In the increasingly competitive landscape of retail energy providers, Constellation Energy has made a name for itself by offering a range of electricity and natural gas plans to consumers in deregulated markets across the United States. For customers seeking alternatives beyond default utility suppliers, Comparison Junction dives into what makes Constellation a noteworthy option, its pricing, plan structure, customer experience, and the caveats you should watch out for.
Overview Of Constellation Energy
Constellation is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, functioning as a competitive energy supplier in states with deregulated electricity or natural gas markets. The company serves residential and business customers in multiple states, offering consumers an alternative to local utilities for energy supply. According to Comparison Junction’s supplier listings, Constellation serves roughly 2.5 million residential customers in 16 states and Washington, D.C. Because they operate in deregulated markets, they focus primarily on the generation/supply portion of your energy bill, while your local utility or transmission company handles delivery and infrastructure.
Rates & Pricing Structure
One of Constellation’s most attractive draws is its fixed‑rate plans. In many markets, you can lock in a rate for 12, 24, or sometimes even 36 months, insulating your electricity price from short‑term market swings. For example, on the Illinois energy ratings site, Constellation’s plans include a 6‑month plan at 9.5¢/kWh or a 12‑month plan at 9.9¢/kWh, as of late September 2025. Some plans also include a “green” option, where part or all of the supply is sourced from renewable energy sources, though these often carry a premium.
That said, there are a few trade‑offs:
- Many of Constellation’s plans impose an early termination or cancellation fee if you end your contract before it expires.
- At the end of a fixed term, your plan may default to a variable rate unless you actively renew or change contracts.
- In some states, variable or market‑based plans are available, but these come with more volatility and risk of higher bills.
Because delivery and transmission charges remain under the purview of the local utility, your bill remains split into “supply” (Constellation) plus “delivery” (utility) charges. It’s vital to compare the “price to compare” (or equivalent metric) from your local utility when assessing whether Constellation’s offer is worthwhile.
Plan Variety & Additional Features
Beyond simple fixed vs variable plans, Constellation often bundles in additional perks to attract customers:
- Green / Renewable Options – Some plans offer partial or full sourcing from renewable energy. These often carry a premium relative to standard supply plans.
- Rewards Programs – In certain markets, Constellation provides incentive offers, such as prepaid visa cards or bill credits, for signing up, making timely payments, or referring others.
- Custom Plans for Businesses – For larger or commercial customers, there may be tailored plans suited to high usage or specialized load profiles.
- Online Tools & Usage Reporting – Many customers appreciate how Constellation lets you monitor usage, receive alerts, and manage your account through their web portal.
These extras can make the offering more compelling, especially for consumers who value predictability, rewards, or cleaner energy sources.
What Customers Say: Reviews & Reputation
Feedback on Constellation is decidedly mixed, with both strong advocates and disappointed customers. On Trustpilot, Constellation holds around a 4.3/5 rating, with many users praising fair pricing and helpful customer service. Some long‑term customers say they’ve stuck with Constellation for years because they “don’t spike rates all the time.”
However, there are plenty of criticisms you should be aware of:
- Misleading Or Bait‑And‑Switch Pricing – Some customers report that the rate or terms they were initially quoted did not match what ended up in their contract.
- Difficulty Switching Or Downgrading – A few users say they attempted to change to a lower rate plan mid‑term but encountered roadblocks.
- Slow Customer Support / Billing Issues – Complaints about long hold times, unresponsiveness, or billing errors appear in forums and review sites.
- Aggressive Sales Practices – Some customers say Constellation representatives are pushy, or that contract terms (especially cancellation fees) weren’t fully disclosed.
- High Summer Bills & Rate Spikes – Especially in hot months, some users say that usage surges or peak pricing can lead to shocking bills.
How To Decide: Is Constellation Right For You?
Here’s a checklist to help you evaluate whether Constellation Energy is a good fit:
- Compare Your Utility’s Price To Compare – If Constellation’s supply rate provides meaningful savings relative to your current supplier (after including delivery/fees), it’s worth a closer look.
- Prefer Fixed‑Rate If You Want Stability – If you dislike surprises, a fixed contract term may give you peace of mind through price swings.
- Check Cancellation / Exit Fees Carefully – Make sure you’re comfortable with the consequences of early termination.
- Watch Contract Rollover Terms – Know whether your plan will auto‑renew into a variable rate or be renewed to another fixed term.
- Factor In Perks vs Cost Premium – Green energy, rewards, or account tools are nice, but only if you’re not paying too much extra.
- Read The Fine Print & Compare Actual Contracts – Don’t rely solely on sales reps’ promises, review the contract you get in writing before accepting.
Constellation Energy can be a solid alternate option for many households in deregulated states. Their fixed‑rate plans offer protection from short‑term market volatility, while perks like renewable options and reward programs sweeten the offer. That said, potential pitfalls, like early termination fees, misleading sales tactics, or customer support issues, mean that prospective customers should proceed cautiously.
If you’re considering switching, use Comparison Junction to compare Constellation’s offers side‑by‑side with other providers in your area. Use that “price to compare” as your anchor, read the contract closely, and only sign up if the projected savings justify the risk. With the right plan and the right rate, Constellation might prove to be a worthwhile choice, but be sure you’re not paying for surprises down the line.
