Report a Power Outage

Quick Steps, Utility Contacts, and Safety Tips for Texans During Power Outages

Report a Power Outage in Your Area

To report a power outage in Texas, contact your local utility company’s dedicated outage reporting number.

How to Report a Power Outage

Power outages can be frustrating and disruptive, but reporting them promptly helps utility companies respond faster and restore electricity quicker.

In Texas, the process for reporting outages depends on your local Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU). Here’s how to report a power outage in Texas.

Identify Your Utility Provider

The first step is to identify your local TDU. In Texas, the major utility companies include:

Your TDU is responsible for the power lines and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your home.

This differs from your retail electric provider, the company you pay for your electricity usage.

Common Causes of Power Outages

Outages can occur due to various reasons, including:

  • Severe weather (storms, high winds)
  • Trees falling on power lines
  • Vehicle accidents hitting utility poles
  • Animals causing disruptions in electric system facilities
  • Scheduled maintenance by power companies

Gather Essential Information

Before reporting, have the following information ready:

  • The exact service address affected by the outage
  • When the outage started
  • Any relevant details (e.g., heard a loud noise, saw a flash, downed power lines, etc.)

Report the Outage

Once you’ve identified your TDU, you can report the outage through several methods:

Phone or Online: Call your TDU’s dedicated outage reporting number. Most TDUs also have online outage reporting forms on their websites.

Oncor

CenterPoint Energy

AEP Texas

Texas-New Mexico Power

Lubbock Power & Light

Utilize Outage Tools and Resources

  • Check outage status: Input your address on the provider’s website to track the progress of repair efforts.
  • Access outage maps: Use interactive maps to understand the scale of an outage and monitor restoration progress.
  • Understand restoration times: Utility companies prioritize repairs based on severity and impact.
  • Subscribe to outage alerts: Sign up for text or email alerts to receive real-time updates.

Report Safety Hazards and Emergencies

  • For immediate dangers like downed power lines or electrical fires, call 911 first, then contact your utility provider.
  • For gas leaks, evacuate the area immediately, call 911, and then contact your utility provider.
  • Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines.

Stay Safe During an Outage

  • Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent fire hazards
  • Keep electronic devices unplugged
  • Keep refrigerator doors closed to preserve food
  • Use generators only in well-ventilated outdoor areas

Tips for Effective Reporting

  • Report both complete and intermittent power issues promptly
  • Provide accurate location details for faster response
  • Communicate clearly with customer service representatives using all available channels (phone, online, text)
  • If an outage persists after being marked as resolved, report it again

Be Prepared for Future Outages

  • Keep emergency supplies on hand
  • Consider purchasing a backup generator
  • Have a plan for medical equipment that requires electricity
  • Keep your TDU’s contact information easily accessible

Stay Prepared and Informed

Power outages can happen anytime, but being prepared and knowing how to report them quickly can make a big difference.

Follow these steps and stay informed through your TDU’s resources.

Remember, your safety always comes first during any electrical emergency.

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at your utility company.

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