Ambit Energy Review – An Energy Drainer Business Or Not?

 The multilevel marketing (MLM) scene in the USA loves a good energy opportunity, and Ambit Energy is probably the biggest name in the group.

If you’ve ever looked into signing up as a consultant for an electricity or natural gas company, you’ve probably heard of Ambit or met a rep pitching energy savings combined with a “business opportunity.”

There’s a lot of hype around these programs, but also plenty of skepticism. People want to know: Is Ambit Energy legit, or is it just another MLM scam dressed up as an energy provider?

Ambit Energy has been around since 2006 and sells real electricity and natural gas plans, something that already separates it from typical “nutritional supplement” MLMs.

I’m breaking down everything you need to know about their MLM model, how the products work, compensation, real income stats, and the risks.

By the end, you’ll know if Ambit Energy is worth your time and money, or if you’re better off skipping it. Let’s get into the details and explore what makes Ambit different, plus some insights that often don’t come up in the sales pitch.

What Is Ambit Energy?

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Ambit Energy is an energy services company that operates out of Dallas, Texas. It was founded in 2006 by Jere Thompson Jr. (from the 7-Eleven family) and Chris Chambless, a marketing veteran.

Their goal, according to the Ambit website, was “to be the finest and most-respected retail energy provider in America.”

Ambit focuses on providing competitive electricity and natural gas rates to residential and commercial customers, mainly in states where energy markets have been deregulated. That means instead of just one local utility, customers can pick their retail supplier, giving more control and sometimes better rates.

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
Operational Areas: Ambit operates in states with deregulated energy markets, including Texas, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and a few others.

Their presence changes as different state regulations mix things up, but you’ll only find Ambit where customers have energy choice built into the state law. For a full updated list, check Ambit’s official availability map.

Ambit presents itself as both an energy solutions provider and a business opportunity. The model centers on a network of independent “Consultants” who make money by enrolling new customers and building a team under them, a classic MLM setup. Energy deregulation in the US creates a window for businesses like Ambit, and the “word of mouth” approach fits right into MLM techniques.

The company’s mission is wrapped around providing value, entrepreneurial opportunity, and reliable service. As their tagline says, “The Finest and Most-Respected Retail Energy Provider in America.”

That’s the goal they’ve been pushing since day one. Because energy is essential, they have a stronger pitch than those pushing nonessential products.

Ambit Energy Products & Services

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Ambit Energy doesn’t sell gadgets, vitamins, or beauty supplies like other MLMs. Their core offering is energy, specifically, retail electricity and natural gas plans for residential and business customers.

This taps into the deregulated energy market, where consumers can track down the provider that fits their needs best. Let’s break down the main products in more detail and see how they compare to competitors.

Ambit Energy Electricity Plans

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Depending on your zip code and state, you’ll see a selection of Ambit Energy electricity plans. Some plans are fixed rate (lock in a certain price per kWh for a set time), while others are variable rate (price changes based on market conditions).

Some states offer special promotions, such as free nights and weekends, or green energy add-ons. Ambit’s plans are available to homeowners and renters, as long as they’re in a deregulated service area. These plans are pretty standard compared to what local utilities or other retail suppliers offer, but you may stumble upon exclusive bonuses if you enroll through a Consultant.

How do the prices compare?

Rates vary by state, plan, season, and sometimes even which Ambit rep you’re talking to. In some markets, their offers are competitive; in others, you might find cheaper deals from local suppliers. For accurate Ambit Energy electricity plan rates, check their official rates page for your zip code and compare options to get a sense of the full picture.

Ambit Energy Gas Rates

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Along with electricity, Ambit sells natural gas plans to customers in select states. The options are similar: fixed rate or variable rate, and sometimes flexible intro offers. Natural gas supply rates vary by region and fluctuate with market prices.

Your utility will still handle delivery, emergencies, and maintenance, while Ambit just covers the supply portion. This division is important—keep in mind you’re not ditching your utility, just choosing who supplies your energy.

How Customers Sign Up

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Most new Ambit customers sign up through a Consultant (their version of a direct sales rep).

Consultants get credit for each customer, which feeds into the MLM compensation system. You can also sign up directly on Ambit’s website, but there’s a heavy emphasis on personal referrals and growing consultant networks.

The process is straightforward: enter your zip code, see what plans are available, and pick the one that works. There’s usually no service interruption since you keep the same utility infrastructure. Some Consultants will walk you through the sign-up step-by-step, making it easy even for those not tech-savvy.

Referral and Loyalty Programs

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Ambit uses several customer perks to keep people engaged. One popular offer is their Free Energy program.

If a customer refers 15 or more people who enroll and pay their bills, Ambit credits that customer’s bill a dollar amount based on the average of all those referrals (up to the cost of their energy usage). There are also travel rewards programs, special discounts, and seasonal promos. The Free Energy program is a big driver, not just for Consultants but for any customer who loves sharing deals.

The main thing to remember is that Ambit sells essential services, not physical products. You’re still going to get your lights, heat, and gas from your regular wires and pipes.

