This article explains what changed (and what stayed the same) for Ambit customers, what choices energy consumers have now, and how your energy rates, contract terms, and perks may shift under TXU. We’ll compare Ambit Energy vs. TXU side-by-side, covering price per kilowatt-hour (kWh), contract lengths, promotional features, deposit and credit check policies, and potential extras like referral bonuses or free nights discounts.
Whether you were happy with Ambit’s setup or you’re simply looking for the most affordable plan now, this guide helps you understand your options. If neither Ambit nor TXU seems like the right fit anymore, you’ll also see when it makes sense to explore other Texas energy providers. Plain language, fair comparison, so you can decide which path works best for your home and wallet.
History of Ambit Energy: Origins and Rise
Ambit Energy began in 2006 when its co-founders set out to build a retail energy company that operated differently from traditional electric companies. Instead of relying on advertising, Ambit used a network of independent consultants and a multi-level marketing structure to sell its plans through direct sales. This approach helped the company grow quickly, especially in deregulated states where energy consumers could choose their provider.
Although Ambit started in Texas, it soon expanded into several major markets. The company offered electric service and natural gas services across New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Hampshire. Ambit positioned itself as a flexible option, offering a variety of energy plan types and electricity bill structures designed to adapt to customer preferences.
At its height, Ambit promoted itself as one of the fastest-growing energy companies in the country. Its referral-based model and consultant-driven marketing attracted thousands of customers looking for different plan options outside the traditional utility model.
Ambit’s rapid rise eventually led to its acquisition, which shifted the company away from its independent marketing structure and into the broader retail portfolio managed by TXU’s parent company.
Suggested visual: For example, a map showing the states where Ambit operated before the acquisition.
Acquisition by Vistra Corp and Rebrand to TXU Energy
In 2019, Ambit Energy was officially acquired by Vistra Corp, a major player in the Texas energy markets and the parent company of TXU Energy. The acquisition marked a strategic move for Vistra to expand its reach in the residential energy provider space by absorbing one of the country’s largest multi-level marketing retail energy companies.
Vistra Corp’s purchase of Ambit Energy was valued at $475 million and included Ambit’s operations, customer base, and consultant network. While Ambit Energy continued to operate under its own name for a period following the acquisition, the company’s customer accounts and services gradually transitioned to the TXU Energy brand, especially in Texas.
This consolidation streamlined operations under one of Texas’s oldest and most recognizable electricity brands. For energy consumers, the biggest changes involved how plans were marketed, how service was delivered, and what features were available, especially as Ambit’s variable-rate, consultant-driven model gave way to TXU’s more traditional fixed-rate plans and structured offerings.
While Ambit co-founders helped establish the company’s early culture, the transition to Vistra’s corporate model brought more standardization and integration. As of now, most Ambit customers are served directly through TXU Energy.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2006 | Ambit Energy founded in Dallas, Texas |
| 2008–2015 | Expanded to New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New Hampshire |
| 2019 | Acquired by Vistra Corp |
| 2020–2023 | Gradual integration with TXU Energy systems |
| 2023 | Ambit customers transitioned under TXU Energy branding |
What Changed (and What Didn’t) for Former Ambit Customers
When Ambit customers transitioned to TXU Energy, they experienced both updates and consistencies in how their electric service was delivered and managed. Below is a breakdown of what changed and what remained the same under the new brand and ownership.
What Changed
These are the most noticeable differences since the acquisition by TXU Energy:
- Branding and communications: All official materials, websites, and emails now reflect TXU Energy rather than Ambit Energy.
- Customer care and contact information: Support channels have largely transitioned to TXU’s standard customer care resources for assistance, plan changes, and billing questions.
- Billing system: The energy bill or electricity bill layout may look different, reflecting TXU’s systems and formats.
- Plan offerings: Many variable-rate plans that Ambit offered are now replaced or phased out in favor of TXU’s more traditional fixed-rate plans.
- Energy rate structures: Rates and fees may be different under TXU, depending on plan type and market conditions.
- Account management: Services like account updates, payments, and enrollment options are handled via TXU’s online portal, rather than the Ambit dashboard.
What Stayed the Same
Despite the rebrand, several key aspects of service remain unchanged:
- Access to service: Customers continue to receive electric service (and natural gas services where applicable) without interruption.
- Eligibility: All former Ambit customers are still eligible to enroll in TXU plans, including newer offerings.
- Retail delivery model: Like before, service is still delivered via the local utility (like Oncor, CenterPoint, or AEP) while the energy provider (TXU) manages the retail contract.
- Support for energy consumers: Ongoing access to customer care ensures that users can ask questions, update plans, or resolve issues quickly.
