FAQs

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

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

When you subscribe, you make a lasting contribution to Austin's quality of life. You also take a leadership role in moving Austin toward its goal of 100% carbon free energy by 2035.

Subscribing means that wind energy meets your electricity needs instead of gas or coal. 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 growth of the renewable energy industry in Texas.

Energy usage billed at GreenChoice rates has zero emissions. This typically covers 100% of a subscriber's energy consumption.

GreenChoice® is the longest-running voluntary renewable energy program in Texas.

GreenChoice subscribers add clean energy to Austin's grid. Wind energy is purchased to match 100% of subscriber usage. This wind energy enters the electric system daily. Electricity generated by wind is not directed to a specific home or business. Each subscriber reduces our reliance on fossil fuels.

GreenChoice is Green-e Energy® certified. It meets the environmental and consumer-protection standards the Center for Resource Solutions set. Subscribers contribute to the generation of clean, renewable power.

Find out more information about Green-e Energy

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.  

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

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

 

The GreenChoice SmartCents charge is $0.0075 (3/4 of one penny) per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This charge adds about $7.50 to a residential customer’s monthly bill (based on 1,000 kWh usage) to support clean Texas wind.

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.

The Energizer and Patron subscriptions for commercial customers require contracts. The Patron option is currently under review. Check back for details about how to become a Patron.