What you’re paying for is who supplies the energy, what the rates are, and whether you want to support your friend or family member who’s signed on as a Consultant. Plus, because energy is something you use every day, the sales pitch is less about “do you need this product” and more about “who do you want using as your supplier.”

How the Ambit Energy MLM Business Model Works

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Ambit Energy uses a multilevel marketing system.

If you’ve ever seen a family member pitching essential oils, vitamins, or kitchen gadgets with a “team building” sales pitch, you’ll recognize the structure. Ambit’s big difference is that the product is actually utility services, something everyone already buys, so it feels more practical.

Consultants vs. Customers

The backbone of Ambit’s business is the Consultant: an independent person (not a company employee) who pays a startup cost to enroll as a Consultant.

Their job is to sign up new Ambit customers (for electricity or gas) and recruit other Consultants to build a downline, that’s MLM language for the people in your sales tree.

Each new customer you acquire (usually your friends and contacts) triggers a bonus. If you enroll Consultants, you also get a cut of the business and customers they bring in, sometimes several levels deep.

Startup Cost: As of 2025, it costs $75 to enroll as an Ambit Consultant.

This covers your back office, online business tools, and initial training. There aren’t recurring monthly Consultant fees, but you’ll want to look over the fine print since business operations can change. You’ll also want to factor in your own promotional expenses if you’re serious about growing your business, since things like social media ads, travel to meetings, and marketing materials can add up over time.

Customer Acquisition Process

Consultants reach out to potential customers, explain the Ambit energy deal, and encourage them to switch. Most Consultants start with their friends, neighbors, or family. Ambit tries to keep the sales pitch simple: save money, no interruption of service, and help out the Consultant at the same time.

Consultants sign up customers using a personal link, over the phone, or through in-person sign-ups. After that, the process is handled online. Consultants can also take advantage of Ambit’s referral networks and incentives to encourage switching. There’s a strong training culture, and many Consultants build their list of contacts through local networking events or community organizations.

Building a Team

Recruiting new Consultants is heavily encouraged.

This is where the “multilevel” part kicks in. Not only do you earn from energy customers you sign up directly, but also from the activities of your downline—anyone you sign up as a Consultant, plus anyone they recruit, down several levels deep. The more your team grows, the larger your potential for residual income, in theory. The bigger network you build, the more leverage you get from others’ efforts.

Ongoing Involvement

Consultants keep their business active by regularly recruiting and acquiring new customers.

There are minimum targets needed to qualify for certain bonuses and move up the rank system. Much of the emphasis is on team building, residual income, and using relationships to grow an energy sales business.

One thing to note: While you’re technically selling a real, regulated service, you’re also buying into an MLM approach, so your experience will depend a lot on how aggressive you are with recruiting and networking, not just selling to strangers on the street. Persistence and ongoing effort are key, as with most network-driven sales operations.

Ambit Energy Compensation Plan (Simple Breakdown)

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MLM compensation plans are famous for being complicated and impossible to understand. Ambit isn’t as wild as some, but there’s still plenty of fine print and moving parts. Here’s a breakdown of how Ambit Energy Consultants can earn money, plus some context on how much you might really make if you hustle:

1. Customer Acquisition Bonuses (CABs)

When you sign up a new energy customer, Ambit pays a one-time bonus. The amount varies depending on the market, the energy plan, and the number of customers you enroll within a set time frame.

As of 2025, the typical CAB for a residential customer is around $50 to $100, but it can be lower in some states. This upfront money is one of the main motivators for new Consultants trying to recoup their startup costs quickly.

2. Residual Income (Monthly Commissions)

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This is where the passive income angle comes in. Consultants can earn a small monthly commission (usually a few dollars per customer) as long as those customers keep using Ambit services and paying their bills.

You also get paid a piece of the recurring revenue generated by your team’s customers down multiple tiers. How much?

For most, it adds up to a few dollars per customer per month, split among everyone in the hierarchy. If you grow a large base, these monthly bits can start to add up and even cover your own energy usage if you’re also a customer.

3. Leadership and Team Bonuses

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Ambit rewards Consultants for building a team and moving up in rank.

As you advance, you get leadership bonuses whenever new Consultants on your team enroll customers or recruit others. Hitting promotional milestones like “Regional Consultant” or “Senior Consultant” unlocks further bonuses. Advancement through the ranks is where the very top earners build significant income, but competition at each rank can be tough—especially in mature or saturated markets.

4. Free Energy Credits and Incentives

If you’re an Ambit customer as well as a Consultant, you can earn bill credits through their Free Energy program by referring at least 15 paying customers.

costsThis isn’t direct cash but can offset your own household energy cost. Other perks vary by region and time, but these incentives are usually better for those who get into the business early or have a large social circle.

Example Earning Potential

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Here’s the reality check: The big money comes from building a large customer base and recruiting effective Consultants into your downline. According to FTC reports and Ambit’s own income disclosures (where available), the average Consultant makes very little actual profit.

Most people earn a few hundred dollars a year—some not even enough to cover their initial start-up cost. Only a very small percentage make serious “full-time” income.

