Ambit Energy
Dallas-based Ambit Energy provides electricity and natural gas services in deregulated markets across the United States, primarily marketed through a direct sales channel of more than 250,000 independent consultants. Ambit Energy offers fixed, variable, and green energy plans, with special savings for customers who enroll and pay their bills online.
Our Take On Ambit Energy
We think that with the right plan Ambit Energy could be a good choice of supplier. However, given recent allegations of misleading information, we recommend that customers interested in Ambit Energy proceed with caution, and pay close attention to the end date of their fixed rate contract. Many customers have reported being charged much higher rates when automatically rolled onto a variable rate contract, typically with little to no warning.
Ambit Energy Electricity Offers
| Plan Type | Terms Available | Features | Early Cancellation Fee | Our Thoughts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed rate plans | 3, 6, 12, 24 months |
|
$100 - $199 |
Recommended: 12 or 24 month plans, in order to lock in long-term fixed rates with low early termination fees. |
| Variable rate | month-to-month |
The tarif shown will only be the first month's, and is subsequently subject to change based on the discretion of the provider.
|
None | Not Recommended: Not good if at the provider's discretion, because consumers could end up with rates far above the initial rate advertised. |
| Green Energy plans | fixed or variable |
100% wind energy |
$199 (fixed rate) None (variable rate) |
Recommended: The fixed rate plan is recommended. |
Explanation of Plan Options
Fixed vs Variable Rates Options
A fixed rate does not change over the whole period of the contract, meaning that for the length of the contract (3, 6, 12, or 24 months) the price you pay for electricity in ¢/kWh does not change. In general we recommend choosing fixed rate contracts of at least 12 months or more. As electricity prices per kilowatt-hour fluctuate throughout the year, and you may actually lose money by not being able to take advantage of prices when they are low. However, because electricity prices tend to increase over time, locking in fixed rates for longer periods may prove advantageous and deliver savings. You can find more information about fixed rates in our guide.
In general, we do not recommend variable rates, as most customers report negative experiences with them. With prices not guaranteed after the first month, variable rates tend to be highly unpredictable. Find out more about variable electricity prices in Texas.
Some customers have reported savings on fixed rate electricity plans from Ambit Energy. Fixed rate plans can often be a good deal if you are able to lock in a good rate at the right time of year.
Base Charges/Minimum Usage Fees
Base charges are flat charges that are charged every month regardless of the amount of power consumed. Minimum usage fees, a common feature in Texas electricity plans, kick in when customer consumption is below a certain minimum monthly threshold. Ambit Energy charges a $9.99 minimum usage fee for consumption under 1,000 kWh per month on many plans in Texas.
Green Energy Plans
Ambit offers 100% green energy plans, which come entirely from Texas-based wind energy. Ambit's standard plans include 10.7% renewable content, which is equal to the Texas state average of 10.7%.
Find Out MoreLearn more about the impact of green plans
Find out how renewable energy credits work
Customer Reviews of Ambit Energy
Based on our review of complaint history and online customer reviews, we rate Ambit Energy
.
Ambit Energy is a Better Business Bureau-accredited business, and has an A+ rating from the BBB (as of February 2016), based on the small number of complaints that have been made against it relative to its size. Some customers appreciate the referral program and their savings on fixed rate plans, but other customers have been dissatisfied with the responsiveness of the billing and customer service departments.
However, Ambit Energy has recently been under fire for its sales practices, and in 2015 was the focus of at least two class-action lawsuits alleging that the company's contracts are deliberately misleading. Many customers have reported not being notified before being automatically enrolled to a variable rate plan once their fixed rate plan ended, and faced quickly escalating rates.
Automatic RenewalsAmbit Energy will automatically enroll customers in a month-to-month variable plan at the end of a fixed price plan, unless customers decide to switch suppliers or choose another fixed rate. Watch out for attractive fixed rates on very short plans (3 months - 6 months), as the variable rate that you may be charged after may not be nearly as good of a deal.
For more information about the customer experience with Ambit Energy, please visit our Ambit Energy customer reviews.
Compare reviews with other suppliers.
About Ambit Energy
Founded in Dallas in 2006, Ambit Energy has expanded considerably and sells electricity and/or natural gas in 15 states in the US. The company operates on a direct selling model, meaning that customers can be hired as independent consultants for the company and sell contracts to new customers. The company is privately-owned, and was named “America’s Fastest-Growing Private Company” by Inc. magazine in 2010.
Ambit Energy Service Area
Ambit Energy offers energy solutions in the following states: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Contact Ambit Energy
Email: [email protected] (commercial solutions), or via an embedded form on their website to reach Customer Care.
Phone Number for Customer Service: (877) 282-6248 or (877) 28-AMBIT
Find detailed contact information for Ambit Energy in our dedicated Contact Ambit Energy page.
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