We know that many of our customers and Texans across the state are faced with extreme challenges due to power outages. We care for each one of you and we hear you loud and clear! Texas has issued a statewide Disaster Declaration for all counties. The following key points are of great importance:
- Now Power will not shut off any customers at this time. If your power has been shut off since Sunday (2/14/21), then it is because of blackouts or power outages in your area.
- Now Power’s billing mechanisms are automatic. Your account may be billed for usage based on an estimated read that ERCOT & the Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDU) provide to Now Power. We understand this is confusing. Many of our customers have not had power for hours or even days, so why would there be charges? Please rest assured that our systems will automatically true up your account when we receive the actual read for the day that was estimated. This may take a bit of time, as our entire team and systems are working overtime.
- Your fellow Texans need your help to conserve power and assist in avoiding more massive power outages. Please consider the following in your home to conserve power and lower your energy costs:
- Turn down your thermostat to 68 degrees.
- Keep lights off when not in a room.
- Unplug appliances not in use.
- Avoid using large appliances like washing machines, esp. during peak times. Peak times are between the hours of 6AM and 11AM. Then again between 5PM and 10PM.
- Close off heat escape routes like drafty doors or fireplace dampers (when not in use).
- Set your ceiling fan to rotate clockwise to force warm air downwards.
- Close blinds and shades at night to keep out cold air. Open them during the day to allow sunshine in.
POWER OUTAGE FACTS AND INFORMATION
There are approximately 12.5 million homes in Texas that are connected to the grid. At peak, 4.4 million homes were (many homes are still) without power due to massive blackouts and outages. You may verify the current number of people without power at https://poweroutage.us/area/state/texas. There are numerous causes to the power outages and unfortunately, Now Power has zero control over when the power plants and transmission lines are repaired. The duty to produce and deliver power falls on the generators that are managed by ERCOT and the Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDU). This does not mean that we do not take serving you, our customers, very seriously. We are doing everything we can to help get answers and serve you. Below are the sites and twitter links to learn about the latest information about the outages. ERCOT, on a recent call, said that “Texas power grid operators cannot predict when outages might be over.” This means that power could be restored in hours, but it could take days in many cases.
ERCOT – Electric Reliability Council of Texas
TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
- ONCOR – Serving DFW as well as most of North Texas.
- CENTERPOINT – Serving Houston and the surrounding areas.
- AEP Texas – Serving South Texas and the surrounding areas.
NOTABLE NEWS ARTICLES AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS
- Dallas Morning News
- Houston Chronicle
- How long will my power be out? Here’s what you need to know about Texas’ outages.
- ‘We have seen nothing like this’: ERCOT CEO says agency still can’t predict when Texas power outages will end during Q&A