Electric Service Design & Planning

If you design electrical facilities in the Austin Energy service area, follow our criteria and guidelines to ensure your facilities are built properly.

You must submit this application to obtain a permit. It is also used by the design team to determine your power requirements.

Learn more about submitting an ESPA

The Austin Energy Design Criteria Manual provides criteria, guidelines, definitions, and descriptions for the design and installation of electric facilities that will be served by Austin Energy.

You can download the online version of the Austin Energy Design Criteria manual for free.

Download a free copy of the Austin Energy Design Criteria Manual (pdf)

We make every effort to be accurate in the online design criteria manual. In case of conflict, the official manual on file with the Austin City Clerk's office takes precedence.

Please refer to our one-line diagram that depicts the general path to obtain electric power to a site or to relocate or remove Austin Energy electrical infrastructure.

Download the general path diagram for design and construction of Austin Energy infrastructure (pdf)

This guide outlines the process for connecting a distributed generation facility. It also defines the minimum technical and financial requirements for safe integration of customer-owned power production facilities with the Austin Energy Distribution System.

Solar systems that are interconnected to the distribution system and in the Austin Energy service area require a passing inspection from Austin Energy before they can be turned on. Our inspectors are also available for on-site consultation prior to solar installation.

Are you a solar installer? Request a solar installation inspection

For underground service, the customer must perform all the civil work for the Austin Energy facilities installed on the customer's property. 100% of the estimated cost is paid by the requesting party; civil work is completed by the customer.

Download Service and Meter Charges (pdf)

A waiver shall be applied such that the percent discount off of the cost to provide service to a residential development is equal to the percent of affordable housing (%CIAC Discount = %Affordable Housing), with the percentage of affordable housing being as stated on the City of Austin SMART Housing Certification.

For residential services where an Austin Energy design is not required, One-Stop will charge the following:

For projects where an Austin Energy Design is required, Austin Energy's meter and service wire charges will be included in the total line extension cost.

If you have questions about our design criteria, purchasing specifications, or construction standards, contact one of our offices of Distribution Engineering listed below.

AE Distribution Standards Email: AE Distribution Standards 512-505-7500

AE Design South - St. Elmo Service Center 4411-B Meinardus Drive (South of 969/MLK/Windsor Rd.) 512-505-7682

AE Design North - Kramer Lane Service Center 2412 Kramer Lane, Bldg. C (North of 969/MLK/Windsor Rd.) 512-505-7181

AE Network Design - Downtown 4411-B Meinardus Drive 512-505-7682

If you are unsure which Design office to contact, view the Austin Energy Service Territory Map (pdf) to determine which office supports your service area.

For payment assistance with the AB+C portal, please visit City of Austin Contractor and Trade Permits.

Have Feedback for the Distribution Design Team? Complete our Distribution Design Customer Survey