How to Check Power Outages by Zip Code in Texas and Stay Prepared with EcoFlow
The majority of Texas is powered by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), one of the most extensive electricity grids in the country. Unfortunately, ERCOT is known for its history of issues and vulnerability, especially during extreme weather like winter storms. Texas residents scramble for other power sources and updates during these outages.
If you’re a Texas resident, it’s essential to know how to check the status of current power outages in your area and how to stay safe when the power unexpectedly gets cut.
Here, we share simple instructions for finding current outage information, as well as some background on the causes of these outages and how you can keep your family safe when they occur.
How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in Texas?
You can check the status of Texas power issues, like blackouts or brownouts, via several methods. Typically, the easiest way is by accessing the outage map from your utility provider, but third-party outage maps may also provide the same information.
1. Check Your Utility Provider’s Website
First, check with your utility provider, such as AEP Texas, Oncor, or Entergy.
For Oncor, visit their online outage map or call them at 888-313-4747 to report an outage or check the current outage status.
For AEP Texas, use their Realtime Outage Map and enter your zip code into the search bar for updates on your area.
For Entergy, navigate to their website, select Texas as your location, and enter your zip code into the top search bar to identify power failures affecting you.
For CenterPoint Energy, find the electric outage center on the website.
For CPS Energy, use the outage center to view current outages, report an outage, or find generator safety or emergency preparation tips.
For Xcel Energy, there is an Outages and Safety page on their website.
If Texas-New Mexico Power serves you, they also have a power outages page with further information.
2. Use Third-Party Outage Maps
If you’re unsure who your utility provider is or would prefer to see aggregate maps of all power outages across the state, you can use a third-party map like PowerOutage.us. From there, you can click on the US map to see a closer view of Texas outages, the number of customers impacted, and the most recent updates.
3. Sign Up for Outage Updates
You can avoid having to access any maps directly by signing up ahead of time for outage updates from your electricity provider. Usually, you can sign up for text, phone calls, or email alerts for proactive knowledge. You can also follow your utility provider’s social media platforms for regular updates.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in Texas?
Weather is Texas's most common cause of power disruptions, especially winter storms. However, not all outages are traced back to weather issues. Here’s a complete list of the typical causes of electricity failures.
Weather
Texas can experience hurricanes, snow storms, thunderstorms, and more—all of which have the potential to damage power lines and trigger energy losses. Ice storms and heavy snowfall tend to be two of the biggest culprits, as ice and snow can build up on power lines and trees, causing them to fall and cutting the power. Lightning strikes, high winds, and extreme temperatures can also be a threat. While extreme hot or cold temperatures alone aren’t enough to cause power loss, they do create a much higher electricity demand, and these spikes can potentially overload the grid.
Rolling Blackouts
ERCOT implements and plans rolling blackouts as a last-resort tactic to ease grid demand and prevent widespread collapse. Rolling blackouts aren’t common, but they may be used when low grid supply can’t support expected demand. Events such as the 2021 winter storm, for example, can create drastic surges in demand, and without rotating, planned outages, service can become interrupted over a much larger area and take more time to recover from.
Infrastructure Issues or Failures
As much as ERCOT prioritizes its consumer power supply, you can’t always rely on the grid’s infrastructure, which is why having an emergency power supply for your home is such an asset. Some equipment may be old, poorly maintained, or simply malfunctioning, thus disrupting the energy supply.
Vehicle Accidents
If vehicles collide with power poles, lines, or transformers, the equipment can be damaged, triggering sudden blackouts until it can be restored safely.
Human Error
Mistakes happen, even for those managing and maintaining the electricity grid. If a technician or lineman makes a mistake during installation or maintenance, it may cause an outage, though it’s usually not widespread. But, an issue in your neighborhood can result in losing power. That’s why prioritizing your home energy security is so important—with a backup power source, you don’t have to rely on the impossibility of human perfection.
How To Stay Safe During a Texas Power Outage
Knowing the status of a Texas power interruption is helpful, but it won’t keep you safe. Only you have the power to prepare so you can keep your family safe and stay empowered in the face of blackouts.
Report Outages and Hazards
First things first: stay safe and report the issue. Check to see if the outage has already been recorded, and if not, report it with as much detail as you can provide. If you see any hazards, such as downed power lines or tree branches, you should also report this information to your energy provider or local police.
Stay Informed and Connected
Next, stay informed on recovery by signing up for text or email updates. Additionally, connect with loved ones to verify they’re safe. If your phone battery is low, use EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to keep it charged during this emergency. You may also want to check on neighbors, disabled friends, or family members who may rely on vital equipment.
Access Emergency Supplies
Pull out your emergency supply kit. It should have first aid supplies, non-perishable food, drinking water, vital documents, flashlights, blankets, and a power solution. The EcoFlow DELTA Series Portable Power Stations are perfect for blackout scenarios at home, with the
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 providing enough capacity and output to run essential appliances and devices for several hours.
Manage the Indoor Temperature
It will get pretty hot if you lose power in the Texas summer. Use battery-powered fans to keep cool, and avoid opening windows or doors, which can let the cool air out. In the winter, try not to open any doors or windows to keep the warm air in. You may want to light your fireplace if you have one; otherwise, bundle up with layers of clothing and blankets to stay warm.
Use Alternative Power Sources
Power losses can last a while, so rather than getting potentially let down by your utility provider if they can’t recover your electricity quickly, turn to alternative power sources that you can use independently from the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Report a Power Outage in Texas?
To report a power outage in Texas, you should visit your energy provider’s website and access their outage center or map. The outage center or map usually provides the option to report a new outage. You could also call them directly to report the outage or text them if text services are available.
Final Thoughts
Texas’ energy grid is large but known to be vulnerable, so power outages are common. Knowing how to check these outages will help you stay informed, but preparation will keep you safe and comfortable when they happen. Create a family communication plan, build your emergency kit, and use alternative power sources like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV220W) until power is restored.