How Austin Energy compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Austin Energy, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluebonnet Electric Coop, Inc | 11.42 | 113,890 | -1.16 | -$125 |
| Pedernales Electric Coop, Inc | 12.22 | 405,587 | -0.36 | -$39 |
| Austin Energy (this page) | 12.58 | 507,291 | — | — |
| City of Georgetown | 13.87 | 29,904 | +1.29 | +$140 |
| Bartlett Electric Coop, Inc | 16.09 | 11,527 | +3.51 | +$379 |
4 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Austin Energy. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Austin Energy customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, while the supply portion is separately shoppable in Texas (see below).
Where Austin Energy customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Austin Energy premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis | Bluebonnet Electric Coop, Inc | 11.42 | +$125 |
| Williamson | Bluebonnet Electric Coop, Inc | 11.42 | +$125 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. In Texas you can shop the supply portion regardless of county.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 13.00 | 12.58 | -3.2% |
| Residential customers | 490,069 | 507,291 | +3.5% |
Ownership: Municipal. Statewide context: Texas electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Austin Energy bill
Texas has residential electric supply choice: Austin Energy delivers the power and bills a default supply rate, but you may buy the supply portion from a licensed competitor instead. Compare offers against the price to compare on the state's official shopping site: powertochoose.org.
Electric choice in ERCOT competitive TDU areas (~85% of load; munis/co-ops exempt; Power to Choose lists offers). No residential gas choice.
Counties served (TX, EIA-861 2024)
Travis · Williamson
Head-to-head comparisons
Questions people ask
- Is Austin Energy more expensive than other Texas utilities?
- Austin Energy customers paid an average 12.58 cents/kWh in 2024 — 16% below the Texas volume-weighted average of 14.96 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Austin Energy?
- You cannot switch the wires company — distribution territory is fixed by address. Texas does allow supply choice, so you can buy the supply portion of the bill from a licensed competitor via powertochoose.org if its offer beats the price to compare.
- How many customers does Austin Energy have?
- 507,291 residential customers in Texas in 2024 across 2 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: municipal.