There is anger in Austin Texas over proposed electricity rate hikes by Austin Energy who provides service to over 400,000 homes and businesses in the area.   Although many parts of Texas such a Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston are deregulated,  the Austin electricity market is not among the deregulated parts of the state.  This has led some to push for electric choice in Austin as well.

Houston electricity rates have fallen by more than half since 2008 The same has happen everywhere else in Texas where there is deregulation.   There are dozens of electricity providers in Houston who compete to keep rates lower.   Austin Energy is proposing a 12% base rate hike in Austin.