Austin, Texas, is a regulated electricity market, which means that only one electric utility company, Austin Energy, owns and operates all electricity for the area. Austin Energy is also responsible for correcting all power outages (see full power outage information below, including the Austin power outage map and outage phone number).
Not all cities in Texas are regulated. In fact, 85% of electric meters are deregulated, allowing consumers to shop around for rates that best meet their needs.
If you are moving to another city with a deregulated market or simply want to learn more about how the deregulated energy market works, this article has more information. You can enter your zip code on this page and easily review rates, electric companies, and plans for deregulated cities across the state of Texas.
Austin Energy Power Outages, Map and Phone Numbers
Experiencing a power outage? Use the links below to find the most current information on outages and severe weather in your area.
Austin Energy Power Outages
In the event of a power outage in Austin, call 512-322-9100. To help Austin Energy locate your outage, it’s important to have your 10-digit account number or the 10-digit phone number associated with your account available. If you are registered for Outage Alerts, you can text OUT to 287846 to report your power outage. You can also monitor outages using the Austin Energy Outage Map. To learn how a recent outage has impacted your home’s energy usage, you can view usage data at Smart Meter Texas.
Austin Energy Outage Map and Outage Tracker
As the only utility company in the Austin area, Austin Energy is responsible for checking meters, maintaining the city’s electric infrastructure, and responding in the event of an outage to get your power turned back on as quickly as possible. The company serves nearly 500,000 customers and the outage center website provides a variety of different useful information for customers. Using the outage tracking map, you can:
- Report outages and check the status of an outage
- Register for outage alerts
- Get a general understanding of the number of customers who are without power in each area
- See the location of planned outages and learn the estimated restoration times
Best Weather Sites in Austin Maps and Alerts
- KXAN weather: Austin Weather Map
- KVUE: KVUE Forecast
- AccuWeather: Weather Advisories
- WeatherWX: Weather Warnings, Advisories, and Alerts
Austin Energy Rates and Move-in/Move-out
Austin Energy is a community-owned utility that has been providing power and energy services to the greater Austin area since 1895. Continue reading to review rates, power outage information, and move-in instructions.
Residential Electricity Service in Austin
If you are moving to Austin, it’s a good idea to set up an account with Austin Energy in advance of your move. Here is a list of the resources you need to set up and manage your account:
Austin Energy Website: https://austinenergy.com
City of Austin Utilities Website for Customer Account: coautilities.com
You can manage your utility services any time, day or night.
After you have established a utility service account with the City of Austin, you can register with Online Customer Care.
Phone: 512-494-9400
Log in to City of Austin Utilities Online Customer Care to:
- Pay your bill
- Set up automatic payments
- Sign up for paperless eBills
- Monitor your usage
- Get tips for reducing your usage
- Read Austin Utility News monthly newsletter
- Use a variety of other features
Austin Energy Rates
Because Austin is a regulated electricity market, the rates are determined by a governmental regulatory body, which means you have no choice regarding the rates you pay.
Move-in, Move-out, and Transfer Service
Planning a move into or out of Austin? Austin Electric makes it easy for its customers to stop, start, or transfer their electricity service, doing so online, over the phone, or in person. For any of these services, contact Austin Energy’s customer support team:
- Phone: 512-494-9400.
- Online Customer Care
- Walk-in utility service center
To learn more, visit Austin Energy
Need Electricity in Other Cities in Texas?
Electricity Companies in Deregulated Texas Cities
Review a list of the best electricity providers (also called “light companies”) in order to compare electricity plans in deregulated cities in Texas. You can also visit Home Energy Club to find a full of list of light companies and rates. Simply enter your zip code to locate the providers in your area.
Reviews of Electric Companies in Texas
It’s important to review objective information about any electric provider you’re considering switching to. You can check out our Electric Company Reviews page to identify the most trustworthy electric providers in your area. It can also help you identify which companies offer cheap electricity rates.
