Austin Energy

The city has experienced ice storms in the past, but this week's wrecked local power lines like never before. Austin's tree-trimming policy and climate change played a big role.

Throughout the winter storm and power outages, the City of Austin has come under fire for a lack of sufficient communication. Mayor Kirk Watson began Friday’s press conference by apologizing.

Austin Energy crews have been dealing with frozen tree limbs — and even whole trees — tangled in the power lines.

About 265,000 Austin Energy customers lost power during this week's winter storm, as ice-laden trees and branches toppled power lines across the city.

As of Friday morning, more than 120,000 Austin Energy customers are still without power. The utility no longer has an estimate for when power will return.

Austin Water and Austin Energy have hundreds of kits that residents can pick up at customer service centers in North, East and South Austin.

Austin City Council on Thursday approved new Austin Energy rates that will increase customers’ bills by roughly $9 a month.

The public utility's souped up incentives program is unrelated to a jump in energy bills.

High production costs, a glut of new customers and (ironically) energy efficiency are to blame for a hike in Austin Energy bills.

Bills initially were expected to go up $20 for the average customer. The city will use the utility's reserves to cover some of the "pass-through" charges over three years so customers aren't stuck with the entire cost.