Cirro Energy vs Discount Power: ERCOT Rate and Service Comparison

Cirro Energy and Discount Power are both low-cost ERCOT electricity retailers competing for Texas customers. Both market themselves as budget options, but they differ significantly in rates, contract terms, customer service, and contract flexibility. Cirro Energy typically offers rates 9.8¢-11.2¢/kWh with standard early termination fees ($150-200). Discount Power often undercuts Cirro slightly at 9.2¢-10.8¢/kWh but with similar ETF penalties. For a typical Houston household (1,200 kWh/month), the difference between Cirro and Discount Power is $40-60/year—small but consistent. This guide directly compares these two providers across rates, contract terms, customer experience, and helps you decide which offers better value for your situation.

Company Backgrounds and Service Territories

Cirro Energy background: Founded 2009, Cirro Energy operates in ERCOT deregulated markets including Texas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio) and some other deregulated regions. Company serves ~100,000+ residential customers. Cirro markets "honest energy" positioning, emphasizing simple plans without confusing add-ons. The company does not sell premium services (green plans, budget billing, time-of-use) but focuses on straightforward fixed-rate plans. Cirro is private and largely unknown outside Texas/regional markets, with minimal advertising budget compared to Reliant or TXU.

Discount Power background: Also founded in early 2010s, Discount Power similarly operates in ERCOT deregulated Texas markets (Houston, Dallas metro areas primarily). Company serves ~50,000+ residential customers. Discount Power's positioning is even more aggressively "discount" than Cirro—emphasizing lowest-cost plans and no-frills service model. Like Cirro, Discount Power avoids premium add-ons and focuses on price leadership. Discount Power has minimal brand presence; nearly all customers are acquired through rate comparison websites (PowerToChoose.org) rather than direct marketing.

Geographic coverage comparison: Both Cirro and Discount Power serve similar Texas territories (Houston metro via Oncor/Centerpoint, Dallas via Oncor, Austin/San Antonio areas). Both are unavailable in regulated Texas areas (like much of East Texas, South Texas) and completely unavailable outside Texas. Service area overlap is ~95%, so most Texas customers can choose between them. Regional availability advantage: None—both available in same areas.

Rates and Cost Comparison (January 2025)

Cost differential analysis: Discount Power's 10.65¢ vs. Cirro's 11.45¢ all-in = 0.8¢/kWh savings for Discount Power. Over 12 months at 1,200 kWh/month: 0.8¢ × 14,400 kWh = $114 annual difference. Over 5 years (assuming similar rate maintenance): Discount Power customer saves $570 vs. Cirro. The savings are real but modest—Discount Power would need to significantly underperform (service disruption, contract disputes) for Cirro's slightly higher rate to be worth it. Both offer identical early termination fees ($150), so switching between them mid-contract costs the same.

Key Takeaway: Discount Power offers modest savings (6-8%) vs. Cirro Energy. Both are low-cost providers with similar service models (no-frills, no special plans). The choice between them should hinge on: (1) Current rates at your address (compare via PowerToChoose), (2) Customer service quality, (3) Rate update frequency (some retailers adjust rates quarterly vs. annually). If both offer similar rates, neither has significant advantage—choose based on customer reviews.

Customer Reviews and Service Quality

Cirro Energy customer feedback: Mix of positive and negative. Positive reviews (40-50%): Customers appreciate straightforward rates, no hidden fees, simple billing interface. Negative reviews (40-50%): Complaints include: (1) Customer service responsiveness (phone wait times 30+ minutes during peak periods). (2) Rate accuracy issues—some customers report bills higher than quoted rate (suggesting hidden deferred charges or errors). (3) Website functionality sometimes unreliable. (4) Limited payment options (no automatic bill pay integration in some cases). Average rating: 3.5/5 stars on independent review sites. (5) No rebates or loyalty programs. Example review: "Cirro's rates are decent but customer service is terrible. Spent 40 minutes on hold to change payment method."

Discount Power customer feedback: Slightly higher satisfaction than Cirro. Positive reviews (50-60%): Customers praise lowest rates in market, straightforward billing, responsive customer service (faster than Cirro). Negative reviews (30-40%): Issues include: (1) Same deferred charge/hidden fee concerns as Cirro. (2) Limited payment options. (3) No special plans or features. (4) Occasional billing errors. Average rating: 3.7/5 stars. Example review: "Discount Power rates are genuine lowest-cost option I found. Service is basic but adequate, and they answered phone within 15 minutes."

