Austin and San Antonio

Why can't Austin or San Antonio homes choose a plan?

Austin and San Antonio homes cannot choose an electricity plan because each city owns its power company. Neither city has opened its market, so homes buy from Austin Energy or CPS Energy.

Published 3 October 2026 · Updated 13 October 2026

The city decides

In much of Texas, you pick the company that sells you power. But a city that owns its utility gets to decide for itself.

Texas law lets the city's leaders choose if, and when, to join. Austin and San Antonio have not joined.

What is a city-owned utility?

Austin Energy and CPS Energy are owned by their cities, and the city council approves their prices. Part of what they earn goes back to the city to help pay for services.

Co-ops work the same way

Many rural areas get power from an electric co-op, a power company owned by its customers. A co-op's board makes the same choice for its members.

What can you still do?

You cannot switch providers, but you can still plan ahead. Both utilities post their prices and payment options on their websites.

Which other Texas cities cannot choose?

Austin and San Antonio are not alone. Homes in El Paso, Amarillo, Beaumont and Longview cannot choose either. State law has delayed choice for the utilities that serve them.

Some other city-owned utilities have not joined either, including those in Bryan, College Station, New Braunfels and San Marcos.

In Denton, Garland, Georgetown and Brownsville, it depends on the street. Homes served by the city's own utility cannot choose.

Lubbock is the opposite: its homes have been able to choose since 2024.

Utility lines do not follow city names. Always check the exact ZIP.

Moving nearby? Check the ZIP first

Two homes a few miles apart can have different rules. Enter the ZIP, and if you can choose, we show an estimated cost for each plan.

If we find no plans, double-check the ZIP. It may be outside the area where you can choose.

Not sure who serves you? Your power bill names the utility that delivers your power. Moving to a new home? Check before you sign a lease.

1. Trust the ZIP, not the city

   Utility lines do not follow city limits.

2. Plan for summer

   Usage can be about twice as high in August.

3. Moving? Compare first

   If your new ZIP lets you choose, we line up the plans.

Articles are general information for Texas electricity shoppers. Every cost Power Rate Check shows is an estimate, and the Electricity Facts Label is the provider's official price document — read it before you sign.