San Antonio Electricity Rates
San Antonio is served by CPS Energy, a municipal utility. You cannot choose your electricity provider.
ℹ️ San Antonio Is NOT Deregulated
Unlike Houston or Dallas, San Antonio does not have a deregulated electricity market. CPS Energy is the only provider. You cannot shop for different rates or choose another company.
CPS Energy is one of the largest municipally owned utilities in the United States, serving over 840,000 electric customers in San Antonio and surrounding Bexar County.
This page explains CPS Energy rates, how they compare to deregulated cities, and ways to save on your bill even without provider choice.
About CPS Energy
Fast Facts
- →Type: Municipally owned utility (city-owned)
- →Customers: 840,000+ electric, 350,000+ gas
- →Service area: San Antonio and Bexar County
- →Largest in U.S.: Largest gas & electric municipal utility
2025 Rates
- →Average rate: 12.5¢/kWh (12-month avg)
- →December 2025 projection: 13.2¢/kWh
- →Last rate increase: 4.25% (Feb 1, 2024)
- →Average bill: $139.56/month
Rate Components
Your CPS Energy bill includes several components beyond just the energy charge (similar to TDU delivery charges in deregulated areas):
- Base rate: Set by CPS Energy Board of Trustees and City Council
- Fuel adjustment: Changes monthly based on natural gas and fuel costs
- Regulatory charges: ERCOT fees and other regulatory costs
- Community benefit charge: Funds low-income assistance programs
How CPS Energy Rates Compare to Deregulated Cities
| City | Market Type | Average Rate | Provider Choice? |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio (CPS) | Municipal Utility | 12.5¢/kWh | ❌ No |
| Houston | Deregulated | 16.67¢/kWh (avg) | ✓ Yes (40+ providers) |
| Dallas | Deregulated | 16.13¢/kWh (avg) | ✓ Yes (40+ providers) |
| Austin (Austin Energy) | Municipal Utility | 14.47¢/kWh | ❌ No (most areas) |
✓ Good News for San Antonio
CPS Energy's rates are actually lower than the average rates in Houston and Dallas, even though those cities have competition. The 12-month average of 12.5¢/kWh is competitive compared to what many Houstonians pay (16.67¢ avg). You're not missing out on major savings by being in a municipal utility area.
San Antonio Electricity Usage: What's Normal?
San Antonio summers are hot and humid, similar to Houston. AC dominates your summer electricity bill. Here's typical usage and costs:
| Home Type | Summer (Jun-Sep) | Winter (Dec-Feb) | Summer Bill (@ 13¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment (500-1,000 sq ft) | 800-1,100 kWh | 600-900 kWh | $104-$143 |
| Small home (1,000-1,500 sq ft) | 1,100-1,500 kWh | 800-1,100 kWh | $143-$195 |
| Medium home (1,500-2,500 sq ft) | 1,400-1,900 kWh | 1,000-1,400 kWh | $182-$247 |
| Large home (2,500+ sq ft) | 1,900-2,800 kWh | 1,300-1,900 kWh | $247-$364 |
San Antonio winters are very mild. Most homes use gas heat (also from CPS Energy), keeping winter electric bills significantly lower than summer.
Ways to Save on Your CPS Energy Bill
You can't switch providers, but you still have options to lower your electricity costs:
Energy Efficiency Rebates
- →AC tune-up rebate: $30-$75 for professional AC maintenance
- →Thermostat rebate: Up to $85 for smart thermostat installation
- →Insulation rebate: Save on attic insulation upgrades
- →Appliance rebates: Energy-efficient fridge, washer, etc.
Visit CPS Energy's website or call 210-353-2222 to see current rebate programs.
Other Savings Strategies
- →Averaged billing: Level out monthly payments year-round
- →Thermostat settings: 78°F in summer saves 10-15% on cooling costs
- →Free energy audit: CPS offers home energy assessments
- →Solar programs: Net metering and solar rebates available
San Antonio Electricity FAQs
Why can't I choose my electricity provider in San Antonio?
San Antonio opted out of Texas electricity deregulation. CPS Energy is a municipally owned utility (owned by the City of San Antonio), and the city decided to keep it that way rather than open the market to competition. This gives them more local control but means residents can't shop for rates.
Are CPS Energy rates higher than deregulated cities?
Actually, no. CPS Energy's 12-month average of 12.5¢/kWh is lower than Houston's average (16.67¢) and Dallas's average (16.13¢). While the best plans in deregulated cities can be cheaper (9-11¢/kWh), the average person in San Antonio pays competitive rates without having to shop around.
Will San Antonio ever become deregulated?
Unlikely in the near future. CPS Energy provides reliable service at competitive rates, and there hasn't been significant political push to deregulate. The city benefits from revenue generated by CPS Energy, which funds municipal services. Most residents seem satisfied with the current setup.
How do I lower my CPS Energy bill if I can't switch providers?
Focus on energy efficiency: take advantage of CPS Energy's rebate programs for AC tune-ups, smart thermostats, and insulation. Set your thermostat to 78°F in summer. Request a free home energy audit. Consider averaged billing to spread costs evenly throughout the year. These strategies can save 15-25% on your annual electricity costs.
Moving to a Deregulated City?
If you're relocating from San Antonio to a deregulated area, you'll have the opportunity to shop for electricity providers. Here are guides for the most popular Texas cities:
Learn how electricity deregulation works before you move.
Looking for Deregulated Electricity?
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