Top 2 Electric Providers in Austin
Pedernales Electric Cooperative
Austin Energy
EnergySage
- Service
- Home solar
- Quotes
- Free
Electricity in Austin
Electricity inside the city limits is managed exclusively by Austin Energy, a municipally owned utility giant that operates independently from Texas’s deregulated ERCOT retail marketplace, meaning you cannot shop for alternative private electric providers on the state’s open web portals. For fiscal year 2026, the utility implemented a structural rate adjustment that increased base energy fees by 5 percent and bumped the fixed monthly residential customer charge up to $16.50. Austin Energy utilizes a progressive four-tiered volumetric rate structure where your cost per kWh escalates dynamically based on total consumption, blending an array of line items—including a fluctuating Power Supply Adjustment, a Regulatory Charge, and a newly increased Community Benefit Charge—to bring the effective blended retail rate to roughly 12 to 14.5 cents per kWh for a typical household.
Top 3 Natural Gas Providers in Austin
Natural Gas in Austin
Natural gas service is distributed across the municipal core by Texas Gas Service, operating as a fully regulated delivery framework where supply and pipeline charges are governed by strict state-approved utility filings. In mid-2026, the utility finalized a sweeping Gas Reliability Infrastructure Program (GRIP) interim rate adjustment to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investments, resulting in an 8 percent surge that drove the baseline residential fixed monthly customer charge up from $19.50 to $23.08 before you consume a single unit of fuel. Because natural gas is a primary necessity for tankless water heaters, furnaces, and outdoor pool setups during intense Central Texas winter freezes, you must establish an account directly through their portal, keeping in mind that the inclusion of a regulatory Weather Normalization Adjustment clause means your statement will fluctuate dynamically based on regional climate models rather than strict appliance performance.
Top 13 Internet Providers in Austin
Spectrum
- Speeds up to
- 7 Gbps**
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 92.87%
AT&T Fiber
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 74.58%
Starlink
- Speeds up to
- 400 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 100%
T-Mobile 5G Home Internet
- Speeds up to
- 498 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- 1.2 TB
- Availability
- 99.76%
AT&T Air
- Speeds up to
- 300 Mbps
- Type
- 5G
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 99.91%
- Speeds up to
- 150 Mbps
- Type
- Satellite
- Data cap
- 150-850 GB
- Availability
- 100%
- Speeds up to
- Varies
- Type
- Fiber, Cable, 5G, & Satellite
- Data cap
- Varies
- Availability
- 95%
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 42.7%
- Speeds up to
- 5 Gbps
- Type
- Cable
- Data cap
- 1 TB
- Availability
- 21.35%
Optimum
- Speeds up to
- 8 Gbps
- Type
- Cable & Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 10.41%
- Speeds up to
- 7 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- Unlimited
- Availability
- 3.76%
- Speeds up to
- 2 Gbps
- Type
- Fiber
- Data cap
- 1 TB
- Availability
- 2.79%
What to Expect in Austin
Internet and digital broadband infrastructure across this major technology hub is an exceptionally fast, highly competitive battleground heavily characterized by widespread multi-gigabit symmetrical fiber deployments from Google Fiber and AT&T Fiber, alongside a near-universal cable footprint from Spectrum and Astound Broadband. The presence of overlapping fiber networks ensures remarkable speeds that are perfectly calibrated for remote engineering work, high-definition streaming, and smart home management. However, if you are moving into an established historic property in central neighborhoods like Hyde Park, or heading east of the I-35 corridor, your physical drop alignment may require direct field assessments due to overhead utility line spacing, while modern high-density condo towers downtown frequently feature exclusive property marketing contracts that restrict inside wiring access to a single corporate provider.
Water & Sewage Providers in Austin
CITY OF AUSTIN WATER & WASTEWATER
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Online & Phone
TRAVIS COUNTY WCID 17
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
WELLS BRANCH MUD 1
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
SONTERRA MUD
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
NORTHTOWN MUD
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
NORTH AUSTIN MUD 1
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
PINE TRAILS UTILITY
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
WILLIAMSON COUNTY WSID 3
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
WILLIAMSON TRAVIS COUNTY MUD 1
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
TRAVIS COUNTY WCID 18
- Service
- Water & sewage
- Contact
- Phone
Austin drinking water quality: 6 contaminants above health guidelines, 1 contaminant above the legal limit
Primary source: surface water. Levels are averages of EPA SDWA LCR and UCMR 3–5 samples. Health guidelines come from the EPA, WHO, or state health departments; legal limits are EPA regulations.
Do I Need to Use a Water Softener in Austin?
