick Verdict
Best For:
- ✓Customers who want an established, trusted renewable brand
- ✓Those willing to pay slightly more for a proven track record
- ✓Environmentally focused customers who value company mission
- ✓People who want renewable energy from a financially stable provider
Not Ideal For:
- ✗Price-sensitive shoppers seeking the cheapest renewable option
- ✗Those concerned about corporate energy company ownership
- ✗Customers who want innovative plan structures or tech features
About Green Mountain Energy
Green Mountain Energy is the original green electricity provider in Texas, offering 100% renewable plans since before deregulation. Founded in 1997, they were selling clean energy when most Texans had never heard of retail electricity choice. They moved their headquarters to Austin in 2000 and were among the first REPs to enter the Texas market when it opened in 2002.
Now owned by NRG Energy (same parent company as Reliant), Green Mountain has maintained its environmental focus while gaining the resources of a major energy company. They serve over 300,000 customers and have been consistent in their mission: every plan is 100% renewable, period.
Company History
Green Mountain Energy was founded in 1997 in Vermont as an offshoot of Green Mountain Power, created specifically to sell renewable electricity in deregulating markets. They moved headquarters to Austin, Texas in 2000, recognizing that Texas would become the largest competitive electricity market in the country. When deregulation began in January 2002, Green Mountain was the first to offer renewable energy to Texas consumers. NRG Energy acquired Green Mountain in 2010, providing financial backing while allowing the brand to maintain its identity. They operate under PUCT certificate #10009.
Parent Company: NRG Energy | PUCT Certificate: #10009
Green Mountain Energy Pros and Cons
Strengths
- +Longest track record of any 100% renewable provider in Texas (since 2002)
- +Every plan is 100% renewable, no exceptions in 25+ years
- +Backed by NRG Energy financial resources
- +Strong environmental advocacy and community programs
- +Well-established customer service infrastructure
Weaknesses
- −Rates typically higher than newer renewable competitors
- −Corporate ownership (NRG) may concern some environmentalists
- −Fewer plan options than some competitors
- −Brand premium for the "original green" positioning
- −Customer service can be inconsistent
Current Green Mountain Energy Plans
Pollution Free e-Plus 12 Choice
- •100% renewable
- •$150 early termination fee
Pollution Free e-Plus 24 Choice
- •100% renewable
- •$295 early termination fee
Pollution Free e-Plus 36 Choice
- •100% renewable
- •$395 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.
Green Mountain Energy Rates by Area
Green Mountain 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 | 12.5-15.8¢/kWh |
| CenterPoint | Houston, Galveston, Beaumont | 12.8-16.1¢/kWh |
| AEP Texas | Corpus Christi, McAllen, Laredo | 13.1-16.4¢/kWh |
| TNMP | Lubbock, Midland, parts of Houston | 13.4-16.7¢/kWh |
Live rates from Texas electricity marketplace. Last updated: January 2026.
Green Mountain Energy Customer Service
Phone: 1-866-785-4668
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm CT
Customer Rating: 3.7/5
Common Complaints:
- • Higher rates than newer renewable competitors
- • Website and billing system feel dated
- • Renewal rate increases
Signup Requirements
Credit Check
Yes (soft pull)
Deposit
$100-$300 depending on credit
No-Deposit Options
Available
Green Mountain Energy FAQs
Is Green Mountain Energy really 100% renewable?
Yes. Green Mountain has offered only 100% renewable electricity since entering Texas in 2002. Every plan is backed by renewable energy certificates (RECs) from wind and solar sources, verified by Green-e certification. They've never offered a non-renewable plan.
Why are Green Mountain rates higher than other renewable providers?
Green Mountain positions itself as a premium brand with 25+ years of environmental commitment. Their rates reflect this positioning, established infrastructure, and ongoing environmental programs. Newer competitors like Octopus and Rhythm often undercut them on price.
Does NRG ownership affect Green Mountain's environmental mission?
NRG Energy owns both Green Mountain and Reliant (which sells fossil fuel plans). Some environmentalists see this as a contradiction. Green Mountain maintains that their operations and renewable sourcing remain independent, but customers should decide if the corporate structure matters to them.
What is Green-e certification?
Green-e is a third-party certification program that verifies renewable energy claims. It ensures that renewable energy certificates (RECs) are legitimately sourced and not double-counted. Green Mountain plans are Green-e certified, providing independent verification of their renewable claims.
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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See how Green Mountain Energy stacks up against 40+ other Texas electricity providers in your area.
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