What to Do During a Power Outage in Texas

When the Power Goes Out

Power outages in Texas happen for many reasons: thunderstorms, high winds, car accidents that hit utility poles, equipment failures, or in rare cases, grid-wide emergencies. Knowing what to do and who to call makes the experience less stressful and helps get your power back faster.

Step 1: Check If It Is Just Your Home

Before calling anyone, check whether the outage is limited to your home or affects your neighborhood:

• Look outside. Are your neighbors’ lights on? Are streetlights working?
• Check your breaker panel. A tripped breaker or blown fuse can cut power to part or all of your home. If a main breaker has tripped, flip it back on. If it trips again immediately, you may have an electrical problem — call an electrician, not your TDU.
• Check for a TDU notice. Your TDU may have scheduled maintenance in your area. They are required to notify you in advance for planned outages.

Step 2: Report the Outage to Your TDU

Your TDU (Transmission and Distribution Utility) is responsible for power restoration, not your REP (Retail Electric Provider). Here is who to call:

TDU	Phone	Online Outage Tracker
Oncor	1-888-313-4747	oncor.com
CenterPoint Energy	1-800-332-7143	centerpointenergy.com
AEP Texas	1-866-223-8508	aeptexas.com
Texas-New Mexico Power	1-888-866-7456	tnmp.com

Reporting your outage matters even if your neighbors have already reported theirs. TDUs use the volume and location of reports to map the outage, identify damaged equipment, and dispatch crews efficiently.

Step 3: Stay Safe

Food safety. A refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. A full freezer holds temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if half full). If the outage lasts longer, perishable food above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 2 hours should be discarded.

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never run a gas generator, charcoal grill, or camp stove inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Generators should be at least 20 feet from any door, window, or vent.

Stay cool (or warm). During summer outages, go to a public cooling center if your home becomes dangerously hot. During winter outages, layer clothing, seal drafts, and gather in one room to conserve body heat.

Protect electronics. Unplug sensitive electronics like computers and TVs. When power is restored, voltage surges can damage equipment. Plug them back in after power has been stable for a few minutes, or use surge protectors.

TDU vs. REP: Who Does What During an Outage

This is one of the most common points of confusion:

Your TDU handles:

• Power restoration
• Downed power lines
• Damaged transformers and poles
• Meter issues
• Outage tracking and crew dispatch

Your REP handles:

• Billing questions
• Plan changes
• Account management
• Payment arrangements

Calling your REP during an outage will not speed up restoration. They will direct you to your TDU.

How to Prepare Before an Outage

The best time to prepare is before you need to:

1. Build a basic kit. Flashlights (not candles), batteries, a portable phone charger, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks.
2. Know your TDU’s number. Save it in your phone so you can call even when the internet is down.
3. Charge your devices. When severe weather is forecast, charge phones, laptops, and portable batteries in advance.
4. Consider a backup power source. A portable generator or home battery system can keep essential appliances running during extended outages. If you use a generator, follow all safety guidelines for ventilation and fuel storage.
5. Know your medications. If anyone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment, register with your TDU as a critical care customer. This flags your address for priority restoration.

After Power Is Restored

Once your electricity is back:

• Reset clocks, timers, and smart home devices
• Check your refrigerator and freezer temperatures
• Plug electronics back in one at a time
• Run water for a few minutes if you are on a well pump
• Report any damage to your TDU (downed lines, sparking equipment) even after restoration

The Bottom Line

Power outages are an inconvenience, but knowing who to call and how to prepare makes them manageable. Your TDU restores power, your REP handles your bill. Keep your TDU’s number handy, maintain a basic outage kit, and report outages promptly to help crews restore service as quickly as possible.