Direct Energy Vs. Constellation: Best Energy Provider

Choosing an energy provider can be a daunting task. With so many options to pick from, how do you know which company is right for your home? Two of the biggest players in energy supply are Direct Energy and Constellation.

But what exactly do these companies offer, and how do they compare? This comprehensive guide breaks down the pros and cons of Direct Energy and Constellation to help you make an informed decision.

A Brief Comparison Table:

Feature	Direct Energy	Constellation
Contract Flexibility	Month-to-month plans available; low termination fees	Longer contracts from 3-36 months; higher termination fees
Renewable Energy Options	Limited green energy plans; partners with renewable producers in some markets	Wide range of renewable electricity plans; also offer renewable natural gas
Customer Service	Mixed reviews; can be slow to respond	Highly rated; quick response times
Availability	All 50 U.S. states; some Canadian provinces	49 U.S. states plus Washington D.C.
Online Account Management	Web and mobile app; decent features	User-friendly web and mobile app; more robust features
Rewards Programs	Limited incentives for new customers	Constellation Rewards program for loyal customers
Pricing	Competitive rates; varies by location	Competitive rates; varies by location
Brand Reputation	Positive reputation but not as long history	100+ year history; very trusted brand

Overview Of Direct Energy

Founded in 1986, Direct Energy is one of the largest retail energy providers in North America. The company provides electricity and natural gas to both residential and commercial customers across the United States and Canada.

Some key facts about Direct Energy:

• Serves over 4 million customers
• Offers electricity, natural gas, and home services
• Available in 50 U.S. states and 10 Canadian provinces
• Wide range of contract options including fixed-rate, variable rate, and month-to-month
• Online account management and mobile app for customers
• Variety of renewable energy options

Direct Energy is known for competitive pricing and flexible contract terms. Customers can choose terms ranging from 1 month to 5 years, depending on their needs and local energy market conditions.

The company also offers guaranteed fixed rates, which protect against unpredictable rate fluctuations.

Overview Of Constellation

Constellation Energy Group formed in 1995 through a merger between Baltimore Gas and Electric Company and Constellation Energy Corp. Today, Constellation is one of the top energy suppliers in the U.S. serving over 2 million residential and business customers.

Key facts about Constellation Energy:

• Merged with Exelon Corporation in 2012
• Operates in 49 U.S. states plus D.C.
• Supplies electricity, natural gas, solar power
• Various contract terms from 1 month to 3 years
• Online account management and mobile app
• Rewards program for loyal customers
• Green energy options like wind and solar

Like Direct Energy, Constellation offers fixed-rate, variable rate, and flexible no contract plans. Customers can tailor their contract terms and renewable energy mixes to suit their needs.

The company has a strong focus on customer service and community initiatives.

Direct Energy Vs. Constellation: Comparison Of Key Features

Now let’s take a deeper look at how Direct Energy and Constellation compare across some of the most important factors for energy customers:

• Pricing and Contract Flexibility

Both Direct Energy and Constellation offer competitive rates that can vary quite a bit depending on your location and market conditions. It’s important to compare rates and contract options side-by-side before choosing a provider.

One key difference is that Direct Energy has month-to-month plans with no termination fee if you want to switch providers. Constellation’s contracts tend to range from 3 months to 3 years. So Direct Energy offers a bit more contract flexibility.

• Renewable Energy Options

For eco-conscious customers, renewable energy options are key. Both Direct Energy and Constellation offer plans where you can choose 100% renewable electricity from solar, wind, or hydropower sources.

Constellation seems to have a greater variety of green energy products including renewable natural gas plans. Direct Energy’s renewable options are more limited but they do partner with renewable electricity producers in certain markets.

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• Customer Service and Satisfaction

Solid customer service can really set an energy provider apart. Direct Energy tends to have mixed reviews when it comes to customer satisfaction. Response times can be slow and representatives not always helpful.

Meanwhile, Constellation consistently earns praised for knowledgeable customer service staff and quick response times. They appear to invest more in customer support infrastructure.

• Availability in Different Markets

In terms of coverage area, Direct Energy has the edge. They provide service in all 50 U.S. states compared to Constellation which covers 49 states plus Washington D.C.

Direct Energy also operates in a number of Canadian provinces giving them a larger North American presence. Both companies have good availability but Direct Energy’s market reach is slightly wider.

• Online Account Management

Managing your energy account should be simple and convenient. Direct Energy and Constellation both offer online account management via web and mobile apps.

The experience is relatively similar across the two platforms. Key features include bill pay, tracking energy usage, updating account settings, and support resources. Constellation does seem to have a more user-friendly interface with more robust features.

• Rewards and Incentives

Some energy companies provide rewards programs and incentives to loyal customers. For instance, Constellation offers their Constellation Rewards program where members can earn points on energy purchases and redeem for gift cards or donations.

Direct Energy does not appear to have a comparable rewards program. However, they do occasionally offer new customer incentives like Visa gift cards for signing up. Overall, Constellation has better rewards for long-term customers.

• Trust and Reliability

At the end of the day, you want an energy provider you can trust to deliver reliable service. Direct Energy and Constellation are both large, reputable companies with generally positive reputations.

Constellation may have a slight edge in brand trust given their 100+ year history dating back to Baltimore Gas and Electric. But both companies have demonstrated reliability, strong financial backing, and longevity in the energy industry.

Also Read: Is Direct Energy Better Than ComEd?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Watch the video about Direct Energy!

The Verdict

So which company wins the battle between Direct Energy and Constellation? The truth is there is no single right choice – it depends on your specific needs and preferences as a customer.

Here are a few key questions to ask yourself when deciding between these two energy providers:

• What type of contract term do you want? Shorter or longer?
• Is access to renewable energy a priority?
• How important is customer service and rewards programs to you?
• Do you want to avoid early termination fees?
• Which company offers better rates in your area?

For the most flexibility, Direct Energy’s month-to-month plans and low termination fees make switching easy. And they serve more markets across North America.

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Constellation is a better choice if you want outstanding customer service, maximum renewable energy options, and rewards for loyal customers. But you’ll deal with longer contract lock-ins.

Whichever you choose, be sure to fully understand contract terms, rates, and incentives before signing up. And don’t hesitate to negotiate further discounts. With a bit of legwork, you’ll soon be on your way to energy saving.