Oncor is closely monitoring the incoming arctic cold front and taking steps to ensure our team is ready to respond to any potential local outage impacts. While the full extent of incoming winter impacts is not yet known, below-freezing temperatures, wind gusts and possible wintry precipitation are expected for at least some portions of Oncor’s service territory.

In-house and additional meteorologist support are carefully reviewing forecasted conditions, with Weather Current updates shared on our website and social media pages. Linemen, tree trimmers, and field and operations support will be strategically positioned across the service area ahead of the front’s arrival, along with additional supplies and electric equipment. Personnel are trained to safely and efficiently work in low temperatures and stand ready to work around the clock, so long as weather conditions allow.

Annual winterization preparations and improvements were completed well ahead of the cold season, including thorough infrastructure inspections, equipment upgrades or replacements, 2023’s planned tree trimming, inventory increases and personal protective equipment checks. Oncor also remains in compliance with the Public Utility Commission of Texas’ weatherization rule.

While the Oncor team is doing everything we can to prepare for severe winter weather and potential local outage impacts, customers are encouraged to take every opportunity to prepare their families, homes and businesses ahead of the front’s arrival. This includes preparing or reviewing home storm safety kits and having a plan for protecting “the 4 P’s” – people, pets, plants and pipes. Helpful individual and family resources are also available on the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s January 2024 Winter Weather page. 

While prioritized during power restoration events, critical care designations do not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, especially during severe weather. Customers who rely on electricity for life-saving medical devices should have a back-up plan in place in case of power outages, such as a portable generator, staying with a family or friend or staying in a hotel.

Customers can stay connected with Oncor to report an outage or receive updates through a variety of communication channels:  

•  The MyOncor App (Available in the App Store and Google Play)
•  My Oncor Alerts (To register, text REG to 66267)
•  Storm Center Outage Map
•  Social Media Channels (Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram)
• Calling 888.313.474

ERCOT, the governing body that oversees the power system for much of Texas, is closely monitoring grid conditions. Oncor will follow ERCOT’s direction and echo updates to customers. ERCOT grid condition notifications are available through the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS). It is important to remember that Oncor is a transmission and distribution company, or “the poles and wires company” that delivers electricity to more than 13 million Texans. Oncor does not own or operate power generation facilities, or sell, purchase or offer electricity retail services.