Electricity in Austin: why you can't shop around
No. Most Austin homes get electricity from Austin Energy, a city-owned utility that hasn't opted into Texas retail competition, so you can't pick a different provider. Your rates are set locally, not by a retail plan. If you live just outside city limits, check your address on Power to Choose to be sure.
Power to Choose is the state's official, free plan-comparison site run by the PUCT. We don't get paid when you click.
What that means for your bill
Austin Energy sets the price for the customers it serves. You will not find a menu of retail plans for a typical in-city address, and a shopping site should not pretend otherwise.
Power to Choose returned no retail plans for ZIPs 78701 and 78704 on October 12, 2026. That matches ERCOT's description of Austin as a non-opt-in area.
If you are just outside Austin
City limits and utility lines are not always the same line on a map. If your address is outside Austin Energy, you might be able to choose. The only reliable check is your own address on Power to Choose.
Related pages
Questions
Why isn't Austin deregulated?
Austin Energy is a city-owned utility. Municipal utilities can opt into Texas retail choice, and most have not. ERCOT's November 2025 retail market overview names Austin as an area where customers do not choose a retail provider: https://www.ercot.com/files/docs/2025/11/17/ERCOT-Grid-Insights-Retail-Market.pdf
Could that change?
Yes. A city-owned utility can opt in later if its governing body adopts a resolution. The PUCT explains that right here: https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer-help/faq/muni/
Who do I call about my bill?
Call Austin Energy. There is no separate retail provider to shop. Account, billing, and outage questions go to the city utility: https://austinenergy.com
Can I go solar or pick green power?
Any solar or green-power option has to come from Austin Energy or from a program it publishes. We are not describing a specific offer. Start on the utility's site: https://austinenergy.com
Which nearby areas can choose?
Some addresses just outside the city utility may be served by a different company. We have not published a reviewed page for those suburbs. Check the address on Power to Choose before you assume you can shop.
Sources
- ERCOT retail market overview, November 2025 (Austin named as a NOIE area)Checked October 12, 2026
- PUCT municipally owned utilities and co-ops FAQChecked October 12, 2026
- Austin EnergyChecked October 12, 2026
- Power to Choose ZIPs 78701 and 78704 returned no retail plans on October 12, 2026Checked October 12, 2026