The single most urgent action Austin residents can take right now is to focus on Wastewater Averaging. The averaging period, which determines your sewer rate for the entire next year, runs from November through mid-March. By conserving water during these few months, you lock in a lower wastewater rate, resulting in substantial savings. To lower your wastewater average, immediately turn off sprinklers and irrigation systems. Additionally, fix any leaky faucets or toilets, take shorter showers, and only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
Major Financial Assistance and Discounts
Austin residents, particularly those with low or fixed incomes and seniors, can access significant direct utility bill savings. The Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers discounts averaging up to $1,092 annually for eligible customers, including Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI recipients, or households with income less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. You can apply by calling 512-494-9400 or visiting coautilities.com.
The Transportation User Fee (TUF) is included in every customer's monthly bill. Seniors 65+ are eligible for a FREE exemption, which saves them over $230 per year. Non-vehicle owners and vacant properties may also qualify. Eligible individuals must contact Austin Utilities to have this fee removed from their bill. Apply for the TUF exemption at austintexas.gov/TUF or email TUFExemptions@AustinTexas.gov.
Austin Energy Rebates and Incentives
Austin Energy provides numerous programs to help you reduce electricity consumption and upgrade equipment. The Smart Thermostat Programs offer immediate cash back: a $50 bill credit for enrolling an eligible thermostat in Power Partner, a $30 one-time rebate for the purchase, and $25 annually for continued enrollment—totaling $105 in the first year. For major purchases, rebates include $800 for an ENERGY STAR® Heat Pump Water Heater, an average of $500 for a new energy-efficient AC system, and $300 for an ENERGY STAR® variable-speed pool pump. Homes over 10 years old can access an average of $2,600 in rebates for Whole-Home Energy Improvements plus low-interest financing. Austin Energy also provides a $2,500 rebate for installing a qualifying solar system and offers Free Home Energy Improvements for eligible renters and homeowners.
Emergency Support and Payment Options
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, there are several resources available. The Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (TXHAF) can cover past-due utility balances and up to three months of future payments for electricity, water, and gas (up to a $10,000 utility maximum), and provides up to $65,000 total assistance for eligible homeowners who experienced pandemic-related hardship. Apply at TexasHomeownerAssistance.com or call 833-651-3874. The Plus 1 Fund offers emergency financial aid for customers having temporary problems paying bills. Local church and community organizations, like St. Austin's Outreach Program and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, also provide utility assistance.
For managing bills, use Budget Billing to smooth out seasonal spikes by averaging your monthly payment, and enroll in Autopay to avoid late fees. Log in to coautilities.com to use Online Usage Monitoring to compare your use to similar homes and set alerts. Customers with long-term critical illnesses can enroll in the Services for Medically Vulnerable registry for more time to pay and case management.
Bottom Line: Potential Savings
By utilizing these programs and tips, Austin residents have a total potential annual savings range between $1,687 and over $1,912, not including thousands more in one-time rebates for major appliance and solar installations. This is a critical opportunity to reduce household expenses.
