Funded through December 31, 2026 First-Come First-Served

Austin Energy EV Charger Rebate 2026: 50% Back Up to $1,200

Austin Energy pays 50% of your combined charger purchase and installation cost up to $1,200 for OCPP-compatible chargers or $900 for standard models. This is the most generous residential EV charger rebate in Texas and one of the best in the South. The program runs through December 31, 2026 on a first-come first-served basis. Stack it with the federal 30% credit for maximum savings.

50%
Of total charger and install cost
$1,200
Maximum OCPP rebate
Dec 31
2026 program deadline
$900
Maximum non-OCPP rebate

Why Austin Energy Has the Best EV Rebate in Texas

Austin Energy is a community-owned municipal electric utility that serves the City of Austin and portions of Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. Unlike investor-owned utilities whose rebate programs are designed to satisfy regulatory requirements while managing costs, Austin Energy's rebate reflects the City of Austin's genuine commitment to clean transportation and grid management. Austin consistently ranks among the most progressive US cities on environmental policy and Austin Energy's 50 percent rebate unique in Texas is the direct result of that policy commitment.

No other major Texas utility comes close. CenterPoint Energy in Houston offers no residential EV charger rebate. Oncor in Dallas and the surrounding area offers no residential rebate. AEP Texas offers no residential rebate. El Paso Electric offers a small $125 credit. Austin Energy's 50 percent rebate covering up to $1,200 stands entirely alone in the Texas market. If you live within Austin Energy's service territory you have access to an incentive that simply does not exist anywhere else in the state.

Austin Energy Rebate Calculator Real Dollars by Installation Scenario

See exactly what Austin Energy pays and what you owe after stacking all available incentives

Simple install garage adjacent to panel
Total project: $1,400
Austin Energy (50%)
$700
Federal 30% credit
$210
Your net cost
$490
You pay $490 out of pocket 65% covered by incentives
Standard install typical Austin home
Total project: $2,000
Austin Energy (50%)
$1,000
Federal 30% credit
$300
Your net cost
$700
You pay $700 out of pocket 65% covered by incentives
Maximum rebate scenario
Total project: $2,400+
Austin Energy (max cap)
$1,200
Federal 30% credit
$360
Your net cost
$840
You pay $840 out of pocket on a $2,400 install 65% covered

OCPP vs Non-OCPP: Which Rebate Should You Choose?

Austin Energy differentiates between OCPP-compatible smart chargers and standard models. OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol, an open communication standard that allows Austin Energy to manage grid load by adjusting charging speeds during peak demand periods. In exchange for allowing this occasional load management Austin Energy pays the higher $1,200 rebate versus $900 for standard chargers.

Standard Rebate
$900
Non-OCPP Standard Charger
  • Tesla Wall Connector (proprietary protocol)
  • Basic Level 2 chargers without WiFi
  • Chargers not on Austin Energy approved list
  • Still requires dedicated 240V circuit
  • Must be UL, ETL, or cETL listed
  • New unit only not used or refurbished

For most Austin homeowners the OCPP-compatible charger is the better financial choice. The $300 difference in rebate amount is significant and most OCPP chargers cost similar amounts to non-OCPP models. The load management agreement with Austin Energy is not invasive it allows Austin Energy to reduce charging speed during occasional grid stress events, which in practice affects your charging so minimally that most owners never notice.

How to Claim Your Austin Energy Rebate

The Austin Energy rebate is applied after installation is complete. First-come first-served apply as soon as installation is done.

1
Get Free Quotes
Request quotes from licensed Texas TECL electricians who know Austin Energy's permit and documentation requirements.
2
Install and Permit
Your electrician installs the charger and pulls the required City of Austin electrical permit for hardwired units.
3
Apply Online
Submit your rebate application at austinenergy.com after installation is complete with your permit, invoice, and charger details.

Funding is first-come first-served. Apply before December 31, 2026.

Get Free Austin Quotes

Important: A City of Austin electrical permit is required for hardwired charger installations. A licensed Texas TECL electrician must perform all installation work. DIY installations do not qualify. One rebate per EV purchase or lease.

Austin Energy pays 50 percent of the combined cost of your Level 2 EV charger purchase and installation labor. The maximum rebate is $1,200 for OCPP-compatible smart chargers and $900 for non-OCPP standard chargers. The program is funded through December 31, 2026 on a first-come first-served basis. A City of Austin electrical permit is required for hardwired installations and work must be performed by a licensed Texas TECL electrician. One rebate is allowed per EV purchase or lease.
OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol, an open standard for EV charger communication. Austin Energy pays the higher $1,200 rebate for OCPP-compatible chargers because these allow Austin Energy to manage grid load by occasionally adjusting charging speeds during peak demand. In exchange for this load management capability Austin Energy rewards customers with the higher rebate. Popular OCPP-compatible chargers include the ChargePoint Home Flex, JuiceBox 40, JuiceBox 48, and Wallbox Pulsar Plus. Check Austin Energy's approved charger list before purchasing to confirm your model qualifies for the $1,200 tier.
Yes. The Austin Energy rebate and the federal 30 percent Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit can generally be combined. For a $2,400 installation Austin Energy pays $1,200 and the federal credit covers 30 percent of eligible remaining costs. Combined incentives for a standard Austin installation can offset 65 percent or more of total project costs. The federal credit expires June 30, 2026 so completing installation before that date maximizes combined savings. A tax professional can confirm the correct calculation for your specific tax situation.
Austin Energy serves the City of Austin and portions of Travis, Williamson, and Hays counties. Most Austin city addresses are served by Austin Energy. However some areas of greater Austin are served by Pedernales Electric Cooperative, Oncor, or other utilities. Check your electricity bill to confirm Austin Energy serves your specific address. Only Austin Energy customers qualify for this rebate Oncor and other utility customers do not. See our Austin EV charger installation page for more details on local installer information and rebate guidance.

Claim Your Austin Energy 50% Rebate Before Funding Runs Out

First-come first-served through December 31, 2026. Free quotes from certified Austin installers in 24 hours.

Get Free Austin Quotes