Payless Power rates, plans, and reviews

Payless Power is an energy provider in Texas that promises “feliable, affordable power.” Its plans require no deposit or credit check, giving customers instant approval and ultimate control over their energy usage. Customers also have control over their payment schedule. 

By choosing to go with a prepaid energy company such as Payless Power, you’ll have a quick, streamlined experience. Additionally, Payless Power offers a user-friendly self-service portal, provides access to daily usage alerts, and boasts top-notch customer service.

Payless Power serves over 400 deregulated communities throughout Texas, giving customers access to great rates. It also offers a guarantee for customers that permits them to switch plans within 30 days of their service start date without an additional charge.

The Texas electricity market is deregulated. In the past, you would have a limited selection of electric providers and utilities to choose between. In some cases, consumers would be restricted to only one. However, after deregulation passed, it opened up the marketplace to more energy companies. 

Now, you can use the Choose Energy marketplace to find all the suppliers in your area. From there, you can compare electric rates in your area to find the best option from top providers like Payless Power. Simply enter your ZIP code to get started.

• SmarTricity Easy Choice – Prepaid Plan: This variable-rate plan is month-to-month, meaning there is not contract term and no early termination fee. Customers who choose this plan pay a daily charge of $2.67, which covers the first 17 kWh of daily usage. After that, there is an energy charge for daily usage greater than 17 kWh. Pricing between usage levels is relatively equal, so we recommend this plan to all customers who are looking for a prepaid option and don’t mind assuming the risk that comes with a variable-rate plan. Keep in mind that variable-rate products fluctuate with the market. You may end up paying a price per kWh that is higher or lower than what you initially signed up for.  
• SmarTricity Premier 12 – Prepaid Plan: This prepaid plan is similar to the one listed above except it has a fixed rate and a 12-month contract. Customers who choose this plan pay a daily charge of $2.67, which covers the first 17 kWh of daily usage. After that, there is an energy charge for daily usage greater than 17 kWh. There is a $60 early termination fee but prices are relatively equal at all usage levels. We recommend this prepaid plan for customers who don’t want to assume price risk of potential market fluctuations. 

Payless Power requires a minimum account balance (usually $75) and you will receive daily balance updates so you don’t run out of funds. Supplemental funds must be at least $20; any payments less than $20 will not be accepted. At the end of your contract or when you’re done paying for month-to-month service, Payless Power will refund any account balance of $5 or more. We recommend carefully reading the Terms of Service for prepaid plans so you have a good understanding of how they work.

Payless Power’s strength resides in its prepaid offerings. Payless Power offers no-deposit electricity plans. It is beneficial for residents who do not want to undergo a credit check or pay a service deposit. 

They also allow you to change plans within the first 30 days of service with no fees imposed. It is their flexibility and their satisfaction guarantee that sets them apart from others.

We’ve broken down our scoring model into three main categories:

• Customer service
• Online accessibility
• Business history

Using these criteria, Choose Energy assigns impartial reviews to top electricity providers in Texas. To learn more about electric provider reviews, see our full list here.

Customer service: 3/5

• P2C Complaint score: 1
• Satisfaction Guarantee: 5

In the customer service category, the P2C complaint score is taken from the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ most recent scorecard, which can be found here. Satisfaction guarantee was ranked on a yes or no basis.

Online accessibility: 3.3/5

• Online bill pay: 5
• Online chat: 0
• Access to usage alerts & trends: 5

For each of these measures, providers were assessed on a yes or no basis. Payless Power offers its customers online bill pay and access to usage alerts and trends, but does not currently provide an online chat feature.

Business history: 5/5

• Years in business: 5
• Better Business Bureau accreditation: 5

Payless Power has been in business for 15 years, earning it a five on the Choose Energy scorecard. Payless Power also has been Better Business Bureau accredited since 2013 and holds an A+ BBB rating. While the BBB is a paid accreditation, we have included it here as a measure of brand awareness in the eyes of the consumer.

To read more Texas energy provider reviews, see the full reviews guide.

(Ratings updated 09/08/2022)

They do offer a guarantee. If you sign up for services and do not like a plan, you have 30 days to switch it without incurring any fees. It gives you a risk-free way to try a new one.

Payless Power for residential customers

Payless Power Texas is ideal for some residential customers with its prepaid energy plans. Residential customers don’t have to put down a deposit or have a credit check to get their service, meaning that this plan is accessible to everyone! 

With daily usage reports, customers can be in control of their usage so that they don’t receive a surprise bill as you would with a regular energy plan. Get what you need when you need it, be on top of your usage so you can manage it, and understand where you’re at with balance alerts. It’s all easy to see on the self-service portal. Just load funds, recharge your account when necessary, and view your monthly statement to have a transparent view of your usage.

Payless Power for business customers

Payless Power also offers service for business customers. They give you the option to search commercial plans for your business in the Dallas Metroplex, by partnering with Utility Choice for business or commercial electricity. This helps ensure you’re getting the best prices out there. 

Other Payless Power initiatives

One of Payless Powers’ most unique features is its transparency and user-friendliness. Via text or email, you can track your electricity usage, and easily see the kilowatt hours consumed for the day, your remaining balance, your savings for the day, and the amount of days remaining in your cycle. 

The company also is helping customers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by offering resources to those who cannot afford to pay their bills.

