Current Conditions

Power Restoration Continues After Wednesday’s Sudden, Destructive Storm

Austin Energy continues to work 24/7 to restore power to customers who can safely receive power after Wednesday’s sudden and destructive storm. All available crews are working on the system. This includes the mutual aid partners who answered our call for help. With their support, Austin Energy expects to make significant progress with restoration efforts today.

Thank you for your patience.

Within about 20 minutes, some areas of Austin saw a blanket of hail carpet the ground, flood waters quickly pour into low water crossings, whole trees ripped from the ground and expansive damage to homes, property and electric equipment.

At the height of the storm, 72,500 customers experienced outages. Crews worked through the night assessing damage, repairing the system and restoring power.

Because the damage is so substantial, outages and restoration activities are expected to extend for multiple days.

Restoration Process

Austin Energy takes a phased approach to restoring power after major events. We are currently in phase 2.

Phase 1 — the utility continues to focus on restoring power to critical life-safety services and getting circuits back online. Circuits cover large areas and provide power to many customers. Repairing a circuit can restore thousands at a time and help pinpoint smaller, more specific outages. Also, as part of this phase, Austin Energy is gathering a more detailed assessment of the damage to get a more accurate picture of the situation and enhance our restoration efforts.
Phase 2 — Austin Energy prioritizes outages affecting the largest number of customers to get more residents restored faster. The utility will work every incident, down to single issues affecting one customer.
Phase 3 — Austin Energy is focused on the remaining small outages. These are often complex or time-consuming incidents, with each affecting a small number of customers. It can take hours to make these repairs, restoring one to two customers at a time.

Crews may ask to access to Austin Energy equipment, such as power lines in a utility easement located on private property. Residents are asked to provide access as needed.

Mutual Aid

In response to the drastic impact of Wednesday’s storm, Austin Energy has called for mutual aid from our neighboring utilities. CenterPoint Energy, Oncor, SMTX Utilities and CPS Energy have offered help. This assistance is crucial, providing additional crews to support repairs and power restoration.

Customer-Sided Damage

In some cases, there will be damage to customer-owned equipment. As our crews continue to assess the system, they will leave behind a door hanger indicating the type of damage — Austin Energy equipment, customer equipment or both. If there is damage to customer-owned equipment, you will need to call a licensed electrician. These repairs must be made before Austin Energy brings power to your property. Find a licensed contractor through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

If You have an Outage

Keep flashlights on hand.
Turn off major appliances to prevent overloading when power is restored.
Keep your refrigerator door closed as much as possible.
Follow proper instructions if using a portable generator or space heater.

How to Report an Outage

If you have an outage, you can report it by:

Texting OUT to 287846.
Visiting outagemap.austinenergy.com.
Calling 512-322-9100.

If customers still have an outage after receiving a text message that power has been restored to their area, please reply OUT. Smaller outages can continue after a major circuit is repaired because of damage to secondary power lines or equipment. This is called a nested or secondary outage.

Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines

Never touch a downed power line, even if it is across a road or vehicle. Stay at least 35 feet away from downed lines and never use an object to move a downed wire. Never touch anything or anyone in contact with a power line. When a live wire touches the ground, electricity fans out throughout the area.

Call 512-322-9100 to report a downed power line. If the line is sparking, call 911.

Avoid downed power lines
If safe, check your breakers
Get flashlights or battery-operated lanterns
Be safe with portable emergency generators
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
Turn off major appliances
Do not attempt to assist emergency and utility crews

Avoid downed power lines
Knowing the hazards of downed power lines could save your life or the life of someone else.

Always assume a downed power line is live.

Never touch anything or anyone in contact with a power line.

Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed lines.

Be aware that limbs, fences, hoses, playsets, and other structures near you can become energized by a downed power line.

Call 512-322-9100 to report downed power lines and learn more about how to stay safe when a power line is down.
If safe, check your breakers

There’s a chance your power outage could be caused by a blown fuse or a tripped circuit. If you have checked your breakers and are still without power, or you can’t check your breakers, report the outage online or call 512-322-9100.
Get flashlights or battery-operated lanterns

Battery-operated lights are safer than candles and kerosene lanterns that can cause fires and fumes. Keep a few flashlights on hand, other than your cell phone, to make sure you have light when you need it.
Be safe with portable emergency generators
Portable generators can provide limited electrical power during an outage but they can be dangerous! If you buy or borrow a portable generator, make sure to follow the manufacturer instructions and keep your household safe.

Never fuel or run a portable generator inside your home, place of business, or garage.

Make sure the generator is equipped with a double-throw transfer switch that protects your equipment and prevents feedback on power lines.

Ensure installation meets proper electrical requirements.

Learn more about portable generator safety
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
Home refrigerators can keep food cold enough for a day or two without power, if the doors are kept closed.

As a rule of thumb, 25 pounds of dry ice will keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer at the proper temperature (32° F) for three to four days.

When in doubt, throw it out.

Read the USDA guidelines for keeping food safe during outages.
Turn off major appliances

When major appliances such as air conditioners and heat pumps are left on, they could overload electric lines once power is restored, causing a second outage. Leave just a few light switches on, including one or two exterior lights. Gas appliances may not work if the power is off because the equipment may require electricity for ignition or valve operation.
Do not attempt to assist emergency and utility crews

Electrical work is dangerous work. Let the pros handle repairs and restoration.

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