Renewable Energy Credit Program

The Renewable Energy Credit Program (REC) allows customers to purchase energy that has metered and verified from renewable sources, including wind and solar power, and is Council Approved. This Council-approved  program that began May 1, 2021, represents one megawatt hour (MWh) of renewable energy. Purchasing a number of RECs that equal the number of MWh of energy used allows customers to power residences or businesses with 100% renewable energy. Renewable energy capacity has increased statewide since the Public Utility Commission of Texas established the REC Program in 1999. By 2010, Texas' renewable energy capacity increased by 10,000 MWh statewide, attributable to the program. 

Renewable Energy Credit Costs

REC's are a certifiable way to buy and sell renewable energy. Each REC is assigned a unique serial number, which guarantees that transactions can be tracked and recorded. 

SMTX Utilities - Electric purchases RECs through the Electric Reliability Council of Texas at market price. Fees are evaluated and adjusted periodically based on the market, and customers are only charged for the amount of energy used.   

Customers that choose to enroll in the Renewable Energy Credit Program will see a “Renewable Energy Adder” charge on their monthly bill. The additional $5/1,000 kWh charge covers all costs associated with RECs, including transaction and administrative fees for buying, tracking, recording, and retiring the credits. Customers that do not elect to enroll in the Renewable Energy Credit Program will not be charged for costs associated with the program. 

Enrolling in the Renewable Energy Credit Program

Electric Utility customers are invited to enroll in the Renewable Energy Credit Program by completing the form located here. Customers will opt-in for a period lasting one year. Prior to the end of their enrollment period, customers will be contacted with rates for the upcoming year and will be automatically re-enrolled unless they contact Utility Billing at 512-393-8383 or by email to opt out of the program.  

Following enrollment, new customers will see the “Renewable Energy Adder” charge at the beginning of their next billing cycle. Market prices for RECs may vary over time, however, customers will only be charged the price stated during sign-up or renewal despite market fluctuations.