The way that Payless Power helps their community is simply by offering low rates in Texas for a prepaid solution that allows customers to be in control of their electricity usage and spending. Payless Power reaches more than 400 communities throughout Texas which are deregulated. If you live in one of these deregulated communities, then you can get access to a more transparent energy plan.

When you sign up for electricity service, some providers might run your credit. If you encountered credit issues in the past, then you might have to put down a larger deposit to activate it. 

Since that can be a barrier to obtaining service, an alternative is a no-deposit plan through Payless Power. With these, you do not have to do a credit check, and you do not pay a deposit. Instead, you pay as you go for service. Once your balance runs low, you can set up email or text alerts to notify you to replenish your account. It gives you an easier way to manage your electricity account, especially if you move often or do not have the money to pay a large deposit for service.

Before your move, you can use Choose Energy to see if you can transfer your Payless Power service to your new address. Enter your new ZIP code and explore all the plans and rates available in your area. If you find a plan from Payless Power, sign up, and they will handle the rest. 

We also offer helpful resources to assist you every step of the way. Our guide on how switching electric providers works can help you better understand the process, while our energy buying guide sheds light on what to look for in a provider, the types of plans available, and much more. These resources and our marketplace make shopping for a new electric supplier informative and easy.

Payless Power does not offer an electric plan specifically for renters. However, since their plans are no-deposit options, you can pay as you go. To estimate how much your monthly bill might be, you can ask your landlord or other tenants what the average electric costs are monthly. Doing this allows you to budget how much you need to pay forward to maintain your service.

Choose Energy makes it convenient for you to shop for electricity plans in your area. To start:

• Enter your ZIP code to discover all the available providers and energy plans near you.
• You can read more about specifics under the plan details. With this, you learn more about early termination fees, renewable energy incentives, and more. 
• Once you find a plan you like, you can sign up in minutes. Upon completing the order, your provider handles the rest of the set-up process.

Payless Power offers fixed-rate electric plans. This means you pay the same rate for the term of service. You do not have to worry about spikes in electric prices relating to climate, market conditions, or other factors. And if you are on a no-deposit plan, it makes it easier for you to determine how much to pay each month.

• Oncor Electric Delivery: Dallas, Fort Worth, and Waco are among the cities in the service area.
• CenterPoint: Houston and Nacogdoches are among cities in this service region
• Texas-New Mexico Power: Angleton and Alvin are in the service area.
• AEP Texas Central:  Harlingen and McAllen are included in the region served by this utility.
• AEP Texas North: Abilene and San Angelo are cities in this service area.

If you are under contract and need to cancel early, you have to pay an early termination fee of $40. However, if you are moving, Payless Power waives the fee. 

To shop for electricity plans in your area, simply enter your ZIP code in the box above. You’ll be shown a list of plans and companies. These rates may vary depending on where you live in the state. This is primarily due to differences in the transmission charges by the various utility companies that serve the state.

Start shopping for the best electricity plan for you by entering your ZIP code in the box above.

Businesses in your area can also benefit from deregulation. Payless Power provides electricity to businesses through its partnership with Utility Choice. Visit our business energy page or call Choose Energy at 844-321-7462 to speak with one of our energy experts about building a customized energy plan for your business.

What is the best Payless Power plan?

Payless Power has two plans and both are prepaid, with no credit check and no deposit. One plan requires a minimum of $75 preloaded into your account, and the other only needs $49 to start. You can pick the one that works best with your budget.

What is the cheapest Payless Power plan?

The SmarTricity Premier 12 – Prepaid Plan is Payless Power’s cheapest plan. This prepaid plan does not require a credit check and currently has a 12- month fixed-rate of 14.7¢ per kWh (at 1000 kWh).

What makes Payless Power unique?

Customers like Payless Power because of its uncomplicated plan structure. Just add funds to start your account and enjoy 12 months of fixed-rate energy savings.

How does Payless Power compare to other electricity providers?

Payless Power earns high marks in customer service and online accessibility, including daily alerts on electricity usage. Compared to other providers, it’s easy to get started with a Payless Power’s plan since no deposit or credit check is needed.

Don’t forget to read your plan’s Electricity Facts Label before signing up. It contains important information including:

• Price per kilowatt-hour based on usage 
• % renewable energy sourcing   
• Early termination fees

Enjoy hassle-free supplier setup. Once your order has been confirmed, your new supplier will set up service with your utility, or transmission and distribution service provider (TDSP) – but don’t worry, there shouldn’t be any interruption to your power during the switch.

Understanding your electricity bill. Your local TDSP will still deliver your electricity and maintain electric infrastructure including meters and power lines. Your utility fees can be found as TDU or TDSP charges on your monthly bill. They are independent of your supplier rate.

There are many opportunities to lower your home’s energy bill. Every year, have an inspection done on your home’s HVAC unit. Doing this ensures it runs in peak operating condition, resulting in using less energy consumption. 

Moreover, you can use a smart thermostat to increase energy savings. On summer days, keep the indoor temperature warm when you are away from home. In turn, you can reduce your energy costs by as much as 10 percent. 

Our guide on how to reduce your electricity bill offers other helpful tips. Armed with this information, you can make practical changes that will not affect your day-to-day life much but can help you save.

• Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
• Bill pay: Log into your Payless Power account here or call 866-963-9353
• Customer service: Call 866-963-9353
• Outages: Contact your utility company or get information from Payless Power

Updated: 10/20/2021