Austin Utility Companies: The New Movers Guide

We help people move into new homes every week—it’s what my team and I do full-time as a licensed real estate agents. Every week, I see the same problem though: someone shows up on move-in day and their power isn’t on.

Sometimes renters don’t realize their complex is in Pedernales Electric or Green Mountain Energy territory instead of Austin Energy. Sometimes they assumed water would transfer automatically. Sometimes they just ran out of time before the move and couldn’t get internet turned on ahead of time. Work, packing and coordinating with movers makes it easy to forget about what else needs to happen and forget to setup your utilities.

Here’s something most Austin utility guides won’t tell you: which provider serves your address isn’t a choice you get to make. Your apartment’s location determines your electric company, and many “Austin” addresses actually fall outside Austin Energy’s service area entirely—served instead by cooperatives like Pedernales Electric or deregulated territories where Oncor delivers power. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, about 85% of Texas residents can choose their electricity provider, but Austin opted out of deregulation entirely. That’s why someone searching for Austin utility companies ends up more confused than when they started—the answer depends on where you’re moving.

After 14 years of navigating Austin’s utility maze, I put together this guide to cover what actually matters: which providers serve which areas, what deposits you might face, what’s typically included in apartment rent versus what you’ll pay separately, and how to get everything connected before you pick up your keys. Whether you’re relocating to Austin for work or just moving across town, the process is the same.

We offer a free utility concierge service for anyone that needs it—but whether you use that or not, this guide will walk you through setting up Austin utilities without the headaches I’ve watched hundreds of renters face.

Quick Reference: Austin Utility Contacts

Bookmark these—you’ll need them on move-in day.

Contact information verified via Austin Energy official directory and City of Austin Utilities.

The coautilities.com portal handles both Austin Energy and Austin Water accounts in one place. If you’re setting up service for the first time, this is where you’ll start. For outages during storms or unexpected blackouts, the dedicated outage line (512-322-9100) is faster than calling the main number.

What Utilities Do Austin Renters Actually Need?

If you’re moving into an Austin apartment, here’s what you’re responsible for setting up yourself:

Always your responsibility:

• Electric — You cannot get keys without proof of service in your name
• Internet — Your choice, unless your complex has an exclusive provider contract
• Renters insurance — Required by most Austin apartment communities (typically $100,000 liability minimum)

Typically included in your rent (but verify with your lease):

• Water/sewer/trash — Often bundled into rent or billed through RUBS
• Pest control — Usually covered by management
• Gas — Varies by complex and unit type

Here’s where renters get tripped up: most “Austin utility guides” are written for homeowners. Homeowners worry about service activation, meter setup, and choosing between dozens of electricity plans. Renters? You’ve got a different checklist.

Your apartment’s address determines your electric provider—you don’t get to shop around if you’re in Austin Energy’s service territory (which is regulated). And water? In most apartment complexes, you won’t set that up directly at all. The complex either includes it in rent or bills you through a third-party system called RUBS—that’s Ratio Utility Billing System—where your bill fluctuates based on your unit size and overall building usage.

I’ve seen complexes in the same neighborhood handle water completely differently. One charges a flat $40/month. The one across the street uses RUBS, and tenants pay anywhere from $50 to $90 depending on the month. Same zip code, totally different experience. That’s why checking your specific lease matters more than any general guide. (For more on costs that catch renters off guard, see our breakdown of Austin’s hidden renting costs.)

💡 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR MOVE

Most apartments won’t hand over keys until you show proof of electric service in your name. Start your Austin Energy transfer 5-7 days before move-in—the online portal takes 10 minutes, but phone wait times can hit 45 minutes during peak moving season (late August, early September).

The internet situation deserves its own warning. Some newer complexes have signed exclusive contracts with providers like Grande or Spectrum, meaning you can’t choose AT&T Fiber even if it’s available at the address. Ask before you sign. And if you work from home, this isn’t a minor inconvenience—it’s a dealbreaker for some people.

Why Austin Is Different: Electricity Deregulation Explained

Here’s where most Austin utility guides fall apart: they don’t explain why some addresses can shop for electricity rates while others can’t. And if you don’t understand this, you’ll either waste time searching for deals that don’t exist—or miss out on savings you could have had.

