GreenChoice® Renewable Energy

FAQs

GreenChoice® - Frequently Asked Questions

Launched in 2001, GreenChoice is the longest-running voluntary renewable energy program in Texas. Customers can subscribe to 100% clean Texas renewable generation from Austin Energy’s wind and solar portfolio.

  • How do I sign up for GreenChoice?
    You can request to enroll by completing our short webpage form or by calling Customer Care at 512-494-9400. Your subscription will appear on your next billing cycle.
  • What is renewable energy?

    Renewable energy is generated from natural resources like sunlight, wind and heat from the earth. These sources are naturally replenished. Texas produces the most wind power in the nation.* Learn more about Austin Energy's commitment to the environment.

    *Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration 

  • Where does Austin Energy get its wind and solar energy?

    Austin Energy's renewable energy comes from wind and solar farms across Texas.  

    Map of 10 Texas wind farms used by Austin Energy 2022

    Wind Generators

    1. Jumbo Road — 300 MW
    2. Whirlwind — 60 MW
    3. Hackberry — 165 MW
    4. Karankawa — 206 MW
    5. Whitetail — 92 MW
    6. Gulf — 170 MW
    7. Los Vientos 2 — 200 MW
    8. Los Vientos 3 — 200 MW
    9. Los Vientos 4 — 200 MW
    10. Raymond — 200 MW

    Solar Generators

    1. Webberville
    2. 12. Roserock – 157 MW
    3.  East Pecos (Bootleg) – 118 MW
    4. Upton County – 157 MW
    5. Waymark – 178 MW
    6. East Blacklands – 144 MW
    7. Aragon – 180 MW
  • What is the GreenChoice program?
    Austin Energy’s GreenChoice lets you choose 100% Texas wind and solar energy for your home or business. When you subscribe, Austin Energy buys renewable energy equal to the amount of electricity you use.
  • How does GreenChoice fit with other Austin Energy programs?
    GreenChoice is one of several ways to support clean energy. You can also explore on-site solar, community solar, and electric vehicle charging programs to extend your renewable impact.
  • Why should I subscribe to GreenChoice?
    Subscribing to GreenChoice helps reduce air pollution and conserve water by relying less on fossil fuels. Your subscription supports clean energy projects across Texas and helps build a more sustainable future.
  • If I sign up for GreenChoice, how much of the energy comes from solar and how much comes from wind?
    The percentages of solar and wind energy allocated to GreenChoice subscribers will be approximately proportional to that generated by Austin Energy's overall energy portfolio for the previous fiscal year. For example, in Fiscal Year 2024 (October 2023 - October 2024), 32% of utility generation was from wind and 14% was from solar. Scaling up these values to a 100% renewable GreenChoice subscriber, the utility would cover about 70% of customer usage with wind and about 30% with solar energy.
  • If I sign up will my home or business receive electricity generated from renewable energy?

    Electricity generated by wind and solar is not directed to a specific home or business. Renewable generation will continue to be obtained through the utility’s usual energy portfolio.

    However, Austin Energy ensures enough wind and solar energy is purchased to match 100% of subscriber usage. While renewable energy enters the electric system daily, renewable generation is allocated to match subscriber consumption on a quarterly basis.  

    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 set by the Center of Resource Solutions.

    Find out more information about Green-e Energy

  • Where do GreenChoice funds go?
    Your GreenChoice payment helps Austin Energy continually invest in renewable energy, as outlined in the Resource, Generation and Climate Protection Plan to 2035.  The Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) applied to your account are removed from all other customers’ totals, ensuring fair and accurate accounting.
  • How does subscribing to GreenChoice affect my carbon footprint?
    Energy usage billed at GreenChoice rates may claim zero emissions. This typically covers 100% of a subscriber's energy consumption.
  • What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?

    A Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC, represents one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity added to the grid. Each year, Austin Energy applies RECs to the amount of energy you use and retires them. This ensures no one else can claim your renewable energy.

    GreenChoice is audited and certified every year by Green-e Energy®. It verifies that GreenChoice meets strict environmental and consumer protection standards set by the Center for Resource Solutions. 

  • 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).
  • What happens if renewable energy costs go down?
    GreenChoice rates are reviewed regularly. As a public power utility, Austin Energy makes sure that cost savings benefit all customers.
  • Will my Power Supply Adjustment (PSA) charge change?
    Your PSA charge reflects the cost of generating and delivering energy to customers, and will remain the same. GreenChoice applies your renewable portion separately to keep billing transparent and fair for all customers.
  • Will GreenChoice participation affect my electric service?
    No. GreenChoice participation does not change your electric service or reliability.
  • Do I need special equipment? (e.g. Wi-Fi thermostat or extra meter)?
    No. You do not need any special equipment or technology to subscribe to GreenChoice.
  • Can I cancel?

    Yes. Residential and commercial subscribers without a contract can unsubscribe at any time. Austin Energy requires two billing cycles to process a cancellation. Customers can also resubscribe to GreenChoice during the next calendar year. Subscriptions are not transferable from customer to customer.

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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: 01/02/2026