Keeping the Lights On: Navigating Power Outages in Texas

Hey there! Texas sure knows how to turn up the heat (and the chill)! When the power goes out, particularly when extreme temps are in play, it’s like the world hits pause and there’s a sudden rush to get things fixed.

Imagine a scorching summer day with no AC or a freezing winter night without heat – not fun, right? And it’s not just comfort at stake; it’s safety and health, especially for those relying on medical equipment or refrigeration for medications.

Here’s the deal: we need power, pronto!

But before you panic, let’s troubleshoot. Double-check that your area’s really in the dark. If your neighbors are all good, it might just be an oops moment (like forgetting to pay your bill – oopsie!). It might be a tripped breaker or issue you can address at your electrical box. If not, then you have a power outage that needs to be reported to the utility company. You can track outages through links or report your outage using the phone numbers provided.

Who Do I Call for a Power Outage in Texas?

So, who do you call in the Lone Star State when the lights go out?

You may think it’s your retail electricity provider – the company that sends you that pesky electric bill every month – but they’re not the company actually delivering your electricity. It’s the transmission and delivery provider, often referred to as a TDSP or TDU, that you need to contact. Think of them as the behind-the-scenes heroes – like ONCOR in Dallas or CenterPoint in Houston. They own and maintain the power lines and equipment, so they’re who you need to fix an outage.

You can check the map below to find out which TDSP services your area. No matter who your retail electricity provider is or how often you switch providers, your TDSP will stay the same. So it’s a good idea to keep their number handy – jot it down somewhere easy to find or save it in your phone. You can even bookmark their Outage Tracker. That way you’ll be ready for anything!

Remember, when the power’s out, knowing who to call and having that number ready to roll can be a total lifesaver. Stay cool (or warm), and here’s hoping the lights stay on!