Texas deregulated its electricity market in 2002 under Senate Bill 7, which means most Texans can choose their retail electric provider (REP) and shop for the best rate. But Austin? Austin opted out. The City of Austin owns Austin Energy, and if you live within their service territory, they’re your only option. Rates are set by City Council, not the market. You can’t shop around.

According to the Texas Public Power Association, the state’s 72 municipally owned utilities—including Austin Energy—provide power to more than 5.1 million Texans who don’t have retail choice.

So the question isn’t “what’s the best electricity plan in Austin?” It’s “does my address even have options?”

The Austin Electricity Decoder:

The Power to Choose website is operated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to help consumers in deregulated areas compare electricity plans.

If you’re moving to Round Rock apartments or the Oncor-served parts of Pflugerville, you actually should spend 15 minutes on powertochoose.org comparing rates before move-in. The difference between a 12-month fixed plan at 11¢/kWh and a variable plan that spikes to 18¢/kWh in August is real money—potentially $80-100/month during summer.

But if you’re moving to an apartment in central Austin, East Austin, or North Austin? Skip the comparison shopping. Austin Energy is your provider, and the rate is what it is.

⚠️ THE MOVE-IN TRAP

I’ve watched people delay their electric setup for days because they thought they needed to “research providers” for an Austin Energy address. There’s nothing to research. You have one option. Start your service 5-7 days before move-in at coautilities.com and move on.

One more thing: Austin Energy rates include fuel charges that fluctuate monthly based on natural gas prices and power demand. Your winter bills will look different from summer bills even if you use the same amount of electricity. The rate isn’t “wrong”—it’s just how municipal utilities work.

Austin Area Utility Providers: The Complete Directory

Most “Austin utility guides” list one or two providers and call it done. But if you’re apartment hunting across the metro, you might end up in any of six different electric service territories—each with its own rules, rates, and contact information.

Here’s every provider you might encounter, organized by what actually matters when you’re setting up service.

Electric Providers by Service Territory:

REP = Retail Electric Provider. In deregulated areas, Oncor delivers the power but you choose who bills you.

How to Identify Your Provider:

Your apartment’s address determines everything. Here’s the fastest way to figure out who serves you:

1. Enter your address at powertochoose.org or fill out the form below
2. If you get results — You’re in a deregulated area. Oncor delivers; you pick the REP.
3. If you get no results — You’re in a regulated territory. Call the city or cooperative that serves that address.

Don’t guess. I’ve seen people waste hours researching electricity plans for Austin Energy addresses where there’s nothing to choose.

Water and Gas Providers:

Most apartment complexes handle water billing themselves—either including it in rent or using RUBS. You rarely set up a direct Austin Water account as a renter. Gas is only relevant if your unit has gas appliances, which isn’t universal.

The MUD Factor:

If your apartment is in a Municipal Utility District (MUD), water and wastewater might come from a smaller local provider rather than Austin Water. Your lease should specify this. MUD rates vary—some are cheaper than Austin Water, some aren’t. Ask your leasing office who provides water service before assuming anything.

Internet Providers by Availability:

Here’s the catch: your apartment complex might have an exclusive contract with one provider. Google Fiber might show “available” at your address, but if Grande has an exclusive deal with your building, Google isn’t actually an option. Always ask before signing your lease if internet provider matters to you.

💡 QUICK TIP

Screenshot this table before move-in day if you want to do everything yourself. When you’re juggling movers, unpacking, and trying to get your lights on, having every phone number in one place saves real time.

What Utilities Are Typically Included in Austin Apartment Rent?

This is where renters get blindsided. You tour an apartment. The rent looks affordable. Then move-in day arrives with $150+ in monthly utility costs you didn’t budget for.

After helping hundreds of clients move into Austin apartments, here’s what I actually see across different complexes.

Usually Included (or Billed at a Flat Fee):

• Water/sewer — Roughly 70% of Austin apartments either include water in rent or cap it at a flat monthly fee. The other 30% bill you through RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing), where your share is calculated based on unit size and building usage. RUBS bills can swing from $35 to $90/month depending on the complex.
• Trash — Almost always included or billed as mandatory valet trash ($25-45/month). You rarely set up separate trash service.
• Pest control — Typically rolled into rent. Property management handles this.

