ElectricRates

Austin Has a Municipal Utility

City of Austin residents: You are served by Austin Energy, a city-owned utility. Your rates are set by the City Council, so there's no provider choice available.

Travis County residents outside city limits: If you're served by Oncor(check your electric bill), you can shop for competitive rates. Enter your ZIP code below to check.

Austin Energy Website512-494-9400

Electricity in Austin, TX: Why You Can't Shop

Austin is served by Austin Energy, a regulated utility. It's owned by the city, not a competitive retail provider — which means there's no shopping around. Your rate is what the utility charges.

That's not always a bad thing. Muni rates are often more stable than the deregulated market's, and they don't carry the renewal-trap pricing that catches Houston and Dallas customers. But you also can't switch to a cheaper plan when your bill goes up — so it helps to understand what you're paying for.

Visit Austin Energy512-494-9400Looking for a different Texas city?

Quick Answer

You can't shop for electricity in Austin. Austin Energy is your only option — there's no retail competition here. Your rate is set by Rates set by Austin City Council. If you want to lower your bill, the practical levers are usage reduction (efficient appliances, time-of-use awareness, weatherization rebates), payment plans, and any income-qualified assistance Austin Energy offers.

Looking for shoppable Texas areas instead? See Oncor and CenterPoint cities.

Austin has nearly a million people now, though many old-timers still remember when Congress Avenue had tumbleweeds.

Austin is served by Austin Energy, a city-owned utility. This means electricity shopping works differently here than in deregulated parts of Texas.

How to check if you can shop for electricity

1

Check your electric bill

Look for your utility provider name. If it says Oncor, you can shop for rates. If it says Austin Energy, your rates are set by the city.

2

Enter your ZIP code above

We'll identify your utility automatically. If you're in an Oncor area, you'll see competitive rates from multiple providers.

3

Compare and switch (if eligible)

Oncor customers can enroll online in 2 minutes. Austin Energy customers should contact the city for rate information.

How to lower your Austin Energy bill

Take the rebates

Austin Energy offers rebates for efficient HVAC equipment, attic insulation, smart thermostats, and weatherization. These can knock $50–$1,000 off a project that lowers your bill for years.

Watch the peak hours

Many muni utilities use tiered or time-of-use pricing. Shifting laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging out of late-afternoon hours can move usage into a cheaper tier.

Ask about assistance

Income-qualified residents may qualify for bill assistance, payment plans, or weatherization help. Call Austin Energy directly — these programs are real but rarely advertised.

Rooftop solar

Austin Energy customers can install solar and receive credit for what they send back to the grid. The economics differ from deregulated areas, so get a proposal that uses Austin-specific rates.

Moving to Austin?

To start service, call Austin Energy directly — there's no online plan comparison because there's no plan to compare. You'll typically need your new address, move-in date, ID, and a Social Security number or deposit. Same-day or next-day connection is usually possible if you call before noon.

Call Austin Energy: 512-494-9400

Helpful resources for Austin residents

Texas

Austin Energy

Learn about Austin Energy service area and compare electricity plans for Austin.

View TDU details

All Texas TDUs

Browse all Texas TDU service areas and compare electricity rates across the state.

View all TDUs

Texas Electricity

Learn how Texas electricity choice works and how Austin residents can save money.

Learn more

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How do I compare electricity rates in Austin, Texas?

You don't — and that's the short answer most Austin residents don't get from search results. Austin is served by Austin Energy, a municipal utility, so the Texas deregulated retail market (the one most of the state uses under Senate Bill 7 and the Public Utility Commission of Texas) doesn't reach here. There's no Power to Choose comparison, no retail electric providers competing for your address, and no shopping around. Your rate is set by the city council or utility board. The practical move is to read your Austin Energy rate schedule directly and look for usage tiers, time-of-use options, or assistance programs the utility administers.

What's the cheapest electricity plan in Austin?

Austin Energy is the only option for Austin residents — there's no cheapest plan to pick because there's no plan competition. What you can control is usage: efficient HVAC and weatherization rebates from Austin Energy typically pay back faster here than in deregulated Texas, because rates are stable rather than promotional. Income-qualified customers can also ask Austin Energy about bill assistance and payment plans. If you're renting in Austin and your bill seems out of line, request the utility's rate schedule and check whether you're on the right tariff (residential, time-of-use, or all-electric) for how your home uses power.

How is Austin electricity different from a flat statewide rate?

Texas doesn't have a flat statewide rate. About 85% of the state runs on the ERCOT grid with deregulated retail competition under Senate Bill 7 — residents pick from 50+ PUCT-licensed providers. The other 15% (including Austin) sits in municipal or cooperative territory where the local utility, Austin Energy, sets the rate. That means your bill reflects Austin's generation mix, transmission costs, and operating expenses — not a competitive REP market. Rates here are typically more stable than ERCOT's deregulated market, but you can't shop your way to a lower price the way Houston, Dallas, or Fort Worth residents can.

ZIP Codes

Austin ZIP Codes

Austin has 9 ZIP codes served by 3 different utility providers. Click any ZIP code to compare electricity rates for that area.

Oncor Service Area

(7 ZIPs)
78701787177872778728787507875978761

AEP Texas North Service Area

(1 ZIP)
78718

AEP Texas Central Service Area

(1 ZIP)
78752

Looking for electricity rates in Austin? Enter your ZIP code above to compare plans from top electricity providers. All 9 Austin ZIP codes have access to competitive electricity rates through Texas's deregulated energy market.

About Texas electricity choice: Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002 — but Austin isn't part of that market. Most of the state's other large cities are.Learn how Texas electricity choice works and which cities can shop.

Need help choosing?