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Austin Energy

Texas Utility Interconnection & net metering rules
Net Metering Allowed0
Supply Side Taps Allowed1
Line Taps Allowed1
Load Taps Allowed1
AC Disconnect RequiredYes

Net metering & export

Net Metering Allowed
0
TOU Utility
0
Post Solar Billing Method
Feed-in-Tariff
Solar Export Type
Fixed kWh
Solar Export Rate
0.0991
Solar Export Value Notes
link
Rebates Offered
1
Deregulated
1
Allows Standby
0

Interconnection & taps

Approval Req To Install
No
Interconnection Level
2
Supply Side Taps Allowed
1
Line Taps Allowed
1
Load Taps Allowed
1
Tap Criteria

Line Side Taps are prohibited on MLO or Hot Bus Panels that cannot Accept Main Breaker Kits, or when the Load Center Cover does not have a knockout for the main breaker

Automatic Transformer Upgrade Size
0

System size & offset

System Size Restrictions
0
System Size Restriction Type
No Restrictions
System Size Battery Included
0
System Size Includes Existing Systems
0
Offset Type
Percentage
Offset Value
110
Offset Calculation Basis
Historical
Offset Calculation Period
12
Industry Standard Watts Sqft
2
Utility Specific Adjustments

The Following items require a flag to the branch to repair:

  • Service Conduit broken
  • NEC Working Clearance
  • Meter Location
  • No Exterior Main SER/Rag Riser. <<< IMPORTANT

See Austin Energy Necessary Service Repairs file in the file section below for images.

Inverter Oversize Restrictions
1
Restriction Percent
115
System Size Justification
Load Justification
System Offset Notes

TSRF of the system must have average of 75% or above to comply with Austin Energy's rebate program.

Utility meter without housing will need to be upgraded

Minimum System Size: 3 kW-ac (3.6 kW-dc), or 2.5kW-ac (3kW-dc) if sized to meet at least 80% of annual consumption.

Maximum System Size: PV systems shall not be sized to produce more than 110% of the annual energy consumption of the connected load. This shall be determined based on historical usage for existing buildings or modeled consumption for new construction or alterations. System designs exceeding 110% of demonstrated consumption must include a letter of justification for the sizing

Offset Calc Tool
Utility Tool

Metering & disconnect

Production Meter Required
Yes
Production Meter Position
Inv-Disco-PM-POI
Production Meter Labeling
Production Meter
AC Disconnect Required
Yes
AC Disconnect Labeling
Visible Lockable Labeled Disconnect
Meter Spot Process

1. ESPA (Electric Service Planning Application) must be submitted through the Development Center (OSS, One-Stop-Shop)

2. Once Approved, Austin distribution will schedule a meter spot upon permit payment and release ($800)

3. Once Spot has been performed, we can schedule with Austin Distribution ) for DNR

Allowed Meter Adapter
Tesla Backup Switch

Plans & docs

Site Plan Reqs
  • The solar disconnect cannot be more than 10 feet from the line side tap (NFPA 70)
  • 2018 Fire Setbacks required (even if AHJ not required)
SLD Reqs
  • Anytime we repair/replace, it has to be a 200A minimum service. If we are just doing MPU then it can match with the existing service
  • AC disconnect and PV meter always need to be beside each other
  • Derate is not allowed
  • Production meter is REQUIRED - Meter housing MUST BE Austin Energy Meter Can and must be a minimum 200 amp bypass handle. (Eaton - UTH 5213 CCH OR Milbank U4801โ€XLโ€5T9)
  • Show AC Surge arrester (Tie-in MSP with 20A 2P)
  • Min size Ground is #6 for entire system, minimum conductor from inverter to POI is #6
  • NABCEP Certification number required along with staff's name
  • 60A AC Disconnect minimum
  • 2020 NEC enforced for emergency disconnect and surge protector
  • Main must be equal to or less than the meter sockets rating
  • SE digital stamps on corresponding PV pages and PE Letter/Calcs.

BATTERY JOBS

  • Austin Energy does not accept DC-Coupled battery systems
  • EE stamps required on battery projects.
  • If batteries increase potential system (solar+ storage) size to 50 KW or more, that must submit the DGPA to AE for review. Such systems pose significant risk to back-feed the grid. for future clarification,
  • Batteries must be fully charged at inspection.
  • If installing in a garage, UL listed heat detector or smoke alarm is required.
Electric Service Reqs
  • Anytime we repair/replace, it has to be a 200A minimum service. If we are just doing MPU then it can match with the existing service
  • No Load ST on auxiliary Subpanels.
  • Line ST must have a main breaker in the panel
  • Backfeed Breaker and LST should hit meter first, not disconnect
  • If line side tap needs to happen on side main breaker of the panel then please reach out to branch for clarification
  • DNR (Disconnect and Reconnect, Utility Shut Off) required if Underground Service Conduit is damaged.
  • Full-size Neutral required (can not be downsized)
  • Austin Energy does not allow anything to cover the meter including porches, or pergolas. If the Meter is underneath a porch or pergola, send to Electrical review for Meter relocation.
Install Reqs

2โ€ clearance around meter can

3' clearance from the front

Height of the PV Meter needs to be within 36" and 72" measure from grade to the center of the meter socket

Conduit entry into the PV Meter must utilize Pre-determine Knock-Out (Can not make own hole)

Roof Required >10 years of life remaining (No Waiver - ReRoof Only)

The solar meter can is installed right-side-up physically, but wired backward as compared to the utility meter.

Attic run conduit need to be FMC/EMT conduit (Must follow the structure of the Building both vertical and horizontal)

Meter can be mounted with steel or metal fastener (Can not be plastic)

No meter installation is required, only install the 200A Meter Can with bypass switch; AE will install the Meter

Placards

- A directory/plaque of all DG/DER sources including contact information shall be provided as per NEC Articles 690 and/or 705. - Reference also AE Design Criteria Manual 1.9.1.7. - Address #s 2โ€ high, black on white can be on the solar meter can, the main panel, OR AE meter - Need to have Red on White Arrow point to the direction of the Rapid Shutdown device. * The directory or plaque must be permanent - simple stick-on labels are not allowed. * A rapid shutdown label shall be installed in accordance with NEC Article 690. * The plaque must also include information on any standby systems or energy storage system.

Electrical Stamp Required
1
Electrical Diagram Notes

All Jobs [Type II surge arrestor to be installed in accordance with Austin Energy Interconnection Guide]

Rate Schedule Link
link
Website
link
Phone
(512) 494-9400

Other details

Restrict Inspection
0
Revision Required
1
Mod Swap Requires Planset
1
Address ID
108101
Express Planset Eligible
No
Compiled from public records, 2026. Tariffs and interconnection rules change; verify with Austin Energy before you rely on this. The useful move: if an installer says you need a main panel upgrade, ask how these tap and interconnection policies were considered first.