Electric utilities that provide power to retail customers in Texas must now maintain online power outage trackers in both English and Spanish, following a rule change approved Jan. 11 by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
The update to 16 Texas Administrative Code §25.52 requires utilities to provide real-time information about outages, including their location, estimated restoration times, and status updates. “When severe weather or any other threat to electric service hits, providing timely, accurate information to consumers is essential,” PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson said. “Texans must be well-informed to stay safe, and information on these outage trackers can be critical for them.”
The new rule mandates that utilities operating distribution services maintain accurate, publicly accessible
outage maps on their websites. The maps must include:
• A visual representation of the utility’s service area
• Details on each active outage, including location, time reported, estimated restoration time,
and current status
• The most recent update timestamp for outage information
• A digital method for customers to report outages or hazardous conditions
• An option for customers to request updates on outages and restoration efforts If an outage tracker is scheduled for maintenance or upgrades, utilities must notify the public and the PUCT in advance.
Any unexpected outages of the tracker must be reported to the commission in writing.
The rule does not apply to municipally owned utilities or electric cooperatives.
Utilities must comply immediately, but those needing additional time to upgrade their systems may file an extension with the PUCT.
The extension request must outline which requirements are unmet and provide a compliance deadline, which cannot extend beyond June 1.
Noncompliance could result in penalties of up to $25,000 per day, per violation, under Chapter §25.8 of the PUCT’s regulations.
“TEXANS MUST BE WELLINFORMED
TO STAY SAFE...”
- PUCT Chairman Thomas Gleeson
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