Electricity Plans & Rates for Deregulated Cities in Texas
Rates and Reviews for Electric Companies in Texas
Provider | Phone Number | Reviews | Energy Rates |
---|---|---|---|
Amigo Energy | 888-469-2644 | Reviews | Rates |
Champion Energy | 844-856-9388 | Reviews | Rates |
Chariot Energy | 844-978-6797 | Reviews | Rates |
Cirro Energy | 866-858-2841 | Reviews | Rates |
Constellation Energy | 888-900-7052 | Reviews | Rates |
Direct Energy | 855-461-9824 | Reviews | Rates |
Discount Power | 866-485-4005 | Reviews | Rates |
Energy Texas | 855-461-1129 | Reviews | Rates |
Express Energy | 833-902-4230 | Reviews | Rates |
4Change Energy | 833-962-0262 | Reviews | Rates |
Flagship Power | 866-891-7839 | Reviews | Rates |
Frontier Utilities | 866-891-7745 | Reviews | Rates |
Gexa Energy | 855-918-0090 | Reviews | Rates |
Green Mountain Energy | 866-950-9564 | Reviews | Rates |
New Power Texas | 866-505-0115 | Reviews | Rates |
NRG | 713 537-3000 | Reviews | Rates |
Just Energy | 866-385-6065 | Reviews | Rates |
Payless Power | 866-702-5033 | Reviews | Rates |
Pulse Power | 888-856-1292 | Reviews | Rates |
Reliant Energy | 866-928-1998 | Reviews | Rates |
Rhythm Energy | 888-774-9846 | Reviews | Rates |
Tara Energy | 713-830-1019 | Reviews | Rates |
TriEagle Energy | 888-996-4602 | Reviews | Rates |
TXU Energy | 855-898-0060 | Reviews | Rates |
Veteran Energy | 888-367-7470 | Reviews | Rates |
Ratings and Reviews of Electric Companies in Texas Deregulated Cities
In order to provide you with a complete picture of the type of service you can expect from different electric companies in your area, Home Energy Company has gathered reviews on over 40 electric companies that serve the state of Texas. We pulled customer satisfaction data from independent review sites, the Better Business Bureau, the State of Texas Public Utility Commission Complaints Stats, and other sources. In order to calculate ratings, Home Energy Club combines its own Home Energy Club/Amazon customer rating survey with information from third parties. You’ll find those ratings listed on the table below, along with reviews and phone numbers. Enter your zip code to locate nearby electric companies.
Austin Business Electricity Quotes
Austin Energy provides electricity services to businesses throughout the Greater Austin area. To start or transfer your business’s utility services, you can:
- Contact Customer Care at 512-494-9400.
- Register with Online Customer Care
- Visit a Walk-In Utility Customer Service Center
You can also visit the Austin Electric site at: https://austinenergy.com/ae/commercial
For business electricity rates in deregulated cities, visit the Home Energy Club.
Helpful Information About Austin
Austin is the fourth-largest city in Texas and has been the state’s capital since 1839. The city originally was a booming trading center for farmers and ranchers after the construction of the bridge over the Colorado River in 1871 and the arrival of the railroad. The industry began to develop in the early 20th century, and it experienced substantial growth in the 1990s because of the influx of high-tech industries. Today, the city is home to many major employers in a variety of industries, including biotechnology, software, business, and research and development.
Local Austin Businesses That Can Help You Reduce Your Energy Bill
A/C Service Providers: Local companies that provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning services.
- Precision Heating & Air: 512-212-4087.
- Radiant: 512-263-9988.
- Temperature Pro: 512-669-5265.
- Elite A/C & Plumbing: 512-637-4237
Attic insulation: Local attic insulation companies that help you reduce your energy costs through thermal insulation.
- IBP Installed Building Products: 512-523-5389.
- Texas Energy Experts: 844-899-8464.
LED light bulbs – Businesses in Austin where you can purchase energy-saving LED light bulbs.
- Light Bulb Depot: 512-354-2527.
- Texas LED Lighting: 512-256-9072.
- Walmart: 512-443-6601.
Home window tinting – Local home window tinting companies that help you fight the heat of Texas summers.
- Shades of Texas: 512-335-8908.
Business Organizations in Austin
- Austin Chamber of Commerce:
Address: 535 E. 5th St., Austin, TX 78701
Phone: 512-478-9383 - Better Business Bureau of Austin:
Address: 1805 Rutherford Lane STE 100, Austin, TX 78754
Phone: 844-222-4968
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and Deals in Austin
Need to charge your electric vehicle? Use this Austin electric vehicle charging station map to find a charging station in your area.
Electric vehicles, or EVs, are a great way to save money and reduce emissions that contribute to climate change. The energy costs for EVs are generally much lower than they are for drivers who use conventional vehicles. While the prices of the vehicles can be higher, those initial costs are typically offset by fuel savings, state and utility incentives, and federal tax credits. Added to that, EVs don’t produce carbon dioxide emissions when driving, which means that they can help to reduce air pollution, leaving you with cleaner air.
If you are thinking about purchasing an electric vehicle, consider visiting one of the Austin dealerships listed below.
