GreenChoice® Wind Energy

FAQs

GreenChoice® - Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is renewable energy?

    Renewable energy is generated from natural resources—sunlight, wind, tides, and geothermal heat. Texas produces the most wind power of any U.S. State, In fact, only four countries have more wind power than Texas!* Learn more about Austin Energy's commitment to the environment.

    *Source: American Wind Energy Association State Fact Sheet for Texas

  • What is the GreenChoice program?

    When you subscribe to GreenChoice, you are choosing to support renewable energy. Austin Energy purchases Texas wind to match 100% of your usage. 

  • Why should I subscribe to GreenChoice?
    Subscribing means that Austin Energy allocates wind energy to meet your electrical needs. Relying less on fossil fuels means less air pollution and less water wasted. That's especially important in drought-prone Texas. Your subscription also supports Austin’s South and West Texas wind farms.
  • How does subscribing to GreenChoice affect my carbon footprint?
    Energy usage billed at GreenChoice rates has zero emissions. This typically covers 100% of a subscriber's energy consumption.
  • If I sign up will my home or business receive electricity generated from renewable energy?
    Subscribers contribute to the generation of clean, renewable power. Wind energy is purchased to match 100% of subscriber usage. This wind energy enters the electric system daily. Energy from Austin Energy’s renewable generators is allocated to GreenChoice participants. Electricity generated by wind is not directed to a specific home or business.

    GreenChoice® is the longest-running voluntary renewable energy program in Texas and is Green-e Energy® certified. It meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards the Center for Resource Solutions set.

    Find out more information about Green-e Energy

  • Where does Austin Energy support wind farms in Texas?

    Austin Energy's wind energy investments impact Texas from Far West to the Gulf Coast. GreenChoice wind farm locations are shown on the map and key below.  

    Map of 10 Texas wind farms used by Austin Energy 2022

    Generation outputs for each location are in megawatts (MW).

    Northwest Texas

    1. Jumbo Road — 300 MW
    2. Whirlwind — 60 MW
    3. Hackberry — 165 MW

    South Texas

    1. Karankawa — 206 MW
    2. Whitetail — 92 MW
    3. Gulf — 170 MW
    4. Los Vientos 2 — 200 MW
    5. Los Vientos 3 — 200 MW
    6. Los Vientos 4 — 200 MW
    7. Raymond — 200 MW

     

  • How will subscribing to GreenChoice affect my bill?
    The GreenChoice charge adds about $7.50 to a residential customer’s monthly bill (based on 1,000 kWh usage).
  • If I sign up for the program, may I later decide to cancel?

    Residential and commercial subscribers who do not have a contract can unsubscribe at any time. Austin Energy requires two billing cycles to cancel a subscription. Customers can also resubscribe to GreenChoice during the next calendar year. Subscriptions are not transferable from customer to customer.

Expand All

GreenChoice Energy Is Green-e ®  Energy Certified

 

GreenChoice is Green-e Energy certified and meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards set forth by the nonprofit Center for Resource Solutions. Learn more at www.green-e.org.

Date last reviewed or modified: 06/29/2023