Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does Oncor emphasize electrical safety?

A. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, maintaining 101,000 miles of electric distribution lines, 14,000 miles of transmission lines, and related high-voltage equipment over a large area of Texas. Safe work practices are a priority with our 4,000 employees every day, just as they have been with our predecessors for more than 100 years. The safety of every resident in every town where we do business is also a priority with us. We are recognized as a safety leader in our industry, and it just makes sense that we would take every opportunity to pass our experience and safety knowledge along to our neighbors, as well as our employees.

Q. What kinds of safety programs does Oncor offer?

A. We take a three-part approach to safety: Employee safety, public safety, and children's safety programs which deal mainly with safety education.

• Employees are thoroughly trained and equipped with safety gear before they ever go out on the job, and their safety training continues as long as they work for Oncor.
• Safety information is provided to the public in a number of ways including safety demonstrations, presentations by Oncor speakers, the distribution of brochures, and letters to targeted groups.
• Our children safety education initiatives include programs such as: Watts School, Know Before You Grow and our Fly High, Fly Safe. We have resource materials we provide to area schools and children can also access our Kid's Corner web site to find games and other resources to educate them on electricity. This safety information for children is available at Oncor's Kids Corner.

Q. How should I go about safely trimming the tree branches around my power lines?

A. You should never get near an electric line or take any kind of equipment close to a line.

If tree branches have grown into lines in an alley, street or backyard utility easement (This includes all major lines except the service lines that go over your property from the pole to the electric meter), you should call Oncor so we can schedule a tree-trimming crew to correct the problem. Oncor only trims trees on high voltage lines found in its easements.

If the branches have grown too close or into the service line running across your property from the pole to the meter, you should call a qualified tree trimmer or arborist to trim the tree limbs. If you will be doing the trimming yourself, you may want to call the competitive retailer you buy your electricity from and arrange to have the service drop disconnected while the pruning is underway. There could be a cost involved.

You can avoid the expense and inconvenience of calling a qualified tree trimmer, by never planting trees that could grow tall near or under the service line.

Q. If Oncor trims trees near my house, does the company haul away the brush afterwards?

A. Oncor picks up brush that results from general pre-planned maintenance. Oncor does not pick up brush after a storm. When we have to trim branches to get to our equipment to restore service after a storm, we do make every effort not to leave that brush in streets, driveways or alleys, but we do not haul it away. Some cities provide bulk clean-up of debris following storms.

Q. I do my own landscaping and gardening. What safety rules should I follow?

A. If your home is served by overhead electric lines, never get too close to the lines, and don’t take tools or other objects near the lines. If you have underground electric service, never dig until you know where the lines are buried. To have underground lines located and marked at no charge, call 1.800.344.8377.

Q. Is there anything a homeowner can do to prevent long-term problems with electric service?

A. If your home is served by overhead lines, never plant a tree that will grow tall enough to get into those lines. Oncor has a helpful brochure called Plan Before You Plant that suggests trees that are appropriate for those locations. To get a free copy, call the Oncor Customer Contact Center at 1.888.313.6862.

Q. What should I do if I see a power line down?

A. The first thing you should do is stay a safe distance away and treat the line as if it is energized and dangerous – even if it looks harmless to you. Never touch anything else that is touching the line. Report the situation immediately by calling the emergency number provided by your competitive retail electric company, or call Oncor at 1.888.313.4747.

Q. Are there any special rules for contractors and others who work around electricity on a regular basis?

A. Yes. State and federal law and many local ordinances place special restrictions on work activities around high-voltage lines and equipment. An Oncor publication called Play It Safe, Know the Law provides information about the law and includes a reminder about the procedure required to have a high-voltage line temporarily de-energized while work is being done. The information is available in English (.pdf) and Spanish (.pdf).

Q. Who is Zigster?

A. Zigster, Oncor's lightning bolt-shaped safety mascot, made his debut as a safety spokesperson in 2001. For many years, Zigster starred in print and broadcast ads promoting safety around electrical equipment.

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