Almost Always Your Responsibility:

• Electricity — About 95% of Austin apartments require tenants to put electric in their own name. The rare “bills paid” apartments exist, but they’re usually older, smaller communities.
• Internet — You choose and pay for this, unless your complex has a bulk contract (in which case you’re paying for it whether you use it or not).
• Renters insurance — Required by most Austin leases, typically $100,000 liability minimum. Costs $15-30/month depending on coverage.

The Math Most People Miss:

Your advertised rent isn’t your actual monthly cost. Let me show you what a typical Austin 1-bedroom actually costs:

That’s $185-245 more than the “rent” you saw on the listing. If you’re figuring out how much rent you can afford, you need to budget for the real number—not the advertised one. And if you’re looking at apartments advertising move-in specials, use our net effective rent calculator to compare—a month free on a 12-month lease drops your effective rent, but you still pay full utilities every month.

The valet trash fee particularly frustrates people. It’s mandatory at most newer communities, non-negotiable, and feels like a junk fee. But it’s the reality of Austin apartment living in 2025. Budget for it.

For a deeper dive into fees that catch renters off guard, check out our full breakdown of Austin’s hidden renting costs.

📋 NEED EVERYTHING SETUP FOR YOUR NEW PLACE?

Tell us your address and when you are moving. Our utility concierge service will help you compare and setup all the available utilities for your apartment. No guessing. No surprises on move-in day.

Utility Deposits: What to Expect (And How to Avoid Them)

Austin Energy runs a credit check when you set up service. Depending on your score, you might owe a $200 deposit before they’ll turn on your power.

Here’s how it actually works—and the strategies I’ve seen clients use to waive or reduce it.

The Deposit Reality by Credit Score:

Deposit amounts and waiver criteria verified via City of Austin Utilities Residential Fees & Deposits.

Five Ways to Waive the Deposit:

According to official City of Austin policy, qualifying customers may have their deposit waived through these methods:

1. Enroll in autopay + paperless billing (eBill) — This is the easiest path. Commit to 12 months of automatic payments, and Austin Energy often waives the deposit even with marginal credit.
2. Provide a reference letter from your previous utility — If you paid your electric bill on time for 12+ months at your last address, request a letter of good standing. Austin Energy accepts this as proof you’re not a payment risk.
3. Previous City of Austin utility account in good standing — If you’ve had Austin Energy or Austin Water before without issues, reference your old account number.
4. Age 65 or older — Automatic waiver eligibility.
5. Active duty military or returning service member — Bring documentation.

💡 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

That “$0 deposit” electric promotion you saw online? It requires autopay AND a credit check. If your score is below 550, you’ll either pay the standard $200 deposit or get routed to a prepaid plan. Prepaid works fine—you load money onto your account and draw down as you use power—but nobody explains this upfront. Ask before assuming you qualify for waived deposits.

The Second Chance Renter Connection:

Here’s something most utility guides don’t mention: if you’re already navigating credit challenges for apartment approval, the $200 utility deposit is another cost to budget on top of your security deposit, admin fees, and first month’s rent.

I work with a lot of second-chance renters, and the utility deposit trips people up. They’ve saved enough for the apartment move-in costs, then realize they need another $200 for Austin Energy before they can get keys. Plan for it.

If your credit is below 550 and you’re looking at apartment communities that work with lower credit scores, the prepaid electric option through Austin Energy is worth considering. You’re not “denied” service—you just manage your account differently. Load $50-100 before move-in, and you’re set.

For Deregulated Areas (Round Rock, etc.):

If you’re moving somewhere with retail electric choice, deposit policies vary by provider. Some retail electric providers (REPs) market specifically to customers with credit challenges—no deposit, prepaid plans, or low-deposit options. Check powertochoose.org and filter by “no deposit” if that matters to you. Just read the rate carefully. Sometimes “no deposit” plans have higher per-kWh rates that cost more over 12 months than just paying a deposit upfront.

The Day-One Ready Framework: Your Utility Setup Timeline

Here’s what I’ve learned after hundreds of Austin move-ins: the difference between a smooth first day and a disaster comes down to timing. Not which provider you chose. Not whether you got the best rate. Just whether everything was active when you needed it.

Most people think about utilities the week of their move. That’s too late. Here’s the timeline I use with my apartment search clients—and it’s the same one I give everyone, whether they’re working with me or not.

2 Weeks Before Move-In:

This is also when you should be working through the apartment application process—utilities come after you’re approved, not before.

