Austin Power Partner EV Program FAQ

• Austin Energy’s Power Partner℠ EV program enhances power grid reliability for the community during peak hours, which occur when energy use dramatically increases, typically on days of extreme heat. In exchange for allowing Austin Energy to periodically delay or slow charging, eligible participants receive upfront and recurring incentives.

• With the EV program, you earn a $50 bill credit for enrolling your qualifying Level 2 charger and agreeing to let Austin Energy make minor adjustments to your charger’s energy use during periods of increased electric demand.

• Earn an annual $25 bill credit at the end of each year you remain enrolled.

• Power Partner events typically occur June 1 - September 30. Events last up to 4 hours between 2-7 p.m., excluding ERCOT emergencies. A maximum of 15 Power Partner events will occur per month (primarily during the summer season), excluding ERCOT emergencies. You can opt out of an event at any time by adjusting your charger back to its normal settings without penalty. If you have a ChargePoint charger, you will be notified before an event via the ChargePoint app.

See the chart below for eligible charging equipment and eligible EVs. Your charger must be installed and activated with internet connectivity prior to enrollment. Your Wi-Fi connection and EV charger(s) must be connected to your manufacturer’s account.

* Tesla vehicles are controlled during demand response events via the vehicle’s onboard computer, not by a charging station.

No, Tesla owners can enroll without a charger as their vehicles are controlled for demand response events via the onboard computer or telematics within the Tesla.

For more information about the charging equipment listed above, please visit the manufacturers’ websites. Customers must have one of the chargers listed above or a Tesla to be eligible for the Power Partner℠ EV program at this time, with additional makes and models potentially added later. Austin Energy offers a rebate for the purchase of eligible chargers, in addition to the Power Partner℠ EV program offering.

Austin Energy will provide email confirmation of your status in the program, typically within four weeks of applying.

Telematics and level 2 EV/SE are different methods of controlling an electric vehicle for demand response.

• Telematics are the onboard computer and communication system within a vehicle, and demand response via telematics sends a signal directly to the vehicle reduce or stop charging during a demand response event.

• Level 2 EV/SE for demand response utilizes control of the actual charger as the method to stop charging.

The $50 enrollment incentive will be issued in the form of an Austin Energy electric bill credit within 1-2 billing cycles after acceptance. For every year you remain in the program, you will receive an additional $25 credit.

You can find the program terms and conditions for the EV charger manufacturers here:

Depending on the manufacturer, notifications may appear before or at the start of the event in your web or mobile application.

At the start of an event, your charger will be automatically adjusted to delay the vehicle charging. The adjustment will typically last no more than four hours on weekdays excluding ERCOT emergencies. Once the event is over, your charger will return to its normal operation. You can opt out of an event at any time from your charger manufacturer’s mobile app without penalty.

Energy adjustment events will either slow or temporarily delay the vehicle charging for up to four hours.

Yes. At any time during an event, you can opt out from your charger manufacturer’s web or mobile app. You will not be penalized for opting out of an event.

Email us at AEpowerpartner@austinenergy.com.

Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to an adjustment. Austin Energy does not control event notifications, which are set by the manufacturer. For more information on notifications, please visit the manufacturer’s website.

Send an email to AEpowerpartner@austinenergy.com requesting to end your participation in the Power Partner℠ EV program.