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PUCT Notice: Load Shedding & Critical Care Designations

Involuntary Load Shedding

During extreme temperatures (hot or cold), customer demand for power is often higher than what the electric grid can supply. When there is not enough electricity from the grid to meet customer demand, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) will order the transmission and distribution utility companies (TDUs) to conduct involuntary load shedding.

Load shedding creates temporary electric outages to help preserve the electricity supply of the grid. Load shedding is also known as “rolling blackouts.” When a situation is optimal for a rolling blackout to be ordered you can make changes that will reduce the chances of load shedding occurring. You can help by using as little electricity as possible. Using the bare minimum of electricity to ensure your safety and health will reduce the stress on the Texas power grid.

Find out more information about load shedding procedures from your local TDU:

Critical Care Designations

You may qualify for designation as a critical care account if the unexpected loss of power could:

  • result in a life-threatening situation for the maintenance of public safety
  • effect an industrial premise
  • effect a residential customer who has a person that is permanently residing in his or her home who is diagnosed by a physician as being dependent upon an electric-powered medical device to sustain life

Such designation will provide you advance notice of planned load shedding/ power outage as well as be prioritize for power restoration during unplanned outage events. You can apply for designation as a critical care account by completing this form and submitting it to your TDU.

You can help by using as little electricity as possible. Using the bare minimum of electricity to ensure your safety and health will reduce the stress on the Texas power grid.

If you are designated as a Critical Care customer, the Texas Public Utility Commission does not allow Critical Care Residential Customers or Chronic Condition Residential Customers to enroll in any Pay As You Go (prepaid) electricity services. Even though we’d love to continue to serve you, you would need to select a new post-paid electricity provider.

Tree Trimming Practices for Transmission and Distribution Power Lines

TDUs regularly trim trees to prevent power outages and maintain safety near power lines. Their crews follow national tree care standards to minimize stress on trees while ensuring adequate clearance around electric lines.

  • Distribution lines: Trees near neighborhood poles and wires are trimmed by your TDU’s contractors.
  • Transmission lines: Trees that could interfere with high-voltage lines may be removed entirely for safety and reliability.
  • Street and security lights: Vegetation around these may also be trimmed if it poses a risk to electrical equipment.

Before planting a tree, look up for power lines and contact your TDU to locate any buried lines. If you’re concerned that trees on your property are too close to power lines, you can request an inspection by calling your TDU. Only authorized professionals should trim trees near energized lines — it’s unsafe and illegal for untrained individuals to do so.

Under normal conditions, debris from trimming is removed the same day. However, property owners are responsible for cleanup after storms or fallen trees. Your TDU may also remove dead or hazardous trees and apply approved herbicides to prevent regrowth.

For more information, please review the ​PUCT Utili-Facts​.