Empower renews Texas ERS contract for six years
Empower renewed its six-year contract with the Employees Retirement System of Texas to administer the Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 retirement plans for 300,000 employees with $7B in AUA. The agreement, effective Jan. 1, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2032, continues a partnership established in 2009. Since then, 401(k) assets grew 88% and 457 assets doubled, while annual contributions increased significantly across both plans.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Empower has renewed its contract with the Employees Retirement System of Texas to administer the Texa$aver 401(k) and 457 retirement plans for approximately 300,000 employees with roughly $7B in assets under administration. The six-year contract, approved by the ERS Board of Trustees, is effective from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2032. This agreement extends a relationship that began in 2009, ensuring continued retirement plan administration for state agency and higher education employees.
The Texa$aver program, funded entirely by participants, has experienced substantial growth since Empower first assumed the administrator role. Assets in the 401(k) plan have grown by 88%, while assets in the 457 plan have more than doubled, increasing by 106%. Annual contributions have also risen, with 401(k) contributions increasing by nearly 45% and 457 contributions growing by over 30%.
Service and Support
Empower provides its My Total Retirement professionally managed investment and planning service to participants, offering personalized retirement strategies. The firm maintains a local presence in Austin, TX, with seven dedicated retirement plan advisors, including two Spanish-speaking representatives, serving over 200 state agencies and higher education institutions.
Historical Growth Metrics
| Metric | Growth Since 2009 |
|---|---|
| Texa$aver 401(k) plan assets | 88% |
| Texa$aver 457 plan assets | 106% |
| Annual 401(k) contributions | Nearly 45% |
| Annual 457 contributions | Over 30% |
ERS Executive Director Porter Wilson emphasized that the continued growth reflects active employee engagement in retirement security. He noted that the renewed partnership ensures high-quality administration at lower-than-average costs, providing employees with the necessary tools and guidance for confident retirement decisions.
Historical Stock Returns for Empower
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +4.13% | +20.11% | -7.72% | +62.14% | +62.14% | +62.14% |
How might Empower leverage this renewed contract to expand its presence in other state or municipal retirement plan markets?
What technological advancements or digital tools could Empower introduce during the new contract term to further enhance participant engagement?
Could the success of the Texa$aver program serve as a model for other states looking to improve retirement plan administration and participant outcomes?
































