After more than a year of engaging with stakeholders, analyzing costs, and conducting independent studies on its overhead and underground electrical distribution systems, Austin Energy has announced its Electric System Resiliency Plan (ESRP). The plan is designed to create a stronger, smarter, and more reliable electric grid for the city.
The ESRP aims to make the grid more resilient against extreme weather events and other disruptions. It also focuses on improving recovery times after outages and adapting to future challenges. Key elements of the plan include strengthening existing infrastructure, enhancing the grid’s ability to support Distributed Energy Resources such as solar panels and batteries, continuing vegetation management efforts, and upgrading equipment.
“Compared to statewide averages, Austin Energy’s system is at least twice as reliable, but there’s always room for improvement,” said General Manager Stuart Reilly. “Austin Energy’s resiliency efforts will go toward building an even more reliable electric system for our community.”
The utility plans to use data-driven methods to target investments where they will have the greatest effect. The strategy prioritizes helping as many customers as possible in a short time frame by focusing on vegetation management and wildfire mitigation.
For 2026, Austin Energy’s priorities under the ESRP include several targeted improvements. The initial budget forecast for implementing these improvements over ten years totals $735 million. For fiscal year 2026 specifically, $60 million has been allocated in the approved budget for expenses related to the ESRP.
Austin Energy describes the ESRP as a flexible strategy that will evolve with changing conditions and challenges while maintaining focus on targeted upgrades and reliability. The utility reaffirms its longstanding mission: delivering safe, clean, affordable energy along with exceptional service—a commitment it intends to uphold well into the future through this new plan.
