Pros
TXU Energy is a well-known company and the electric utilities industry is pretty safe from recession (people will always need electricity), so I don't worry so much about losing my job. The benefits are decent-- better than a lot of companies. Also, the company makes an effort to help the community through fundraising and TXU Energy Aid.
Cons
Even though TXU Energy is a brand that is known throughout the state-- and is in fact a leader of the industry-- this company doesn't really "get it" when it comes to providing top notch customer service (I used to be a TXU customer, but not anymore) and it is most certainly clueless when it comes to managing and nurturing its own employee talent (at least not in my department). I have seen too many talented people leave this company because TXU was too slow or too unwilling to provide the opportunities that they needed and deserved. These people actively sought new positions, but they were made empty promises or just outright discouraged. Another example of how clueless this company is can be found when one considers TXU's approach to diversity. Every new hire is required to complete an online diversity training session, which takes about an hour to complete. It mainly deals with the usual topics of sensitivity and tolerance of cultures different from your own. However, after working here for more than a year and a half, I can safely say that the online training pretty much represents all of TXU's diversity initiatives. When I look at those in top level management, they all look the same. There are very few women and even fewer people of color. As it turns out, it appears that the sole purpose of this diversity training was to show the members of the IT department that it encourages diversity, as most of the employees in that department are from other countries. Also, there's basically no career track. As a result, people may be asked to take on new roles and responsibilites, but maintain the same title and quite often, the same pay. This is also the reason why the company often hires from the outside, rather than promoting within. Consequently, there is very little movement in my department--except out the door. Needless to say, I am beyond discouraged and am actively seeking a new job.
