Dear Neighbors,

Austin is experiencing an extreme cold weather event that will continue through the weekend. As a result, some streets or neighborhoods may experience power dips and outages. One out of three outages in our area are caused by vegetation and weather. During windy and stormy weather, heavy ice and snow can cause tree limbs to break and sway, rubbing against or hitting power lines. This can cause service fluctuations and widespread outages.

To restore power, you may see line workers, forestry crews and trucks in your neighborhood, and employees throughout the utility are also working around the clock. Please be aware that weather and other hazards may slow down the Austin Energy power restoration process.

Be prepared for power outages by signing up for text Outage Alerts and checking the mobile-friendly outage map at outagemap.austinenergy.com. You can also report outages at 512-322-6100. Report any power dip or outage to Austin Energy as soon as you experience it so that they can begin working towards restoration and/or prevent future occurrences.

Here are a few other ways you can be prepared and stay safe during a winter storm:

• Keep cell phones charged and backup chargers fully charged.

• If working or learning at home, save your work periodically and if possible, make sure your devices are on power strips. Using a power strip helps protect electronic devices in case of a power outage. Consider using external power sources for your electronics.

• Assemble a storm preparation kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, snacks, water, and other necessities. Make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.

• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed, if possible. Food will stay good up to four hours.

• Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, it could be energized. Call 311 if you see a downed line to report it. If the line is sparking, call 911.

• If you see limbs on wires or see downed tree limbs, please call 311 to report them.

I understand how frustrating these outages can be. Over the past few years, my office has frequently met with Austin Energy staff to work on solutions for outages in District 10. Partly as a result of my engagement with leadership, Austin Energy crews have been clearing vegetation away from power lines in District 10 neighborhoods since 2019 to increase reliability and safety. This overgrown vegetation is responsible for most power outages we currently experience in the district. Trees can scrape wires causing momentary losses of power or bring down lines during storms and strong wind. Even if you don’t see trees near power lines at your home, you share a circuit with hundreds of neighbors, many of whom have overhead power lines.

To help improve reliability across District 10, I have engaged with Austin Energy to increase line clearance work. Last December, I worked with my Council colleagues to approve an addition of more tree crews for Austin Energy’s Forestry Division to help the utility work on a backlog of vegetation-related trouble spots.

Again, you can help to identify the District 10 streets and neighborhoods experiencing outages by calling (512) 322-9100 or by clicking the ‘Report Outage’ tab on the austinenergy.com homepage when you experience an outage, even if it’s only a momentary blink.

Stay safe,

Alison Alter

Council Member, District 10

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