5-7 Days Before Move-In:

Move-In Day:

Why Most Guides Get This Wrong:

Generic utility guides tell you “set up utilities before you move.” That’s obvious. What they don’t tell you is that Austin Energy’s processing can take 3-5 business days during busy periods, internet installations book out 1-2 weeks in advance during peak moving season (August, September, December), and showing up on move-in day to find no power means you’re not getting keys.

I’ve watched clients sleep in hotels because they assumed same-day electric setup was possible. It’s not. Start early.

💡 GET ALL YOUR UTILITIES SETUP AT ONCE

We handle steps 2-5 through with our utility concierge service. You focus on packing, coordinating movers, and actually getting to Austin. Our utility concierge service make sure your lights turn on and your internet is scheduled. That’s part of what “what we do” for Austin.

Common Austin Utility Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

I see the same utility mistakes every week. After 14 years, I can almost predict which ones will hit which clients. Here’s the list—and how to avoid becoming another example.

Mistake #1: Showing Up on Move-In Day Without Power

This is the big one. About once a month, I get a panicked call from someone who assumed electric service would “just transfer” or that they could set it up the morning of move-in. Bad assumption.

Austin Energy can process requests quickly, but not instantly. If there’s a deposit hold, a verification issue, or you’re calling during a busy period, you’re looking at delays. And most Austin apartment complexes will not hand over keys until you show proof of active electric service in your name.

Start 5-7 days early. Full stop.

Mistake #2: Calling Texas Gas Service for an All-Electric Apartment

Check. Your. Lease. I’ve had clients spend 45 minutes on hold with Texas Gas Service for an apartment that has no gas hookup whatsoever. All-electric units are common in Austin, especially in newer construction. If your lease doesn’t mention gas, your appliances are likely all electric—including the water heater and stove.

Before you call anyone, confirm what utilities your specific unit actually uses.

Mistake #3: Assuming You Can Choose Your Internet Provider

You found your apartment, checked the address, and Google Fiber shows available. Great. Except your complex signed an exclusive contract with Spectrum, and Google Fiber isn’t actually an option.

This is increasingly common in newer Class A communities. The property gets a bulk deal; you get no choice. If internet speed and provider matter to you—especially if you work from home—ask about exclusive contracts before signing your lease.

Mistake #4: Forgetting About Deposits When Credit Is Tight

If you’re already navigating credit challenges for apartment approval, budget for the $200 Austin Energy deposit. I work with a lot of second-chance renters who’ve scraped together first month’s rent, security deposit, and admin fees—then get hit with an unexpected utility deposit they didn’t plan for. First-time renters without credit history face this same challenge.

The deposit is refundable after 12-24 months of on-time payments, but you need the cash upfront.

Mistake #5: Not Asking What’s Included in Rent

“Utilities included” can mean anything. Some complexes include water and trash. Some include water, trash, and basic cable. Some include nothing, but they advertise “low utilities!” because the building is energy-efficient.

Ask specifically: What utilities are included in rent? What utilities will I receive a separate bill for? Are there any mandatory fees (like valet trash) that aren’t in the base rent?

Get it in writing. Compare apples to apples when you’re looking at different apartments.

Mistake #6: Trying to Shop for Electricity Rates in Austin

I covered this earlier, but it bears repeating: if your apartment is inside Austin Energy’s service territory, there’s no shopping. The rate is set by City Council. You have one provider. Spending hours on powertochoose.org for an Austin Energy address is wasted time.

Check your address first or simply enter it on the form above. It doesn’t matter if you are zoned for Austin Energy, we’ll be able to steer you in the right direction. Stop researching and start your service.

Frequently Asked Questions: Austin Utilities

How do I set up utilities in Austin, Texas?

For most Austin apartments, start at coautilities.com 5-7 days before move-in or fill out the form above. This portal handles both Austin Energy (electric) and Austin Water on one account. You’ll need your new address, move-in date, and Social Security number for the credit check. If you’re outside Austin Energy territory—like in Round Rock or PEC areas—you’ll contact your specific provider directly. Internet requires a separate setup with your chosen provider (or the one your complex requires), and renters insurance should be purchased before lease signing.

What utility companies serve Austin, TX?

