Enter your zip code to instantly unlock exclusive Texas energy plans.
Your electricity in zip code 78130 is delivered by CPS Energy. This area is served by a regulated utility.
Residents in zip code 78130 in New Braunfels, Comal County, are served by New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), a municipally owned electric utility. Unlike much of Texas, this area is not part of the deregulated electricity market, meaning residents cannot choose an alternative retail electricity provider. NBU sets rates directly, with the current average sitting at approximately 12.4¢/kWh as of March 2026. With a city population of over 90,000 and a median household income of $67,820, understanding how to manage your electricity costs within a regulated framework is especially important. While provider shopping isn't an option here, there are still meaningful ways to reduce your monthly bill through efficiency strategies and smart usage habits.
As of March 2026, New Braunfels 78130 residents pay an average rate of approximately 12.4¢ per kilowatt-hour through New Braunfels Utilities (NBU). This rate is set by the municipal utility and applies uniformly across the service territory — there is no rate shopping or plan selection available to residential customers. The 12.4¢/kWh average is competitive relative to many Texas deregulated markets, where rates can fluctuate significantly based on market conditions, contract terms, and provider pricing strategies. However, because NBU is a nonprofit municipal utility, rate stability tends to be a key benefit for 78130 households.
Because 78130 is served by a regulated municipal utility, the concept of short-term versus long-term electricity contracts does not apply here. NBU customers are automatically on the utility's standard residential rate schedule — there are no fixed-rate, variable-rate, or prepaid plan options from competing retail providers. This is a meaningful distinction from deregulated Texas zip codes where consumers must actively manage contract renewals. For 78130 residents, the focus should instead be on NBU's own programs, including any available budget billing options, energy efficiency rebates, or time-of-use incentives the utility may offer.
Zip code 78130 has no retail electricity competition. New Braunfels Utilities is the sole provider, and customers cannot switch to alternative providers such as Reliant, TXU Energy, Green Mountain Energy, or Gexa Energy — all of which operate in nearby deregulated markets. NBU's municipal structure means the utility is accountable to city residents rather than shareholders, which historically supports more stable, community-focused pricing. Residents who want to reduce costs should contact NBU directly to explore available programs.
While New Braunfels Utilities manages billing and power supply for 78130, the physical delivery infrastructure in parts of this territory interfaces with the broader CPS Energy zone covering the San Antonio region. Delivery charges — covering the poles, wires, and grid maintenance — are regulated and built into your NBU bill. You will not see a separate TDSP line item the way deregulated customers do, as NBU bundles generation and delivery costs into a single rate.
Neighboring New Braunfels zip codes — 78131, 78132, 78133, and 78135 — are also served by NBU or fall within similarly regulated utility territories, meaning rate shopping between zip codes within New Braunfels is generally not productive. However, residents near the edges of Comal County who are considering relocation or business siting should be aware that some surrounding areas may fall within deregulated ERCOT territory, where competitive rates could be available. Spring and summer months drive peak demand in the New Braunfels area due to the region's rapid population growth and hot Central Texas climate, which can influence future rate adjustments by NBU.
Contact NBU directly at nbutexas.com to ask about their Home Energy Efficiency Program. Municipal utilities often offer free or discounted energy audits that identify insulation gaps, duct leaks, and appliance inefficiencies — improvements that can trim 10–20% off your annual bill.
New Braunfels summers routinely exceed 95°F from late June through August, driving air conditioning to account for over half of most households' energy use. Program your thermostat to 78°F during peak hours (2–7 PM) and pre-cool your home in the morning when grid demand — and often rates — are lower.
The Hill Country's dramatic temperature swings between day and night, especially in spring and fall, make natural ventilation a practical strategy. Open windows during evening hours when temperatures drop into the 60s and 70s to reduce overnight cooling loads before the next day's heat builds.
If you own your home in New Braunfels, investing in a cool-roof coating or attic radiant barrier is especially effective in the intense Central Texas sun. These upgrades can reduce attic temperatures by up to 30°F, easing the load on your AC unit and extending its operational lifespan significantly.
No. Zip code 78130 is served exclusively by New Braunfels Utilities (NBU), a municipal utility. Residents cannot select an alternative retail electricity provider as this area is not part of Texas's deregulated electricity market.
The average residential electricity rate in 78130 is approximately 12.4¢ per kilowatt-hour as of March 2026, set by New Braunfels Utilities. This rate includes both generation and delivery costs bundled into a single charge.
Usage differences — including home size, insulation quality, HVAC efficiency, and appliance age — are the primary drivers. NBU charges the same rate per kWh to all residential customers, so higher consumption directly translates to a higher bill.
At 12.4¢/kWh, NBU's rate is reasonably competitive. Deregulated Texas markets can offer rates ranging from under 10¢ to over 16¢/kWh depending on contract terms and market conditions, so NBU's municipal rate sits near the middle of that range.
CPS Energy provides grid infrastructure in the broader San Antonio zone, but New Braunfels Utilities manages billing and power supply for 78130 customers. Your bill comes from NBU, which bundles delivery and generation into one rate.
NBU offers energy efficiency rebates, budget billing, and conservation programs for residential customers. Contact NBU directly or visit their official website to explore current offerings that can help lower your monthly electricity expenses.