Head-to-head service quality assessment: Discount Power slightly ahead on customer service responsiveness and rate transparency. Cirro competitive on rates but lags on customer service. For price-conscious customers who rarely need support, both are acceptable. For customers prioritizing service alongside price, Discount Power marginally preferable. Neither company offers premium service; if customer service quality is priority, consider Reliant/Direct Energy despite 1-2¢/kWh rate premium.

Contract Terms, Flexibility, and Early Exit Costs

Contract structure: Both Cirro and Discount Power offer only 12-month fixed-rate contracts. No 24-month, 36-month, or variable-rate options. This simplifies decisions (choose rate, lock 12 months, done) but eliminates flexibility for customers wanting longer certainty or variable-rate exposure. Both $150 early termination fees. If you exit contract after 6 months, you pay $150 to switch. Cost-benefit analysis: If you find a 0.5¢/kWh better rate midway through contract, savings over remaining 6 months = 0.5¢ × 7,200 kWh = $36. Minus $150 ETF = -$114 net loss. You'd need to find a rate improvement >1.5¢/kWh for mid-contract switching to be worthwhile.

Rate adjustment frequency: Both companies can adjust rates quarterly (every 3 months) per contract terms. If wholesale costs shift dramatically mid-contract, both reserve right to increase rates when current contract renews or if rider adjustments apply. This is standard ERCOT practice, but important to note—neither guarantees rate stability beyond the stated contract period.

Real Cost Scenarios: When to Choose Each

Scenario A: Budget-conscious Houston household, 1,200 kWh/month Choice: Discount Power at $1,548/year. Cirro would cost $1,662/year (+$114). 5-year cost Discount Power: $7,740. 5-year cost Cirro: $8,310. If customer switches providers annually (re-shops every 12 months), difference compounds—each year another $114 saved by choosing Discount Power. Recommendation: Discount Power provides genuine lowest-cost option.

Scenario B: Dallas customer, concerned about service quality, 900 kWh/month Choice: Discount Power at 10.65¢ all-in = 900 × 12 × $0.1065 = $1,151/year. Customer reviews suggest Discount Power's customer service is marginally better. Combined with lower rates, Discount Power preferred. Recommendation: Discount Power (rate + service advantage).

Scenario C: Austin customer, needs flexibility, willing to pay for early exit Both Cirro and Discount Power charge $150 ETF, so no advantage either direction. Choose based on current rates at your address (likely Discount Power), or if rates are tied, Discount Power wins on service quality. Recommendation: Discount Power or check if Gexa (zero ETF) offers competitive rates in your area.

Comparison to Market Alternatives

Within low-cost ERCOT provider space, Discount Power and Cirro rank 2nd and 3rd lowest. Only provider consistently cheaper: Lumo Energy (sometimes 0.3-0.5¢/kWh lower), but Lumo's customer service reputation is worse than both. Beyond low-cost space, Gexa Energy (10.95¢ + $0 ETF) is competitive alternative—slightly higher rate than Discount Power but zero early exit penalty makes it arguably better value. Reliant/TXU premium brands 2-3¢/kWh higher than both, with no service quality advantage justifying premium. Recommendation: If choosing between Discount Power/Cirro vs. broader market, Discount Power is solid choice; if willing to explore alternatives, Gexa's flexibility advantage worth considering.

Next Steps: How to Choose Between Them

Step 1: Compare current rates via PowerToChoose.org. Enter your zip code and monthly consumption. See which provider (Cirro vs. Discount Power) appears first (both should be in top results). Note all-in rates for each.

Step 2: If Discount Power is same or cheaper rate, choose Discount Power. Superior customer service + lower cost = clear winner.

Step 3: If Cirro is mysteriously cheaper than Discount Power (rare), check for hidden fees. Call Cirro customer service: "Does this quoted rate include all charges, or are there deferred recovery/rider fees added to my bill?" If all charges included, Cirro acceptable choice. If hidden fees admitted, choose Discount Power despite slightly higher quoted rate.

Step 4: Before enrolling either, check if other low-cost providers (Gexa, Lumo) offer better rates or features. If Gexa is same rate as Discount Power but with $0 ETF, Gexa is better value (flexibility). Only choose Cirro/Discount Power if they're clearly cheapest option available at your address.

Related articles: Cheapest Rates in Dallas, How to Compare Electricity Rates, Gexa Energy Review