- Plan renewal options: Many former customers have the option to renew or change their energy plan at the end of their term.
This transition means energy consumers can expect a more standardized experience under TXU while still maintaining core access to reliable energy, service continuity, and competitive plan choices.
What This Means for Rates and Service Areas in Major Markets
The shift from Ambit Energy to TXU Energy brings several key changes, especially for customers in Texas (including Dallas and Houston), but also continuity in how power is delivered and billed.
| Plan type | Ambit-era pricing | TXU Energy (2025) pricing | Change for consumers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas (Oncor) | Variable rates often low, sometimes high | ~14.5¢–15.5¢/kWh on fixed plans | More predictable bills, and less risk of spikes |
| Houston (CenterPoint) | Mixed fixed and variable plans with seasonal swings | ~14.9¢–15.9¢/kWh on many fixed plans | Similar cost range with greater stability |
Note: Exact costs vary based on ZIP code, usage (kWh), and plan chosen.
How Rates and Service Have Changed (or Not)
When it comes to rates and services, it may be unclear what exactly is different, and what’s remaining as-is after the Ambit-to-TXU transition.
Some of the most notable changes include:
- Plans: Many of Ambit’s variable-rate plans have been replaced by TXU’s fixed-rate plans, offering steadier pricing.
- Payments: Billing is now handled by TXU under the more standard “local utility + retail provider” model.
- Perks: Ambit’s marketing promotions, such as referral bonuses, have largely ended (although TXU may offer its own bonuses for new customers).
Things that remain unchanged include:
- Delivery: Your electric service will continue through the same local utility to ensure consistent delivery and outage response.
- Choice: Former Ambit customers can continue to enroll in retail electricity plans and receive service from the company they choose.
- Service: Customer care, plan management, and other support remain available with TXU Energy’s service team.
What It Means for You
If you live in a major metropolitan area, this transition likely will lead to more stable rates and fewer surprises on your electricity bills. Though flashy perks are gone, fixed-rate energy plans under TXU give newer energy consumers a simpler, more predictable approach. For those living outside Texas, plan availability and pricing now depend heavily on local regulation and the retail provider serving your area.
Unsure if TXU Is Right? Utilities Now Can Help
Not every energy consumer will find TXU Energy to be the perfect fit, and that’s okay. Your ideal energy provider depends on your home’s size, usage habits, budget, and location. That’s where Utilities Now steps in.
As a neutral energy brokerage, Utilities Now helps consumers explore multiple energy companies across Texas and beyond. Whether you’re looking for lower energy rates, specific plan features, or more flexible contract terms, Utilities Now can guide you to the best option. We compare top electric companies and energy plans based on your energy bill history, kWh usage, and service area — not provider loyalty.
Our goal is to simplify your search, save you time, and help you avoid overpaying. Plus, our service is free. We’re here to help with everything from enrollment to customer care.
If TXU doesn’t align with your needs, Utilities Now can help you find the right fit.
Next Steps: How To Find the Best Energy Plan After Ambit
With Ambit Energy now operating under the TXU Energy brand, many energy consumers are adjusting to a new provider while wondering how it might affect their service, rates, and overall experience. Although the transition brings changes in branding and some plan structures, most of the core services remain consistent, including your electric service, your connection to the local utility, and your eligibility to enroll.
Whether you’re enrolled in a TXU energy plan or considering alternatives, it’s important to understand how your energy rate, billing format, and customer care have changed. For some customers, the move may offer greater predictability with fixed-rate plans, while others might miss certain Ambit-specific perks. Either way, knowing what’s changed and what hasn’t helps you make informed decisions going forward.
FAQs About What Happened to Ambit Energy
The section below answers common questions from former Ambit customers and energy consumers navigating this transition. Whether you’re wondering about your energy bill, how to enroll, or who to contact for customer care, these FAQs will help clarify your next steps.
Do I need to do anything as an Ambit customer to stay powered?
No major action is required. Your electric service continues under TXU Energy automatically, but it’s smart to update your contact information and check your account details to make sure everything looks correct. You don’t need to enroll again unless you want to change your energy plan.
Will my rates change under TXU Energy?
Possibly. If you had a variable-rate plan, your energy rate may adjust with market changes. Fixed-rate plans offer more stability. Review your current plan or contact TXU customer care to confirm your rate.
Can I still get natural gas and electricity service from TXU?
TXU Energy provides electric service in deregulated parts of Texas. If you had natural gas services through Ambit in another state, availability may vary by market. Check with your local utility or Utilities Now for updates.
Who can I contact for help or customer care?
All customer care is now handled by TXU Energy. Use their website or phone support for questions. Utilities Now can also help energy consumers compare plans and enroll in a better energy plan if needed.