As an expert in the energy industry, I am often asked about the service area of Austin Energy. With a service area covering approximately 437 square miles, it is no surprise that there is some confusion about which areas are covered by this utility company. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive overview of Austin Energy's service area, including the counties and cities it covers, as well as the services it offers to its customers. The majority of Austin Energy's service area falls within Travis County, with the remaining square miles belonging to Williamson County. This means that if you live in either of these counties, you are likely to receive services from Austin Energy.
However, it is important to note that approximately half of the service area is within the city limits of Austin. This means that residents of Austin and some surrounding areas can also benefit from the services provided by this utility company. If you are unsure whether your area is covered by Austin Energy, you can consult their online map or contact their design office for more information. The Austin Energy Design Criteria Manual is also available for free download online, providing guidelines and descriptions for the design and installation of electrical installations serviced by Austin Energy. For those who require underground service, it is important to note that the customer is responsible for all civil works on the Austin Energy facilities installed on their property. In case of any conflicts or discrepancies, the official manual filed with the Austin City Clerk's office will prevail. One important aspect of Austin Energy's service area is its solar systems.
If you have a solar system that is interconnected to the distribution system and located within their service area, it must be inspected by Austin Energy before it can be turned on. However, there are exemptions available for affordable housing developments certified by the City of Austin's SMART housing program. In such cases, the percentage discount on the cost of servicing a residential development will be equal to the percentage of affordable housing. The Austin Energy Design Criteria Manual also outlines the minimum technical and financial requirements for the safe integration of customer-owned energy production facilities with their power distribution system. For projects that require an Austin Energy design, charges for meters and service cables will be included in the total cost of the line extension.
Additionally, there are deposit exemptions available, and deposits are reimbursed with interest by the City of Austin Utilities under certain conditions.