Mfg & EV Model | Find Austin Dealer | Top Reviewed Dealership | Phone Number | Location |
Tesla: Tesla Model 3 | Locate | Tesla | 737-207-8000 | Austin-Pond Springs |
BMW: BMW i3 | Locate | BMW of Austin | 512-343-3500 | 7011 McNeil Dr, Austin, TX 78729 |
Nissan: Nissan Leaf | Locate | Town North Nissan | 512-451-7411 | 9160A Research Blvd, Austin, TX 78758 |
Chevrolet: Chevrolet Bolt | Locate | Capitol Chevrolet | 512-436-0938 | 6200 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745 |
Ford: Ford Fusion | Locate | Maxwell Ford | 512-443-5000 | 5000 S IH 35 Frontage Rd, Austin, TX 78745 |
Austin Energy Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Austin Electric phone number and business hours?
The Austin Energy phone number is 888-340-6465. The business hours are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Who has the cheapest electricity rates in Texas?
The energy providers with cheapest energy rates for Austin can be found on HomeEnergyClub.com. The three energy providers who currently have the cheapest no-gimmick rates are:
- Cirro Energy (833-392-9778): Straightforward rates, high-rated operator support
- Pulse Power (888-853-4219): Low, 12-month fixed rates.
- Discount Power (833-556-6491): Low price-protected rates, high-rated operators
- Gexa Energy (866-868-3580): Low rates plus all 100% green energy
To compare electricity providers, read reviews, and find special discount rates, visit Home Energy Club. Simply enter your zip code and review the rates for your area.
What are the best electric companies (light companies) in Texas?
The top electricity companies in Texas are:
- Reliant Energy (833-339-0416): One of the most trusted in Texas, with top-rated operator support.
- Pulse Power (888-853-4219): Offers some of the lowest “no gimmick” plans and a 90-Day Guarantee to reduce the likelihood of bill surprises and increase customer satisfaction.
- Cirro Energy (833-392-9778): A sister company to Reliant Energy, this energy provider is focused on providing its customers with low rates and expert operator assistance.
- Green Mountain Energy (833-399-0421): This green electricity company offers great customer service and affordable rates on electricity that’s generated from the wind and sun.
- Payless Power (833-926-9776): Provides competitively-priced, no-deposit electricity plans for consumers who prefer to avoid paying a deposit.
- Gexa Energy (713-961-9399): Gexa offers some of the lowest rates in Texas and also has a 60-day Happiness Guarantee to ensure customer satisfaction after customers sign up for one of their plans.
What is a good rate per kWh in Texas?
A good electricity rate in Texas is as low as 5 cents per kWh, although with seasonal fluctuations and depending on the plan details and zip code, a good rate could be over 12 cents per kWh.
Where can I compare electricity companies in Texas?
HomeEnergyClub.com allows for a side-by-side comparison of electric plans in Texas, offering objective information so you can make an informed decision about which electricity provider is best for you. Their service vets each energy company to help you avoid surprises when your bill comes in. To compare electricity providers and plans in deregulated areas:
- Enter your zip code to compare rates for your area.
- Review the discount energy rates, courtesy of the site’s bargaining power with the electricity providers.
- Review the easy-to-use guides to choose the best energy plan for your needs.
- Have confidence in your choice because of the TrustPlan™ vetting process that cuts deceptive pricing and gimmicks.
Where can I find objective electric company reviews and ratings in Texas?
It’s always best to use third-party websites rather than to rely on the electricity provider’s reviews. The most trusted source is HomeEnergyClub.com, which includes objective electric company ratings and reviews from the following sources:
- Google Reviews.
- Yelp Reviews.
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- The State of Texas
- The Public.
Why is my Austin energy bill so high?
To avoid gimmicky plans, it’s important to fully vet every energy plan. HomeEnergyClub.com makes it easy to do a side-by-side comparison and review objective information about reviewers in your area. There are a number of reasons why your electricity bill may be high. Some of the primary reasons include:
- Expiration of your fixed-price energy plan: If you sign up for a fixed-price energy plan with your energy provider, it’s possible that the rate plan has expired. When this happens, sometimes energy providers will bill their customers at the highest energy rate, causing the electric bill to skyrocket.
- Seasonal fluctuations: If you don’t have a fixed-rate energy plan, then your bill may go up during the hot summer months when demand is higher.
- Lack of energy efficiency: If your home isn’t well-sealed and energy-efficient, you may see unusually high bills.
- Increase in rates: Your electricity provider can change their rates at any time for customers who are on a risky variable rate plan. Be careful about plans that advertise “wholesale prices,” since these plans are often accompanied by shockingly high bill prices.
- Your energy plan doesn’t match your energy usage: When signing up for a plan, it’s important to choose one that’s appropriate for your home’s energy usage. If you sign up for a plan that’s intended for someone with a large home and you only have an apartment, you’ll have an unnecessarily high bill.