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Your electricity in zip code 78135 is delivered by CPS Energy. This area is served by a regulated utility.
Residents in the 78135 zip code of New Braunfels, located in fast-growing Comal County, are served by CPS Energy — a regulated municipal utility operating within the San Antonio zone. Unlike many parts of Texas, 78135 is not part of the deregulated electricity market, which means residents cannot shop among competing retail electricity providers. Instead, CPS Energy sets and delivers power at a single regulated rate, currently averaging around 12.4¢/kWh as of March 2026. While choice is limited, understanding your utility structure, delivery charges, and available efficiency programs can still make a meaningful difference in your monthly energy costs across this growing community of over 90,000 residents.
The average electricity rate for 78135 New Braunfels customers sits at approximately 12.4¢/kWh in March 2026. Because CPS Energy is a regulated municipal utility, this rate is set through a structured rate-approval process rather than competitive market forces. There is no range of provider rates to compare — all customers in this zip code pay the same regulated tariff. That said, 12.4¢/kWh is broadly competitive when measured against the Texas statewide average, which has fluctuated between 12¢ and 15¢/kWh in recent months depending on the market zone. Comal County's median household income of $67,820 means energy costs represent a meaningful share of monthly budgets, making efficiency awareness especially important.
Because 78135 is a regulated, non-deregulated territory, traditional concepts like short-term vs. long-term electricity contracts do not apply. There are no fixed-rate or variable-rate retail plans to choose from. CPS Energy's tariff rates apply uniformly to all residential customers. However, CPS Energy does offer time-of-use (TOU) rate structures for eligible customers, which can reward those who shift high-consumption activities — like running dishwashers, laundry, or EV charging — to off-peak hours. Reviewing your current rate plan with CPS Energy directly is a worthwhile step for households looking to optimize costs.
Unlike neighboring areas served by ERCOT's deregulated grid, 78135 has no retail electricity competition. CPS Energy is the sole provider, and no third-party retail electric providers (REPs) such as Reliant, TXU Energy, Gexa Energy, or Green Mountain Energy operate in this territory. This is a key distinction from many other Texas zip codes. While competition is absent, CPS Energy does offer rebate programs, energy audits, and efficiency incentives that function as indirect cost-saving alternatives.
CPS Energy, headquartered in San Antonio, is one of the largest municipally owned utilities in the United States. As a vertically integrated utility, CPS Energy handles both the generation and delivery of electricity — meaning the wires, poles, and infrastructure are all under one umbrella. There is no separate TDSP delivery charge layered on top of a retail rate, as you would see in deregulated ERCOT zones. Your bill from CPS Energy reflects the full cost of electricity service. Switching providers is not an option, but customers can contact CPS Energy directly to review rate plan eligibility, demand response programs, and rebate opportunities.
Nearby New Braunfels zip codes — including 78130, 78131, 78132, and 78133 — share similar utility characteristics, as much of the greater New Braunfels area falls under regulated utility service. Comal County's rapid population growth has placed increasing demand on local infrastructure, which CPS Energy continues to expand. Compared to fully deregulated Texas cities like Houston or Dallas, where competitive rates can dip below 10¢/kWh during promotional periods, 78135 residents have less flexibility — but also less rate volatility. Spring months like March typically bring moderate demand, offering a good window to audit home energy use before the high-consumption summer season arrives.
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.
Zip code 78135 is served by CPS Energy, a regulated municipal utility not part of Texas's deregulated ERCOT market. This means the state has not opened this territory to retail electricity competition, so CPS Energy remains the sole provider.
The average electricity rate in 78135 New Braunfels is approximately 12.4¢/kWh in March 2026. This regulated rate is set by CPS Energy and applies uniformly to all residential customers in the area.
At 12.4¢/kWh, CPS Energy's rate is broadly competitive. Deregulated markets like Houston can see promotional rates below 10¢/kWh, but those rates can also spike with market volatility — regulated customers in 78135 enjoy more pricing stability.
Yes. CPS Energy offers rebate programs, home energy audits, and time-of-use rate options that can reduce your bill. Upgrading insulation, using smart thermostats, and shifting usage to off-peak hours are all effective strategies.
CPS Energy handles both electricity generation and delivery in 78135. Unlike deregulated zones where a separate TDSP manages wires and poles, CPS Energy is a vertically integrated utility managing the full service from generation to your meter.
Yes. Neighboring zip codes 78130, 78131, 78132, and 78133 in New Braunfels are similarly served by regulated utilities. Residents across greater New Braunfels generally do not have access to competitive retail electricity markets.