Quick Answer
Oncor serves 3.7 million meters across Dallas-Fort Worth and Central Texas. When the power goes out, the Oncor outage map shows real-time restoration estimates. Here is how to use it, report outages, and stay informed during storms.
How to Use the Oncor Outage Map
Oncor's outage map (stormcenter.oncor.com) shows real-time power outages across North, Central, and West Texas. The map displays affected areas, number of customers without power, and estimated restoration times.
What the map shows:
- Color-coded outage severity by area
- Number of customers affected per zone
- Cause of outage (storm, equipment, scheduled maintenance)
- Estimated time of restoration (ETR)
- Crew status and deployment
Oncor is the largest TDU in Texas, delivering electricity to over 3.7 million meters across 400+ cities. Oncor does not sell electricity—your REP (Reliant, TXU, Gexa, etc.) handles billing. But Oncor owns the wires and fixes outages regardless of which REP you use.
How to Report an Outage to Oncor
Report outages directly to Oncor, not your REP. Your retail provider cannot dispatch repair crews—only your TDU can.
Three ways to report:
1. Online: stormcenter.oncor.com
2. Phone: Call 1-888-313-4747 (24/7 automated system)
3. Text: Text OUT to 66267 (ONCOR) from your registered mobile number
Before you call, check:
- Your breaker panel for tripped circuits
- Whether neighbors also lost power (widespread vs. individual)
- For downed power lines—call 911 first, then Oncor
Oncor's automated system confirms your outage report and provides an initial restoration estimate. During major storms, phone lines get overwhelmed. The text system and online map are faster alternatives.
Understanding Oncor Restoration Estimates
Oncor's Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) updates as crews assess damage. Initial estimates are rough—expect them to shift.
Typical restoration timelines:
- Equipment failure (single transformer): 2-4 hours
- Thunderstorm damage: 4-12 hours
- Ice storm or tornado: 24-72 hours
- Major hurricane/winter storm: 3-7+ days
How Oncor prioritizes repairs:
1. Downed power lines and safety hazards
2. Transmission lines (serve thousands of customers)
3. Distribution feeders (serve neighborhoods)
4. Individual service lines (serve single homes)
This means your neighbor's power may return before yours even though you are on the same street. Different circuits, different repair sequence. The outage map reflects these priorities in real time.
Oncor Service Area: Who Does Oncor Serve?
Oncor Electric Delivery serves the largest territory in the Texas deregulated market. If you live in the DFW metroplex, there is a strong chance Oncor is your TDU.
Major cities in Oncor territory:
- Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano, Irving
- Garland, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Carrollton
- Denton, Waco, Midland, Odessa, Richardson
Not sure if Oncor is your TDU? Enter your ZIP code at ElectricRates.org. The system identifies your TDU automatically and shows available electricity plans.
Important: Oncor delivers electricity but does not sell it. You choose your REP (retail provider) for billing and rates. Switching REPs does not change your TDU. Oncor's delivery charges ($4.23/month base + ~5.6¢/kWh) appear on every bill regardless of provider.
Storm Preparation: Before the Power Goes Out
Texas storms knock out power regularly. A few hours of preparation saves days of frustration.
Before storm season:
- Download the Oncor mobile app for push notifications
- Register your phone number at oncor.com for text alerts
- Bookmark stormcenter.oncor.com on your phone
- Charge portable battery packs and flashlights
During a storm:
- Stay away from downed power lines (always assume they are live)
- Report outages via text (fastest during major events)
- Turn off large appliances to prevent a power surge when electricity returns
- Keep freezer doors closed—food stays frozen 24-48 hours in a full freezer
After power returns: Wait 10-15 minutes before turning on major appliances. Gradual restart prevents circuit overload.
Oncor vs Your Electric Company: Who to Call
Confusion about who to contact is the number one frustration during outages. Here is the rule:
Call Oncor (1-888-313-4747) for:
- Power outages
- Downed power lines
- Flickering lights or voltage issues
- Smart Meter problems
- New service connections and disconnections
Call your REP for:
- Billing questions and disputes
- Rate changes and plan renewals
- Account setup or cancellation
- Payment arrangements
Your REP cannot fix an outage. Oncor cannot change your rate. Knowing which company handles what saves time when you need help fast.
Not sure who your REP is? Check your electric bill header or search by address at ElectricRates.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oncor sell electricity?
How long does it take Oncor to restore power after a storm?
Can I report an Oncor outage by text message?
Why did my neighbor get power back before me?
Looking for more? Explore all our Texas Energy guides for more helpful resources.
About the author

Consumer Advocate
Enri knows the regulations, the fine print, and the tricks some suppliers use. He's spent years learning how to spot hidden fees, misleading teaser rates, and contracts that sound good but cost more. His goal: help people avoid the traps and find plans that save money.
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Topics covered
Sources & References
- Oncor Electric Delivery - About Us (Oncor Electric Delivery): "Oncor Electric Delivery serves more than 10 million customers through 3.7 million meters across Texas"Accessed Mar 2026
- Oncor Storm Center (Oncor Electric Delivery): "Oncor provides multiple channels for outage reporting including phone, text, and online storm center"Accessed Mar 2026
- PUCT - Transmission and Distribution Rates (Public Utility Commission of Texas): "PUCT regulates TDU delivery rates through rate case proceedings"Accessed Mar 2026
Last updated: March 26, 2026


