Texas outage prep for grid strain, winter storms and extreme heat, with ERCOT and TDEM resources, conservation alerts and a cooling and warming plan.
- ERCOT manages most of the state's load, but you report local outages to the company that owns the wires in your area.
- A conservation appeal is a request to reduce use, so prepare for both cold and heat without relying on it.
- Never use grills, stoves or generators indoors, whatever the temperature.
Texas households can face power problems from three directions: winter storms that freeze equipment and strain demand, long stretches of extreme summer heat, and Gulf Coast hurricanes. The state also has its own largely separate grid, which makes it useful to understand who runs what and which alerts are real.
This guide explains the main official sources, the difference between a conservation request and an outage, and how to keep a household safe in both the cold and the heat.
Who runs the grid, and who fixes your outage
ERCOT, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, manages the flow of power for about 90 percent of the state's electric load. Parts of Texas are served by other grids. ERCOT balances supply and demand, but it does not repair your street. When your lights go out because of a local fault, you report it to the company that owns the poles and wires in your area, which is often different from the retailer that sends your bill. Find that company on your statement now and save its outage number and map link.
When supply is tight, ERCOT may ask Texans to reduce use. A conservation appeal is a request, not an outage. If demand cannot be met, utilities may have to cut power in rotating periods to protect the grid. The practical step is to prepare for either one.
Alerts and official resources
- TDEM. The Texas Division of Emergency Management runs the Texas Disaster Portal with winter safety tips, warming center information and road conditions during major events.
- 2-1-1 Texas. The state information and referral network is used to share information on available services.
- TXANS. The Texas Advisory and Notification System, which ERCOT's site mentions, offers notifications you can sign up for.
- Local alerts. Sign up for your county or city notification system and turn on wireless emergency alerts on your phone.
See our alerts and outage reporting guide and keep a battery or hand-crank radio for when networks are busy.
Winter storms and freezing weather
Many Texas homes are built for heat, not for days below freezing, and pipes and equipment are less protected than in northern states. A cold outage can be dangerous because heating stops and everyone looks for alternatives.
- Know where your main water shut-off is. Follow your local water utility's advice about dripping taps and insulating exposed pipes.
- Choose one small room, close doors and put blankets over windows. Layer clothing and use sleeping bags.
- Never use a gas oven, grill, camp stove, generator or charcoal indoors, in a garage or near a window. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major cause of harm during winter outages. See carbon monoxide safety.
- Do not drive on ice unless you must. Keep your vehicle tank at least half full.
More steps are in how to stay warm without power.
Extreme heat
Summer demand peaks in the afternoon and evening, when air conditioning runs hardest. An outage in 38 C (100 F) heat is a health risk, especially for older adults, infants, pets and people on certain medications.
- Close blinds in the daytime and use fans only if you have power for them.
- Drink water regularly, wear light clothing and use damp cloths on neck and wrists.
- Move to a cooler place, such as a library or cooling centre, if the home becomes unsafe.
- Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
See the heat wave outage guide and pets in a power outage.
Hurricanes and backup power
Gulf Coast residents should also follow the hurricane checklist and know their evacuation zone. For backup power, decide what you truly need to run. A battery station can handle phones, lights, a fan and a CPAP, while a gas generator must always stay outdoors, far from windows. Read how to use a portable generator safely, size your needs with the sizing guide and browse the power station hub.
Checklist before the next event
- Find your outage reporting number and map link and save them in your phone and on paper.
- Sign up for local alerts and check that wireless emergency alerts are on.
- Locate your main water shut-off and know your local advice on protecting pipes.
- Pack a cool room kit and a warm room kit so you can switch quickly.
- Charge power banks and store water at about 4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day.
Quick answers
Does ERCOT fix my outage?
No. ERCOT balances supply and demand for most of Texas. A local outage is reported to the company that owns the poles and wires in your area.
What is a conservation appeal?
A request that customers reduce electricity use when supply is tight. It is not an outage, but it is a good time to check your supplies.