Consumers are pushing back as Austin electricity provider Austin Energy seeks an increase in the base electricity rate charged to Austin area consumers.

Unlike elsewhere in Texas, customers of Austin Energy don’t have a choice in electric providers. The rate hike is meeting opposition from many who are asking why rates in Austin are going up while electricity rates in Texas have been going down substantially in deregulated areas.

Many Austin Energy customers who live outside of the city are also asking why they are subsidizing the city of Austin who receives payment from Austin Energy for non-energy related expenses.