Energy Ogre: Frequently Asked Questions
Energy Ogre FAQ
All Questions
Does Energy Ogre service Co-Ops or Municipal Utilities?
Unfortunately, areas served by a Co-Op or Municipal Utility in Texas are not open for retail competition. Since we would not be able to select alternative providers for you, our service would not be beneficial to you.
How secure is my personal information with Energy Ogre?
Energy Ogre guarantees complete security of all the information provided to us. If you look at the address bar in your browser while you are signing up, there should be a green padlock icon. This icon confirms that the connection between your computer and Energy Ogre's servers is secure. It also means that every bit of information that you enter in your browser is first encrypted on your computer before it is sent to us, so even if it is intercepted by anyone it would be unreadable. We use these same security measures when enrolling you with retail electricity providers, which is the only time we will ever share your information.
Does Energy Ogre charge extra for multiple locations?
You can have as many locations as needed with Energy Ogre. The membership fee is applied per meter, and based on the total number, the fee for additional locations may be different.
To learn more about additional locations and the applicable fees, contact us at (832) 975-1000.
How does Energy Ogre’s referral program work?
Yes! Energy Ogre has a referral program that our members can use to inform friends & family about our service and earn points toward service credits or other rewards. You can click on the “Refer a Friend” tab in the member portal to find out how to share your individual referral code. Find out more about how the program works on our blog.
How do I get my referral code or link to refer someone to Energy Ogre?
You can access your code and forward your unique referral link from the Refer-a-Friend section of your Energy Ogre account.
- Log in to the mobile app or member portal
- Click on the “Invite Friends” button below the main menu options on the left-hand side
- Copy your Refer Code from the box on the right or click the buttons below to share it via email or social media
- View and redeem your rewards from the Ogre Points box
Will I be in a contract with Energy Ogre?
You are not in contract with Energy Ogre, but you will be enrolled in a contract with your retail electricity provider, as that is required to secure you the best rates and plans available.
Can you tell me what your rates are or can I get a quote?
Energy Ogre is not an electricity provider. We shop the market for our members, analyzing all of the available offers from hundreds of providers. Our proprietary technology systems find the best rates for our members based on their specific usage profile. We are not able to quote rates or suggest plans until we have fully analyzed a member’s usage. However, you can use the free savings calculator on our website any time to get an idea of what you could be saving.
What information and/or documents do I need to provide to Energy Ogre?
New members will need to provide the following information and documents to Energy Ogre:
- Full Legal Name & Contact Information
- Date of Birth & Social Security Number
- Credit Card Information
- Service Address
- Copy of your Most Recent Electricity Bill or Current Provider Account Login Credentials (if you already have a provider)
- Details of your New Home (if you are starting new service)
Why does Energy Ogre need my Social Security Number and Date of Birth?
Because electricity is typically paid for after the service has been provided, retail electricity providers are required to validate your identity and credit worthiness prior to starting service. To do this, they run a soft credit check, also known as a utility credit check, that requires your full legal name, social security number, and date of birth. Some providers also use this information to determine if they would require a security deposit.
Every time we submit an enrollment with a new provider, we will provide your information as required so they can run the utility credit check. This is the only circumstance in which we will share your information.
Should I sign up with Energy Ogre if I have solar panels?
If you have a small solar panel system at home:
Yes, you should sign up with Energy Ogre. We will enroll you in a normal (non-solar buyback) electricity plan. This is because enrolling in a solar buyback plan with insufficient panel generation will most likely cost you more money in the long run than enrolling in a normal electricity plan.
If you have a large solar panel system at home:
No, we recommend you do not sign up with Energy Ogre because you will need a solar buyback electricity plan to benefit from your system's high generation. Energy Ogre does not currently enroll our members in solar buyback electricity plans.
Energy Ogre is not opposed to or discouraging our members from using solar panels. We want to set realistic expectations for those considering our service. Since homeowners with a large solar panel system need a solar buyback plan to fully benefit from their panels, they may be better off not using Energy Ogre's services since we do not currently enroll our members in solar buyback plans.
I signed up for Energy Ogre, now what? How long will it take to be enrolled in a plan?
After you sign up and become a member, Energy Ogre begins managing your electricity plan right away and keeps you updated by email throughout the process. Once you provide your recent bill or service address, we analyze your usage and compare available Texas electricity plans to find the best option.
That said, setup timelines vary depending on your service type:
- Switching Homes: Typically takes 2–3 business days
- Moving to a New Home: Same-day setup available if submitted before 12:30 PM
- After Hours/Weekends: Processed the next business day
Will I have to tell my current electricity provider that I'm leaving?
No, you do not need to inform your current provider that you're leaving or moving from your home. Once you become an Energy Ogre member, we take care of starting your new service, which will automatically cancel service with your current provider. We will ensure the switch goes smoothly and actively manage your account on an ongoing basis.
What if I scheduled my power to be turned off with my electricity provider?
Contact Energy Ogre as soon as possible so we can proceed with your account accordingly and manage the situation to ensure you are not without power. If your power has already been turned off, contact us immediately at (832) 975-1000 between 8 AM - 5 PM Monday - Friday.
When does Energy Ogre charge the first month's membership fee?