The main providers are Austin Energy (electricity for Austin city limits), Austin Water (water/wastewater), and Texas Gas Service (natural gas). Outside Austin proper, you might have Pedernales Electric Cooperative (Hill Country, Dripping Springs, Lakeway), Bluebonnet Electric (east toward Bastrop), or Oncor-delivered power with retail choice (Round Rock, parts of Pflugerville). Your exact address determines your provider—there’s no choosing if you’re in a municipal or cooperative territory.

How much are utilities in Austin apartments?

Based on what my clients report—and I track this across hundreds of move-ins each year—expect $80-140/month for electricity in a 1-bedroom during summer (dropping to $50-80 in winter), $50-80/month for internet, and $15-30/month for renters insurance. If water isn’t included in rent, add $35-90/month depending on whether your complex uses flat-fee or RUBS billing. A typical 1-bedroom renter pays $150-250/month total beyond base rent for all utilities.

Do Austin apartments include utilities in rent?

It varies by complex. About 70% of Austin apartments include water/sewer in rent or charge a flat monthly fee. Trash is almost always included or billed as mandatory valet service ($25-45/month). Electricity is tenant-paid at roughly 95% of complexes. Internet is your responsibility unless the complex has a bulk contract. Always ask specifically what’s included before signing—”utilities included” means different things at different properties.

How much is the Austin Energy deposit?

According to City of Austin Utilities, the standard residential deposit is $200. They run a credit check when you set up service: scores above 650 usually qualify for automatic waiver, 600-649 may require the deposit (or autopay enrollment to waive it), and below 600 typically requires the full $200. You can also waive the deposit with a letter of good standing from your previous utility, an existing City of Austin account in good standing, or if you’re 65+ or active military.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Austin?

Not if you’re inside Austin Energy’s service territory. When Texas deregulated electricity in 2002, Austin opted out—so Austin Energy remains your only option and rates are set by City Council. According to KVUE reporting, Austin chose to stay regulated with one public provider. If you’re in Round Rock, Taylor, or Oncor-served areas, you can shop for rates at powertochoose.org. Quick test: enter your address at powertochoose.org. Results mean you have retail choice. No results means you’re in a municipal or cooperative territory with one provider.

What’s the difference between Austin Energy and Pedernales Electric?

Austin Energy is the municipal utility owned by the City of Austin—regulated rates, no retail choice, serves Austin city limits and some surrounding areas. Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) is a member-owned cooperative serving the Hill Country, including Dripping Springs, Lakeway, Bee Cave, and parts of northwest Austin suburbs. Both are regulated (no rate shopping), but they’re completely separate organizations with different service territories, rates, and contact numbers. Your address determines which one serves you.

How long does it take to turn on electricity in Austin?

Austin Energy can typically activate service within 1-3 business days, but during peak moving season (August, September, late December) or if there’s a deposit hold, it can take longer. I recommend starting 5-7 days before move-in to avoid delays. Online setup at coautilities.com is faster than calling—phone wait times can exceed 45 minutes during busy periods. Same-day activation is not guaranteed, so don’t wait until move-in day.

Bottom Line: Austin Utilities Aren’t Complicated—They’re Just Different

The reason Austin utility setup confuses people isn’t complexity. It’s that the rules change based on where you’re moving. Most guides don’t explain that upfront.

Here’s what actually matters: Figure out which providers serve your address before you do anything else. If you’re in Austin Energy territory, stop looking for better electricity rates—they don’t exist. Start your electric service 5-7 days before move-in, not the day before. Budget for $150-250/month beyond your base rent for utilities. That’s what Austin apartment living actually costs.

The utilities themselves are straightforward once you know which ones apply to you. Austin Energy and Austin Water share a portal. Internet takes a phone call. Renters insurance takes 20 minutes online. The only real risk is running out of time or showing up on move-in day unprepared.

If you’re working with me to find an apartment, my utility concierge service handles all of this. You focus on the move itself—I’ll make sure your lights turn on. But even if you’re doing this on your own, you now have the same framework I use with clients. Same timeline. Same providers. Same pitfalls to avoid.

And if you’re still early in your Austin apartment search, I’m happy to help with that too. Finding the right apartment is what I do full-time, and utilities are just one piece of getting you moved in smoothly. Work with us when you’re ready.

This guide was written by Ross Quade, a licensed Texas real estate agent (#679806) specializing in Austin apartment locating. Last updated January 2026. Utility rates and policies change—verify current information at coautilities.com before move-in if you are serviced by Austin Energy.