Austin Energy customers
Most customers inside the Austin Energy service territory receive municipal electric service rather than choosing a retail provider.
See Austin Energy rates →Austin Electricity Providers
Compare Austin Energy rates and competitive electricity plans available in the broader Austin area. Your exact address determines whether you receive service from Austin Energy or can choose among competing retail electricity providers.
Austin Energy
Competitive Austin-area plans
Fixed-rate options
Renewable energy
Compare Austin Electricity Rates →
Find electricity options
Enter your ZIP code to find the electricity providers, utility and plans available at your address.
Austin Energy serves much of the City of Austin. Competitive retail electricity providers are available only in eligible utility territories. Confirm your utility, current rate and plan terms before enrolling.
6.7¢+
Competitive Austin-area advertised rates*
12 mo.
Common competitive plan term
860 kWh
Austin Energy example usage
ZIP
Determines your electricity options
Quick recommendations
Which Austin electricity option is right for you?
The first question is not always which provider has the lowest rate. Start by identifying your utility territory, then compare pricing and plan structure.
Lowest competitive rates
Eligible Austin-area shoppers can compare competitive plans, but the lowest headline rate may depend on credits and usage thresholds.
Compare market rates →Predictable pricing
A fixed-rate plan can provide more predictable energy pricing during its contract term in a competitive market.
Understand fixed rates →Renewable energy
Austin Energy customers can explore renewable options, while competitive-market customers can compare renewable electricity plans.
See green options →
Austin electricity rates
Compare Austin Energy and competitive providers
Austin has a different electricity market from many major Texas cities. Austin Energy serves much of the city, while eligible customers in surrounding deregulated utility territories may shop among retail electricity providers.
● Rate snapshot: September 2026
| Provider / Utility | Market | Example Rate* | Term | Usage / Example | Plan Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
APG&E
AP Gas & Electric
|
Competitive Austin area |
6.70¢
/kWh
|
11 months | ~ $67 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Chariot Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
6.75¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $68 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Companion Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
6.93¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $69 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Gexa Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
6.93¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $69 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Cirro Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
7.09¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $71 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Frontier Utilities
|
Competitive Austin area |
7.63¢
/kWh
|
24 months | ~ $76 at 1,000 kWh* | Fixed | View |
|
Rhythm Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
8.98¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $90 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
Champion Energy Services
|
Competitive Austin area |
12.44¢
/kWh
|
9 months | ~ $124 at 1,000 kWh* | Fixed | View |
|
BKV Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
12.94¢
/kWh
|
11 months | ~ $129 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
|
TXU Energy
|
Competitive Austin area |
14.53¢
/kWh
|
12 months | ~ $145 at 1,000 kWh* | Competitive | View |
*Competitive rates are representative September 2026 Austin-area market snapshots and may apply only to eligible ZIP codes and utility territories. The displayed cents-per-kWh figure should not be treated as a guaranteed total bill. Delivery charges, base charges, minimum usage fees, bill credits, taxes and other plan-specific costs can materially change the effective price. Review the current Electricity Facts Label (EFL) before enrolling.
Austin Energy
Austin Energy uses a tiered municipal rate structure
Customers inside the Austin Energy service territory generally receive electricity from Austin Energy rather than selecting a competing retail electricity provider. Residential rates are made up of multiple bill components and increase by usage tier.
$16.50 customer charge
Austin Energy's listed residential customer charge is $16.50 per month under the current rate schedule.
Four energy tiers
Current listed energy charges are 4.640¢ for 0–300 kWh, 5.138¢ for 301–900 kWh, 7.525¢ for 901–2,000 kWh and 10.884¢ above 2,000 kWh.
860-kWh example: $116.45
Austin Energy's published example for an 860-kWh residential customer totals $116.45 after listed power supply, regulatory, community benefit and tax charges.
Austin Energy rates are not directly comparable to a competitive provider's advertised cents-per-kWh rate because Austin Energy uses a municipal bundled bill with multiple components.
Popular Austin electricity options
Compare options based on where you live
Your address determines which electricity market you are in. These options illustrate the main choices Austin-area shoppers may encounter.
Austin Energy
Residential municipal electric service
$116.45
860-kWh example*
4 tiers
Rate structure
$16.50
Customer charge
Municipal
Utility
- Serves much of the City of Austin
- Tiered residential electricity rates
- Includes multiple regulated bill components
- Renewable programs are available
APG&E
Competitive-market example
6.70¢
per kWh*
11 mo.
Term
Fixed
Example
6.70¢
Market snapshot*
- Competitive Austin-area market option
- September 2026 rate snapshot
- Availability depends on ZIP code
- Review the complete EFL before enrolling
Chariot Energy
Competitive-market example
6.75¢
per kWh*
12 mo.
Term
Competitive
Market
6.75¢
Snapshot*
- Available in eligible competitive territories
- September 2026 market example
- Plan availability varies by ZIP code
- Compare effective bill cost
Frontier Utilities
Competitive-market example
7.63¢
per kWh*
24 mo.
Term
Fixed
Example
7.63¢
Snapshot*
- Longer-term competitive option
- September 2026 Austin-area snapshot
- Availability depends on utility territory
- Review cancellation and renewal terms
*Competitive-market examples are not offers or guaranteed prices. Rates can vary by ZIP code, utility, usage, credit eligibility, plan structure and market conditions.
