Austin ISD recognized with $2 million in energy efficiency initiatives from Austin Energy

May 4, 2026

Austin ISD knows that energy efficiency efforts add up. On April 30, Austin Energy presented a $2 million “check” to the school district recognizing its outstanding contributions to energy conservation over the last six years.

The amount represents a combined $2,089,357.89 in energy efficiency rebates and demand response incentives that Austin ISD earned from fiscal years 2020 through 2025. The district also reduced its annual demand by 6.4 MW, enough to power approximately 1,600 Texas homes during peak times.

Austin Energy’s demand response program calls on participating customers to reduce their energy usage during periods of high energy use on the electrical grid. This helps customers like Austin ISD control costs, lower energy prices overall and reduce strain on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid. The program generally runs during peak times in summer months.

As part of the program, Austin ISD reduces its electricity use for two hours on specific days and times, generally the hottest days during the summer months. At the end of the summer, they receive a payment from Austin Energy based on their energy reduction during these demand response times.

“Austin Energy is proud to recognize and commend Austin ISD for its steadfast commitment to fiscal and environmental stewardship," said Kerry Overton, Austin Energy deputy general manager and chief customer officer. “Austin ISD has long participated in the utility’s demand response and energy efficiency programs, supporting upgrades that improve student and teacher comfort while also lowering utility costs.”

Since enrolling in 2016, Austin ISD has consistently performed at the top of the utility’s Commercial Demand Response program. Together, dozens of participating schools are able to cut the district's average energy use during conservation events, earning the program's highest incentive amount year after year.

About Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Programs

Austin Energy is expanding demand response programs as part of its Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035. A key part of the plan is keeping Austin Energy’s electricity bills among the lowest in the state, so lowering peak demand helps stabilize community-wide bills. From a sustainability perspective, energy-efficient schools use less electricity, cutting carbon emissions and supporting the City’s march toward 100% carbon-free electricity as a percent of load by 2035.

For more information on how business and public entities can earn up to $76,000 per facility annually, visit AustinEnergy.com/CommercialRebates.