Austin Electricity Rates
Most of Austin uses Austin Energy (no provider choice), but some areas are deregulated.
Is Your Austin Address Deregulated?
Most of Austin is NOT deregulated. If you live within Austin city limits, you're likely served by Austin Energy, a municipal utility where you can't choose your provider.
However, some areas within the greater Austin metro (like parts of Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and Pflugerville) fall in the deregulated zone served by Oncor, where you CAN shop for rates.
Enter your ZIP code below to see if you have provider choice:
Check If You Can Choose Your Provider
These Austin-area ZIP codes have deregulated electricity (you can shop rates):
Not sure if your ZIP is deregulated? Enter it below and we'll let you know:
About Austin Energy (Municipal Utility)
Austin Energy is one of the largest municipally owned utilities in the United States, serving over 500,000 customers in Austin and some surrounding areas. If you're an Austin Energy customer, you cannot choose your electricity provider.
Austin Energy Fast Facts:
- →Average rate: 14.47¢/kWh (as of 2025)
- →Renewable energy: Over 40% of power from renewable sources
- →No provider choice: Can't shop for different rates
- →Rebates available: Energy-efficiency rebates for upgrades
While you can't choose a different provider, Austin Energy does offer various rate plans (time-of-use, solar buyback, etc.) that might save you money. Visit their website to explore your options.
Deregulated Areas Near Austin (Oncor Territory)
If you live in Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, or northwest Austin suburbs, you might be in Oncor's service territory, the deregulated zone where you can shop for electricity rates.
Benefits of Deregulation
- →Rates as low as 9-11¢/kWh vs Austin Energy's 14.47¢
- →Choose from 40+ competing providers
- →Fixed-rate plans lock in pricing for 12-36 months
- →100% renewable plans at competitive prices
Potential Savings Example
If you're in a deregulated area, switching from the average rate to a competitive rate could save hundreds annually.
Austin Shopping Tip
Austin's average usage is 1,146 kWh/month. When comparing plans in deregulated areas, check the rate at both 1,000 kWh and 2,000 kWh. Summer AC usage can push you closer to 1,500-2,000 kWh, and some "cheap" plans at 1,000 kWh get expensive at higher usage.
Austin Electricity Usage: What's Normal?
Austin summers are hot (100°F+ days), but the climate is drier than Houston. Still, AC dominates your summer bill. Here's typical usage:
| Home Type | Summer (Jun-Sep) | Winter (Dec-Feb) | Summer Bill (@ 14¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (500-1,000 sq ft) | 700-1,000 kWh | 500-800 kWh | $98-$140 |
| Small home (1,000-1,500 sq ft) | 1,000-1,400 kWh | 700-1,000 kWh | $140-$196 |
| Medium home (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | 1,300-1,800 kWh | 900-1,300 kWh | $182-$252 |
| Large home (2,500+ sq ft) | 1,800-2,500 kWh | 1,200-1,700 kWh | $252-$350 |
Austin's winters are very mild. Most homes use minimal heating, keeping winter bills 30-40% lower than summer.
Austin Electricity FAQs
Can I choose my electricity provider in Austin?
It depends on your exact address. Most of Austin proper is served by Austin Energy (municipal utility, no choice). But suburbs like Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and parts of Pflugerville are in the deregulated Oncor territory where you can shop for providers. Enter your ZIP code on our comparison tool to find out.
Is Austin Energy expensive compared to deregulated rates?
Austin Energy averages 14.47¢/kWh. In deregulated areas, competitive rates range from 9-13¢/kWh. So yes, if you're in a deregulated zone, you can usually find cheaper rates than Austin Energy offers. However, Austin Energy does provide good renewable energy percentage and local customer service.
What if I live in Austin Energy's area but want to switch?
Unfortunately, you can't switch to a different retail provider if Austin Energy serves your address. It's a municipal monopoly. Your only options are to choose different rate plans within Austin Energy (like time-of-use rates) or install solar panels with their solar rebate programs.
Check If You Can Shop Austin Rates
Enter your ZIP code to see if you're in a deregulated area with provider choice.
Check Your ZIP Code