Winter Storm Season in Texas
Texas can experience winter storms from November through March. Ice, freezing rain, and extreme cold can cause power outages even when the main grid is stable. Being prepared can keep your family safe and reduce stress during emergencies.
Check PowerOutage.us for real-time outage maps during active weather events.
Quick Preparation Checklist
- ✓Charge all phones and devices
- ✓Stock fresh batteries for flashlights
- ✓Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing)
- ✓Gather extra blankets and warm clothing
- ✓Insulate outdoor faucets
- ✓Let indoor faucets drip overnight
- ✓Open cabinet doors under sinks
- ✓Unplug sensitive electronics
Before the Storm: Preparation
Protect Your Electronics
Power surges when electricity is restored can damage sensitive electronics. Take these precautions:
- •Use surge protectors on computers, TVs, and gaming systems
- •Unplug appliances when power goes out to prevent surge damage on restoration
- •Charge portable batteries and power banks while you still have power
- •Download offline maps and important documents to your phone
Winterize Your Home
Reduce heat loss and prevent frozen pipes with these steps:
- •Check weatherstripping on doors and windows for gaps
- •Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and exterior walls
- •Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets with insulated covers
- •Know your main water shutoff location in case pipes burst
Stock Emergency Supplies
Power Outage Essentials
- • Flashlights with extra batteries
- • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- • Portable phone chargers (charged)
- • Candles and matches (use carefully)
- • Cash (ATMs may be down)
Warmth & Comfort
- • Extra blankets and sleeping bags
- • Warm clothing layers
- • Non-perishable food (3-day supply)
- • Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
- • Manual can opener
Why Texas Faces Unique Winter Storm Risks
Texas experiences more severe power disruptions during winter storms than most other states. Here's why:
Isolated Power Grid
Texas operates its own grid (ERCOT), separate from the rest of the U.S. During emergencies, Texas can't easily import power from neighboring states like other regions can.
Infrastructure Not Winterized
Power plants, natural gas facilities, and equipment in Texas aren't built for prolonged extreme cold like infrastructure in northern states. Freezing can knock generators offline.
Natural Gas Competition
Texas relies heavily on natural gas for electricity. During cold snaps, homes need gas for heating while power plants need it for generation—creating supply competition.
Electric Heating Demand
Many Texas homes use electric heat pumps instead of gas furnaces. When temperatures drop, electricity demand spikes dramatically—sometimes exceeding summer peaks.
These factors combined led to the devastating Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, which left millions without power for days. While Texas has since made grid improvements, being personally prepared remains essential.
During the Storm: Staying Safe
If You Have Power
- •Set thermostat to 68°F or lower to reduce grid strain and conserve energy
- •Avoid running large appliances simultaneously (dishwasher, dryer, oven)
- •Keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to retain cold
- •Let faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes, especially on exterior walls
If You Lose Power
First 30 Minutes:
- • Unplug major appliances to prevent power surge damage
- • Leave one light on so you know when power returns
- • Report the outage to your utility (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, TNMP)
- • Check on elderly neighbors
Staying Warm Without Power:
- • Gather everyone in one room to conserve body heat
- • Seal the room with towels under doors
- • Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing
- • Use sleeping bags or pile blankets
- • Eat food and stay hydrated - your body generates heat when digesting
⚠Critical Safety Warnings
Carbon Monoxide Danger
NEVER use gas stoves, ovens, grills, or generators indoors for heat. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly. Keep generators at least 20 feet from your home.
Fire Hazards
Never leave candles unattended. Keep them away from curtains and flammable materials. Use battery-powered lights when possible.
Downed Power Lines
Stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines. They may still be energized. Report them to your utility immediately.
After the Storm: Recovery
When Power Returns
- •Reconnect appliances gradually - not all at once - to avoid overloading circuits
- •Check refrigerator/freezer temps - discard food if fridge was above 40°F for 2+ hours
- •Reset thermostats and check that HVAC is working properly
- •Check for pipe damage - look for water stains on ceilings and walls
Understanding Your Bill After a Storm
Your electricity bill after a winter storm may be different than usual:
- •Higher usage before outage: Running heaters at max capacity increases consumption
- •Lower bill during outage: You won't be charged for power you didn't use
- •Variable rate spike: If you're on a variable-rate plan, wholesale prices may have spiked
Tip: If you're on a variable-rate plan and worried about price spikes, consider switching to a fixed-rate plan after the storm passes.
Understanding the Texas Power Grid
Texas operates its own power grid (ERCOT), which is separate from the rest of the United States. Here's what you should know:
Grid Outages vs. Local Outages
Grid-wide events (like Winter Storm Uri in 2021) occur when demand exceeds supply. Local outages happen when ice, wind, or debris damage power lines in your area. Most winter storm outages are local.
Your TDSP Handles Outages
Report outages to your TDSP (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP, or TNMP), not your retail electricity provider. They own the power lines and handle repairs.
Report Outages To:
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my electricity rate increase during the storm?
If you have a fixed-rate plan, your rate stays the same regardless of weather. If you have a variable or indexed plan, your rate could spike significantly during extreme weather when wholesale prices increase. This is why we recommend fixed-rate plans for most Texas households.
How long do winter storm outages typically last?
Local outages from ice and downed lines typically last 2-8 hours, though severe damage can extend this to 24-72 hours. Utility crews work around the clock but must wait for safe conditions. Priority is given to hospitals, emergency services, and areas with the most customers affected.
Should I get a generator?
A portable generator can keep essentials running during outages. Key considerations:
- • A 3,000-5,000 watt generator can run a refrigerator, some lights, and phone chargers
- • Running a furnace or space heaters requires 7,000+ watts
- • NEVER run generators indoors or in garages - carbon monoxide kills
- • Keep 10-20 gallons of fuel stored safely
At what temperature will pipes freeze?
Pipes can freeze when temperatures drop below 20°F, especially pipes in exterior walls, attics, or crawlspaces. When temperatures are forecast below 28°F, let faucets drip, open cabinet doors under sinks, and maintain indoor temperature of at least 55°F even if you're away.
Protect Yourself from Rate Spikes
Variable-rate plans can spike during extreme weather. Lock in a fixed rate to protect your budget year-round.
Compare Fixed-Rate Plans