Your initial membership payment is charged as soon as you sign up. You are then charged automatically on either a monthly or yearly basis, based on your subscription type.
Will I still get an electricity bill? Do I pay Energy Ogre or the provider directly?
Yes, you will still get an electricity bill from the provider that we enroll you with. You will pay them directly for your electricity usage.
Based on your selected preferences during the sign-up process, Energy Ogre will set either paper (manual payments) or electronic billing (automatic payments) with the provider, as requested.
Will I be required to pay a deposit to begin services with a new provider?
When an enrollment is processed with a retail electricity provider, they run a soft utility credit check to validate your identity and determine your creditworthiness. If they cannot determine utility payment history or good credit standing, they may require a deposit to begin services.
If a deposit is requested from a provider, Energy Ogre will contact you to discuss your available options and how to proceed. You should disregard any deposit communications from a provider and allow us to handle those on your behalf.
Will I have a contract with the electricity provider?
Yes, we enroll our members in stable electricity plans that require a contract ranging from 3 to 12 months. These plans offer the best rates and savings outcomes for our members. The specific duration of the contract we select depends on multiple factors like:
- Current rates being offered at each contract term length
- Expected rates available at the end of the contract term
- Your usage patterns and response to weather changes
- Predicted weather forecasts and details for your location
- Other critical market factors
Will Energy Ogre ever put me in a variable (month-to-month) rate?
No, Energy Ogre will never place members in a month-to-month plan as a general rule. We place members in fixed-rate contracts, usually ranging from 3 to 12 months.
However, the terms can vary depending on market conditions and available offers. In extreme conditions, with inflated rates and limited options, it may be more cost-effective to keep members in a monthly hold-over rate with their current provider for a brief period of time.
Can I cancel my contract with the electricity provider?
Yes, you can cancel your contract with a retail electricity provider at any time for any reason. You are just subject to the specific terms and conditions of the contract, which may include an early termination fee.
If I am in a contract, does Energy Ogre pay the early termination fee to get me out of the plan?
No, under no circumstances will Energy Ogre pay your early termination fees. If you are in a contract, we will send you an analysis comparing the plan that you are currently in with the lowest plan available for you. The analysis will let you know if it makes financial sense for you to pay the early termination fee to your current provider to switch to the new plan. The decision of whether or not to switch, as well as paying the fee, will be up to you.
What happens when the plan you selected for me comes to an end?
When your plan approaches the end date, Energy Ogre takes care of the entire renewal process so that you will never fall out of contract. We start searching for your next plan 30-45 days before your contract ends, so that we can select the right one and have you enrolled by the time it does.
If we need your help with something, like lifting a credit freeze or answering any questions regarding your account, we'll let you know. Otherwise, we'll have you automatically enrolled in a new contract without your having to lift a finger!
Would Energy Ogre switch me in the middle of the contract?
Yes, it is possible that Energy Ogre would switch you in the middle of a contract. We call this our "market monitoring" process, where we watch the market for you to see if a better plan becomes available.
Will my power go out when you switch me?
No, your power will continue to flow without any interruption. The switch between electricity providers is strictly a financial process; no physical changes are ever made to your electricity delivery system.
Who would I call if my power goes out?
The Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) is responsible for maintenance and service of the wires and poles that transmit electricity. If you experience an outage, you need to contact the TDSP responsible for your area to report and/or check the status of the outage.
How do I start electric service in a new home or an apartment in Texas?
Whether you are new to Texas or simply moving to a different residence, to start electric service, you must choose a retail electricity provider (REP), select a plan, and schedule your service start date. Energy Ogre can handle this entire process for you by finding the best available plan and managing enrollment. All you need to provide is your address, move-in date, and identification.
Can you set up electricity the same day in Texas?
Yes, same-day electricity setup is available in many parts of Texas, though timing and fees may vary. Energy Ogre can expedite the process by selecting the best available plan and handling setup for you. If you're new to the state, plans are typically based on an estimate until actual data becomes available.
What hidden fees should I watch for in Texas electricity plans?
Hidden fees in Texas electricity plans can include base charges, minimum usage fees, and pricing tiers that significantly affect your true cost per kilowatt-hour. These details are often buried in the Electricity Facts Label (EFL), which can make plans appear cheaper than they really are.
Energy Ogre identifies these costs upfront and selects plans based on your actual usage and not just advertised rates.
What is a tiered electricity plan?
A tiered plan charges different rates based on how much electricity you use and often changes in price when homeowners cross certain usage thresholds (e.g., 1,000 or 2,000 kWh). This can make a plan look cheaper upfront, but your actual rate may vary.
What are bill credits in electricity plans?
Bill credits are discounts that can "reduce" your electricity bill costs. These credits may only apply if your electricity use falls within a certain range, such as 1,000–2,000 kWh.
How do I cancel Energy Ogre? Is there a cancellation fee?
You may cancel your service with us at any time by logging into your online account and selecting Cancellation of Service in the Contact Us section. Alternatively, you can call us at (832) 975-1000 or email us at membercare@energyogre.com. Energy Ogre does not charge a cancellation fee. However, cancelling service with the retail electricity provider will be subject to the terms and conditions of your contract, which will likely include an early termination fee.