Ambit Energy Review (2026): Can You Really Earn by Selling Electricity?

Ambit Energy in One Minute

Ambit Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas supplier founded in 2006 by Jere Thompson Jr. and Chris Chambless, headquartered in Dallas. It operates in deregulated markets such as Texas and several northeastern and midwestern states, and it sells largely through independent consultants who earn by signing up customers and recruiting other consultants. It is now part of Vistra.

How Consultants Get Paid

Consultants pay to enroll and usually a monthly fee for their website and tools (amounts reported vary; ask for the current figures). They earn when customers they sign up pay their energy bills, and from the customers of consultants they recruit. Income depends on keeping customers enrolled month after month.

Customer Referral Credits

Ambit has offered customers referral rewards, including credits toward free energy for signing up friends, which blurs the line between customer and recruiter. If you join as a consultant, much of your pitch will be to people you know. Ask how many of your upline's customers stay after their first contract ends, since retention drives residual pay.

The Customer Side

Ambit sells regular energy plans. Prices on variable plans can rise after a fixed term ends, which has been a source of complaints. Customers should compare rates on their state's official shopping site.

Past Fines and Complaints

Texas regulators fined Ambit a total of $57,500 between 2010 and 2012 over customer protection rules, and in 2015 New York regulators settled with Ambit for refunds of about $950,700 to 1,566 customers after rate complaints, as reported. Class actions were also filed in several states.

Ambit Founders and Ownership

Ambit was founded in 2006 in Texas by Jere Thompson Jr., from a Dallas business family, and Chris Chambless. It grew quickly through independent consultants and became one of the larger direct-selling energy brands. It is now part of Vistra, a large U.S. power company, and remains a member of the Direct Selling Association.

How Deregulated Energy Works

In deregulated states, your local utility still delivers power and handles outages, while retailers like Ambit sell the energy itself. Customers can switch retailers, so consultants compete on price with dozens of other suppliers listed on state comparison sites. That makes keeping customers, and the commissions tied to them, a constant effort.

Questions to Ask Before Joining

• What do I pay to start, and every month after?
• What did the median participant earn last year, after expenses?
• How much of my income would come from recruiting?
• Can I return unused inventory or cancel easily?

Alternatives to Consider

Before joining any MLM, read the FTC's guide to multi-level marketing. If you want a business where you keep control of products and pricing, an online business built with low-cost tools like Systeme.io costs less to test.

Is Ambit Energy a Pyramid Scheme?

No. It sells real energy plans as a licensed supplier. But consultant income depends heavily on recruiting and keeping customers in a competitive, price-driven market.

Pros and Cons

Who It Suits

People with large local networks in deregulated states who are comfortable selling energy plans.

Our #1 Recommendation for Making Money Online in 2026

If Ambit Energy isn't the right fit for you, here's what we suggest instead.

After comparing hundreds of programs over the years, we know what works and what doesn't. In fact, most of the business opportunities are either instant cash grab schemes or scams or they require experience. However, this beginner-friendly system stood out and is our #1 recommendation for 2026.

Other Reviews Readers Compare

• Primerica review.
• InteleTravel review.
• AmeriPlan review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Verdict on Ambit Energy

A real company with a tough opportunity. Compare energy rates yourself and get consultant costs in writing.