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Constellation vs. Direct Energy: Which One Is Right for You?

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If you live in a state with a competitive energy market, you can shop among providers for the one that best meets your energy needs. When you have the ability to choose who supplies your energy, you may be able to lower your energy costs, find the exact plan that fits your usage patterns and your values, get the best terms and enjoy better customer service.

Taking the time to compare your options is the best way to make the choice that suits your needs. To help you evaluate those options, we have gathered information on two providers, Constellation and Direct Energy.

Constellation vs. Direct Energy: The Basics

What is the difference between Constellation and Direct Energy?

Is there a cancellation fee—and if so, what is it?

Regulators allow energy providers to minimize the disruption that unlimited switching could cause by allowing them to charge a cancellation fee or early termination fee (ETF). If you end your contract before its term, the provider can charge this fee.

Does Direct Energy have a cancellation fee? Direct Energy may charge you an early termination fee, depending on the terms of your plan and the regulations of your state.

Constellation cancellation fees also depend on your contract and state regulations.

In both cases, if you move service to a new address in the service area of your provider, you will not have to pay the fee.

Is electricity offered?

Both Direct Energy and Constellation offer electricity service. They also both give you a wide choice of plans and terms.

Is natural gas offered?

Direct Energy and Constellation offer natural gas in some states, but not in all service areas.


Is a deposit required?

Service providers may require a deposit depending on your credit score or if you have no credit history. State regulations waive a deposit under certain circumstances.

Comparing Constellation vs. Direct Energy Plans

Constellation energy plans include:

  • Fixed-rate electricity plans. These give you certainty and predictability with a locked-in price for the duration of your contract period. Variable-rate or month-to-month electricity plans are currently only available in Texas.
  • Natural gas plans. Constellation serves customers in 13 states with fixed-rate natural gas plans that lock in a rate that fits your budget.
  • EV plans. Residents in select Texas cities and Maryland can take advantage of our EV home charger installation services, which cover the whole process of installing a home charger, and can then sign up for an EV energy plan.
  • A/C Bundle plans. Constellation customers in select Texas cities can bundle their electricity supply rate with an A/C protection plan. Choose from plans that provide HVAC protection to options that provide coverage for other systems in your home like furnace and in-home electrical.
  • Nuclear-Powered Clean Energy plans. Currently available in Washington, D.C., Constellation customers can sign up for a reliable electricity plan that powers their home with clean, carbon-free energy.

Direct Energy service plans include:

  • Fixed- and variable-rate plans. Fixed-rate plans lock you into a price per kWh anywhere from a few months to several years (in some markets). Variable-rate plans charge the current rate, month to month.
  • Natural gas plans. The company serves natural gas customers in certain states.
  • Renewable energy plans. You can choose wind-generated or solar power-generated electricity with 100% renewable energy plans in some of the states.
  • EV home charging plans. If you want to charge your EV, this plan charges a higher rate during the day but offers free power during the nighttime hours.

Constellation vs. Direct Energy Service Areas

Direct Energy service areas include 13 states plus the District of Columbia:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas
  • Washington, D.C.

Constellation serves 15 states and the District of Columbia:

  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Nebraska
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Pennsylvania
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wyoming
  • Washington, D.C.

Constellation vs. Direct Energy Home Services

Constellation and Direct Energy both offer home services in select states. The services vary by state but can include everything from maintaining your HVAC system to caring for plumbing and water heaters.

Home protection plans typically offer 24/7 service assistance with unlimited calls by a certified technician. You don’t have to worry about co-pays or deductibles and pay nothing for covered parts and labor (often with an annual cap). In select areas, Constellation lets you bundle these services with your energy plan rate  rate, while Direct Energy offers à la carte plan options.Your systems will run dependably and efficiently—and that can help keep your power bills lower.

Constellation offers home services in four states. In Maryland, we offer services around heating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and appliance service, along with window, door and siding upgrades. We offer HVAC, water heater and electrical system repair coverage in Atlanta, GA. In Dallas, Houston and Lubbock, TX, we offer an HVAC protection plan along with furnace, water heater, in-home electrical coverage. We also offer EV charger home installation in Dallas, Houston and Maryland.

Direct Energy whole home protection is offered in Texas, with plans that protect your HVAC, electrical home wiring and systems, home security and plumbing.

Constellation Testimonials and Reviews
 

Trustpilot

Company Comparison: Constellation vs. Direct Energy

Company comparison of Constellation and Direct Energy.

Constellation vs. Direct Energy FAQs

Is it worth it to switch to Constellation?

We provide a hassle-free experience when you switch from Direct Energy to Constellation, with no service interruptions. The simple sign-up process takes just a few minutes. You will get timely and personal customer service. You can also enjoy benefits like up to $600 in bill credits* and a generous rewards program.

How much is the early termination fee for Constellation?

Some plans, but not all, do have an early termination fee. Fixed-term contracts, for example, typically have a cancellation fee if you end the contract earlier than you agreed. Month-to-month plans typically do not have such fees. Be sure to ask your customer care representative about what fees apply and read through your contract to know what you are agreeing to before you sign up.

How can I sign up for service with Constellation?

We have made signing up for service with Constellation as easy as possible. You can search the site for plans and service bundles that are available in your ZIP code. Review the terms and conditions and then conveniently sign up for your plan of choice online. If you have questions or want to talk through options with a customer care representative, we are available and eager to help.

What sets Constellation apart from other electricity companies in Texas?

We offer competitive prices, excellent customer service and offer HVAC protection bundled with your electricity in Houston, Dallas and Lubbock, to help you manage your budget. Constellation also offers weekly or bi-weekly usage and estimated billing emails, a free rewards program for all customers, a Refer a Friend program that gives you and your friend or family member who signs up with Constellation each a $50 gift card.

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© 2025 Constellation. The offerings described herein are those of either Constellation NewEnergy, Inc., Constellation NewEnergy-Gas Division, LLC, Constellation Connect, LLC or Constellation Home Products & Services, LLC (d/b/a Constellation Home in Maryland and d/b/a Constellation in Georgia, Pennsylvania and Texas), each affiliates of each other. The prices of Constellation are not regulated by any state Public Utility Commission. You do not have to buy Constellation electricity, natural gas or any other products to receive the same quality regulated service from your local utility. Brand names and product names are trademarks or service marks of their respective holders. All rights reserved. 

Electricity or Gas Supplier License/Order #s and Home Services #s: CA 1359, CTA0032; CT 06-07-11, 01-06; DE 00-162; DC GA06-2, EA01-5; GA GM-46; IL 16-0205, 17-0330; IA G-0010; ME 2000-989; MD IR-655, IR-311, IR-500; MA GS-030, CS-015; MI U-14867, U-13660; NE NG-0043; NH DM 17-024; NJ GSL-0101, ESL-0016; OH 09-153G, 00-003E; PA A-125095, A-110036; OR ES4, RI 2379(Z1), D-96-6(E); TX 10014, B07305101; VA G-26, G-51, E-11A; TX Licenses HVAC TACLA 00107498R, Electrical TECL 343159, Service Plan TSCP #684, Plumbing #43217; GA REG CN-211051