You probably don't need a water softener right away. Austin tap water is rated “moderately hard” (90 to 115 mg/L), drawn from Colorado River reservoirs. Most local households get by comfortably without one. However, if you start seeing cloudy glassware, stiff laundry, or crusty mineral buildup on your fixtures, a softening system is worth considering to protect your appliances. We suggest checking for signs of hard water or waiting a few weeks after move-in before making the investment. How to tell if you have hard water.
Water & Sewer in Austin: What to Know
Potable water and wastewater treatment are directed by Austin Water, which sources and processes raw surface water directly from the Colorado River via Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Single-family accounts are assessed using a highly aggressive five-tiered fixed minimum charge coupled with a matching five-tiered volumetric scale, where the clean water rate dramatically escalates from $3.27 per 1,000 gallons for conservation tiers up to a staggering $20.40 per 1,000 gallons if your household exceeds the 20,000-gallon monthly threshold. The final municipal statement operates as an all-inclusive city utility bill, which not only incorporates escalating sewer fees driven by recent multi-million dollar wastewater treatment facility upgrades but also appends separate, non-negotiable municipal extractions including a $14.05 monthly Watershed Protection drainage fee and an indexed Transportation User Fee.
Top 51 Trash and Recycling Providers in Austin
AustinRecyclingGroup
All 48 additional trash and recycling providers
Trash & Recycling in Austin: What to Expect
Trash and resource recovery operations are executed by the Austin Resource Recovery department, utilizing a comprehensive three-stream automated collection methodology designed to minimize landfill diversion. Residents are issued a grey or black cart for standard bagged garbage, a blue cart for loose, single-stream recyclables, and a green cart specifically designated for yard trimmings, leaves, and organic food scraps. Carts must be rolled to the curb or your assigned alleyway line by 6:30 AM on your designated collection morning with the handles facing your property, maintaining a strict three-foot spatial clearance from cars, trees, mailboxes, and adjacent bins so the automated truck arms can grab the containers without causing regional collection bypasses or triggering city code compliance citations.
Austin Electricity, Water & Internet: Choosing the Best Providers
Known for its vibrant music scene, beautiful parks, and delicious barbecue, Austin is a city full of character and charm. Whether you’re enjoying a stroll around Lady Bird Lake or discovering the latest food truck hotspot, there’s always something exciting happening. As you settle into your new home, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get your utilities set up. Here’s everything you need to know about electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet services in Austin.
Electricity Services
Austin operates within a deregulated electricity market, giving you the power to choose your electricity provider. However, Austin Energy is the primary electricity provider for most residents within city limits. As a municipally owned utility, Austin Energy is committed to providing reliable service and supporting the city’s sustainability goals.
Austin Energy Efficiency Rebates:
- Rebates & Incentives: Offers rebates and bill credits for energy-efficient upgrades like insulation, HVAC systems, and ductwork.
- Power Partner Thermostats: Discounts and rebates are available when you install approved smart thermostats.
- Solar Rebate Program: Homeowners who install solar energy systems can receive incentives and rebates up to $2,500 to reduce their installation costs.
- Weatherization Assistance: Austin Energy provides home energy improvements to those that qualify.
Natural Gas Services
In Austin, Texas Gas Service is the primary natural gas provider. They offer reliable service to residential and commercial customers throughout the region.
Energy Efficiency Rebates:
- Appliance Rebates: Get rebates when you purchase energy-efficient natural gas appliances like water heaters or furnaces.
- Weatherization Assistance: Income-qualified households can receive free home weatherization services to improve energy efficiency.
Water and Trash Services
Water and trash services are managed by Austin Water and Austin Resource Recovery, both city-operated entities providing reliable service.
Water Services:
- Conservation Rebates: Rebates are available for installing water-saving appliances, irrigation systems, and drought-resistant landscaping.
- WaterWise Programs: Receive free tools like hose timers and showerheads to help reduce water consumption.
Trash and Recycling Services:
- Curbside Collection: The city offers weekly trash pickup, biweekly recycling, and composting services.
- Bulk and Brush Collection: Large items and yard waste are collected periodically by request.
- Zero Waste Initiative: Austin is committed to achieving zero waste by 2040, offering numerous programs to reduce landfill waste.
Internet Providers
Staying connected in Austin is easy, with numerous internet providers offering a range of speeds and pricing to suit your needs. Some of the top options include:
- AT&T Fiber: Provides ultra-fast fiber-optic internet with speeds up to 5 Gbps, ideal for remote workers and gamers.
- Spectrum: Offers reliable cable internet service with flexible pricing and speeds suitable for most households.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: A wireless internet option using 5G technology, perfect for areas without traditional broadband access.