Austin electricity guide
Check My ZIP Code
How to choose the best electricity option
Austin shoppers should identify their utility before comparing retail electricity rates. This one step can completely change which providers and pricing structures are available.
Check My ZIP Code
Austin Energy
Municipal utility
Much of Austin is served by Austin Energy, so customers generally do not shop among competing retail electricity providers.
Competitive
Nearby deregulated areas
Some Austin-area ZIP codes outside the Austin Energy territory can choose among retail electricity providers.
500 kWh
Lower usage
Apartments and smaller homes should watch for minimum usage fees and fixed monthly charges when comparing competitive plans.
1,000 kWh
Standard comparison
Competitive electricity sites frequently use 1,000 kWh as a comparison point, but your actual usage may be substantially different.
Summer
Watch air-conditioning use
Austin's hot summer weather can increase cooling demand and push households into higher usage levels.
Understand your Austin bill
What determines your Austin electricity cost?
Your bill depends on both where you live and how your utility or electricity plan calculates charges.
Utility territory
Austin Energy serves much of Austin, while nearby communities and addresses may fall within competitive utility territories.
Austin Energy tiers
Austin Energy uses four residential energy-use tiers, with the per-kWh energy charge increasing as consumption moves into higher tiers.
Competitive plan charges
In deregulated areas, the effective cost can include energy charges, delivery charges, base charges, credits, usage thresholds and other fees.
Before you switch
Five things to check before choosing a plan
Determine whether your address is served by Austin Energy or a competitive utility territory.
Compare the total expected cost rather than only the advertised cents-per-kWh figure.
Consider your actual monthly usage, especially during Austin's hot summer months.
Check the contract length, early termination fee, renewal terms and any usage requirements.
Austin service areas
Electricity service by Austin area
Electricity availability can change by exact address. Use your ZIP code when determining whether Austin Energy or a competitive retail electricity market applies to your home.
Ready to compare Austin electricity rates?
Start with your ZIP code to determine your utility and see the electricity options available at your address.
Austin electricity FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Important things to know before choosing electricity service in Austin and the surrounding area.
What are the best electricity providers in Austin?
For customers inside the Austin Energy service
territory, Austin Energy is generally the electric
utility rather than one of several competing retail
providers. In eligible Austin-area competitive
markets, shoppers may find providers such as
APG&E, Chariot Energy, Gexa Energy, Companion
Energy, Cirro Energy, Frontier Utilities, Rhythm
Energy and others.
Does Austin have deregulated electricity?
Austin is different from many Texas cities.
Austin Energy is a municipally owned utility and
does not participate in Texas retail electric
deregulation. Some nearby Austin-area communities
and ZIP codes outside the Austin Energy territory
are served by competitive electricity markets.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Austin?
It depends on your address. Customers served by
Austin Energy generally do not select a competing
retail electricity provider. Customers in eligible
deregulated utility territories may be able to
choose among retail electricity companies.
What are Austin Energy's residential rates?
Austin Energy currently uses a four-tier
residential energy-charge structure. The listed
energy charges are 4.640¢ for the first 300 kWh,
5.138¢ for 301–900 kWh, 7.525¢ for 901–2,000 kWh
and 10.884¢ above 2,000 kWh, in addition to other
bill components. Austin Energy's published
860-kWh example totals $116.45.
Are Austin electricity rates cheaper than Houston rates?
There is no simple one-to-one comparison because
Austin Energy uses a municipal tiered rate
structure, while Houston is primarily a
competitive retail electricity market. Competitive
Austin-area rates also depend on the utility
territory, plan and usage level.
Why can't I choose TXU Energy or Gexa Energy in some Austin ZIP codes?
Austin Energy operates outside Texas retail
deregulation. If your address is inside the
Austin Energy service territory, competing retail
providers generally are not available. Nearby
addresses in deregulated utility territories can
have a different set of electricity providers.
Is a low cents-per-kWh rate always the cheapest?
No. Competitive plans can include bill credits,
minimum usage charges, base charges and delivery
costs. Compare the complete Electricity Facts Label
and estimated bill at your expected usage.
Why is my Austin electricity bill higher in summer?
Austin's hot summer climate can substantially
increase air-conditioning use. Higher consumption
can also move an Austin Energy customer into higher
usage tiers or increase the total cost of a
competitive electricity plan.
How do I find the cheapest electricity option for my Austin home?
Enter your ZIP code and determine which utility
serves your address. If you have Austin Energy,
review the current municipal rate schedule and
available programs. If you are in a competitive
market, compare plans using your actual expected
monthly usage and review the complete EFL.
Electricity pricing disclosure: Austin Energy rates and competitive-market plans are different pricing systems. Austin Energy uses a municipal rate structure with multiple bill components, while competitive electricity rates can vary by ZIP code, utility territory, electricity usage, plan eligibility, promotional credits, base charges, delivery charges, taxes and other fees. Competitive rates displayed on this page are representative September 2026 market snapshots and are not guaranteed offers. Always confirm the utility, current rate, Electricity Facts Label (EFL) and provider terms before enrolling.