How to Report a Power Outage
Discover how to efficiently report power outages in Texas, find your utility provider's contact information, and stay safe during electrical blackouts with our comprehensive guide.
Brad Gregory
License
- Texas Energy Consultant License
Expertise
- Energy Industry
- Texas Electricity Market
- Customer Experience
Certifications
- Certified Energy Professional
- Texas Energy Market Specialist
12 years of experience
Report a Power Outage in Your Area
To report a power outage in Texas, contact your local utility company’s dedicated outage reporting number.
- Oncor: 1-888-313-4747
- CenterPoint Energy: 1-800-332-7143
- AEP Texas: 1-866-223-8508
- Texas-New Mexico Power: 1-888-866-7456
- Lubbock Power & Light: 1-806-775-2509
Report a Power Outage in Your Area
Identify Your Utility Provider
Common Causes of Power Outages
Utilize Outage Tools and Resources
Report Safety Hazards and Emergencies
Be Prepared for Future Outages
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:
- Oncor Electric Delivery (North, Central, and West Texas)
- CenterPoint Energy (Houston area)
- AEP Texas (West, South, and parts of Central Texas)
- Texas-New Mexico Power (Various parts of Texas)
- Lubbock Power & Light (Lubbock area)
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
- Outage Reporting: Oncor Storm Center
- Customer Service Phone: 1-888-313-4747
CenterPoint Energy
- Outage Reporting: CenterPoint Energy Electric Outage Center
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-332-7143
AEP Texas
- Outage Reporting: AEP Texas Outages
- Customer Service Phone: 1-866-223-8508
Texas-New Mexico Power
- Outage Reporting: TNMP Outage Center
- Customer Service Phone: 1-888-866-7456
Lubbock Power & Light
- Outage Reporting: LP&L Outages
- Customer Service Phone: 806-775-2509
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.