- Google Fiber: Available in select areas of Austin, offering some of the fastest speeds in the city with up to 8 Gbps.
- Starlink: A satellite internet service best suited for rural or underserved areas where traditional broadband isn’t available.
Utility Financial Assistance in Austin
Travis County offers utility assistance for electric, natural gas, water and trash to qualified residents. Apply online for more information. The City of Austin also offers financial assistance through their Customer Assistance Program. Programs for customers who participate in certain other state, federal or local assistance programs and those who are medically vulnerable. Their Financial Support Plus 1 fund also assists financially in times of emergency.
Many other assistance programs are also available through a variety of institutions. See the list of assistance programs on the United Way of Austin site to find one that is applicable to you.
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
Utilities in Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own electricity provider in Austin?
Unlike most of Texas, the electricity market in Austin is regulated. This means if you live within the Austin Energy service area, you must use Austin Energy as your provider and cannot switch to a different retail electric provider (REP).
How much lead time do I need to start service?
It is recommended to submit your “Start Service” request at least one week (7 days) before your move-in date. While the City of Austin can often activate service within 24–48 hours, scheduling a week in advance ensures you avoid “priority” fees or delays during peak moving seasons (like July and August).
How can I get my utility deposit waived?
The standard $200 electric deposit can be waived if you provide a Letter of Reference from your previous utility provider showing 12 months of on-time payments. Waivers are also available for residents 65+, active-duty military, or those who enroll in Autopay and Paperless Billing at the time of setup.
Why is my summer electric bill so much higher?
Austin Energy uses a five-tier pricing structure. As you use more electricity (common during Austin’s hot summers for AC), the price per kilowatt-hour increases. To manage this, you can sign up for Budget Billing, which averages your annual costs into equal monthly payments to avoid “bill shock” in the summer.
What services are included in my "City of Austin" bill?
Austin uses a consolidated billing system. Your monthly bill from “City of Austin Utilities” will typically include charges for electricity, water, wastewater (sewer), trash/recycling collection, and a “drainage fee” for flood management. Natural gas and internet are the only major utilities billed separately.
Does Austin offer any assistance for low-income residents?
Yes, the Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides substantial monthly discounts to residents who participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or whose household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. There is also the Plus 1 Fund for one-time emergency financial assistance.
Who is the natural gas provider for Austin?
Natural gas is provided by Texas Gas Service. This is a separate company from the City of Austin, so you must create an account directly through them at TexasGasService.com.
Is Google Fiber available at every address in Austin?
No. While Austin was one of the first “Fiber Cities,” availability varies strictly by neighborhood (or “fiberhood”). You must check your specific address on the Google Fiber, AT&T Fiber, or Astound (formerly Grande) websites to see which high-speed options serve your home.
How do I report a power outage?
You can report outages to Austin Energy by calling 512-322-9100 or by texting “OUT” to 287846 if you have registered for Outage Alerts. You can also view a live outage map at outagemap.austinenergy.com.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, leave the building immediately and do not use any electronic devices or light switches. Once you are a safe distance away, call 911 and the Texas Gas Service emergency line at 1-800-959-5325.
What is the "Value of Solar" tariff trap if I install solar panels?
Austin Energy does not offer traditional 1-to-1 retail net metering for residential solar setups. Instead, they utilize a unique Value of Solar (VoS) framework where all electricity generated by your roof is credited at a fixed rate of roughly 9.7 cents per kWh, while any power you draw back from the grid is billed at the standard tiered retail rate of 12 to 14.5 cents per kWh. This delta means that oversizing a solar array is financially inefficient, making internal home consumption and smart battery integration the true keys to maximizing return.
Why did my Texas Gas Service bill increase in 2026 even when my usage dropped?
Under the recently approved GRIP infrastructure adjustment, Texas Gas Service raised its mandatory small residential monthly customer charge to $23.08. This fixed fee is a flat baseline assessed to cover regional pipeline maintenance, regulatory safety compliance, and leak detection across Central Texas. You must pay this elevated infrastructure layout every single month of the year, even during peak summer heatwaves when your gas usage is completely zero.
What are the separate "Drainage" and "Transportation" fees on my water bill?
Your Austin Water statement doubles as a master collection portal for multiple city departments. The Watershed Protection fee (averaging $14.05 per month) is calculated based on the precise square footage of impervious cover—like your roof, driveway, and patios—on your property to fund citywide flood mitigation. The separate Transportation User Fee acts as a municipal tax to maintain local roads, transit paths, and streetlights, scaling up automatically regardless of your actual tap water usage.