For a detailed review of pay, check any published Ambit Energy income disclosure statement or refer to the FTC’s MLM guidance. Comparing these numbers to your current job or other side hustles may help you figure out if the time investment makes sense.

Is Ambit Energy Legit or a Scam?

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Here’s what I found digging into Ambit Energy and MLM energy companies in general:

They’re a Registered Retail Energy Provider

Ambit Energy holds legitimate retail energy supplier licenses in every state where they do business. They partner with local utilities for delivery, billing, and emergency services.

So, Ambit’s core product is completely legal and necessary, and not fake or questionable like many MLM health products. This gives Ambit a big advantage in the trust department. In every market they serve, the required regulatory filings are in place so customers can rest easy about the energy part of the business.

No Proven Scams, But Plenty of Risks

Ambit isn’t a scam in that sense.

The company actually delivers electricity and gas to tens of thousands of real customers. The main risk is on the business opportunity side: most Consultants won’t make good money, and the pressure to recruit sometimes leads to misleading or pushy sales tactics. It’s important for anyone considering Ambit to look over the real numbers and set realistic expectations.

MLM Structure Drawbacks

The primary controversy centers on how much money is flowing to the average person versus those at the top who benefit most from recruiting.

Some complaints have surfaced about misleading income claims and poor transparency, but there are no class-action scam judgments against Ambit. Unlike many “product-based” MLMs, the energy industry brings more external oversight, which helps keep blatant scams out.

FTC Guidance on MLM Energy Providers

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) doesn’t call Ambit or similar companies scams outright, but it flags the risks of multilevel marketing, especially in companies where the majority of revenue is from recruiting, not product sales. Energy is essential, though, and MLM energy companies are typically more “legit” than pyramid schemes that only move money around.

Still, FTC guidance is worth checking out before you join. Protect yourself by reading all documentation quietly before signing anything.

Ambit Energy Pros and Cons

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Here’s a straight-up list of the good and the bad, based on personal research, reviews, and Consultant feedback. We’ll add a bit more detail here to help you weigh the decision accurately.

Ambit Energy Pros

• Well-established since 2006 and still active in the deregulated energy space
• Real, regulated energy products (electricity, natural gas) with actual customers
• Simple startup—$75 to join as a Consultant
• Residual income potential if you build a sizable customer/team base
• Free Energy referral program can be appealing for customers
• No forced monthly inventory purchases
• No pressure to buy energy yourself if you live outside service areas
• Strong brand name in MLM energy, offers easier credibility when pitching new clients
• Regular incentives and promotions for motivated Consultants

Ambit Energy Cons

• Heavy recruitment focus for higher earnings
• Roughly 90%+ of Consultants make little to no income (per income disclosures)
• Energy rates not always the cheapest, sometimes higher than competitors
• Business only works in deregulated states, a limited market
• Some negative reviews on pushy sales tactics or vague savings claims
• Complicated compensation structure and advancement requirements
• Potential for team/relationship strain from constant prospecting
• Must build and manage a team to maximize earnings, which is not for everyone

Who Is Ambit Energy For?

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Ambit can be good for:

• People who live in deregulated states where Ambit operates
• Anyone with a strong sales/networking background
• Those looking for a low-barrier side business
• People who like the MLM structure and building a team over time
• Consultants who enjoy referral marketing and helping friends/family save
• Folks who are comfortable pitching to their personal network

Ambit isn’t great for:

• People outside deregulated service areas (no real business opportunity)
• Anyone uncomfortable with recruiting or networking
• People looking for fast, guaranteed profits
• Those wanting a traditional job or a stable full-time income
• Anyone looking for higher-value products or markets with bigger commissions
• Individuals are wary of potential relationship conflicts from business pitching

Final Verdict – Should You Join Ambit Energy?

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Ambit Energy is a real company selling a legal, practical product. The opportunity isn’t a straight-up scam, but it’s not a magic ticket to riches either.

Most Consultants earn a small side income, often less than what’s advertised at the big events or in promotional videos. Only a tiny fraction hit big checks, and those folks tend to be superstar recruiters or early movers in fertile new markets. If you don’t mind reaching out to your contacts and consistently building your list, you could see some modest returns. Results will vary based on your effort, team-building ability, and of course, the local market conditions.

If you love shaking hands, making calls, and have the right network, or you just want to refer a few friends and maybe get some of your energy bill covered, it’s possible to make Ambit work for you. However, expect real challenges along the way, and know that most who join leave without much to show for it.

For most newcomers, the combination of recruiting, market saturation, and modest basic commissions means you’re unlikely to quit your day job. If you don’t love selling or the idea of constantly building a downline, this probably won’t be a long term business fit. Take time to talk with current Consultants and ask them about their actual experience, not just the numbers on a slideshow.

Personally, I like business models that don’t rely on constant recruiting or limited-access markets. If you’re open to exploring other online business ideas, especially ones that give you more control and transparent commissions, my personal recommendation is Master Affiliate Profits

This program’s focus on affiliate marketing, real skills, and diverse niches, not just energy sales to your friends and family. Affiliate marketing lets you build passive income with less hassle around team management or recruiting.

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