Restoring power quickly.
When the lights go out, the questions begin. What happened? How will it affect my family? How long before the power’s back on? Whether the outage is because of a storm, an accident, or another factor, here’s how to get the answers you need.
To report a power outage, please use the buttons above or call 903-455-1715. Text OUT to 85700 if you are registered for Text Alerts.
To enroll in Text Alerts, text keyword FEC to 85700. A cell phone number must be on file to complete the registration process.
Report a Street Light Outage
This form is to report a street light outage only. If you need to report a power outage, please use the links above.
Text Alerts
Even when the power’s out, you can keep in touch with your co-op by text. Sign up by texting FEC to 85700 to register your cell number. Then you can text OUT to report an outage or STATUS to get an update. For help, text HELP. To end your text exchange, text STOP. (Message and data charges may apply.)
Report an outage.
TEXT: OUT
For outage status.
TEXT: STATUS
For outage help.
TEXT: HELP
To stop updates.
TEXT: STOP
Message and Data charges may apply.
What to Do When the Power's Out
If you have a power outage at your home or business, follow these steps:
- Check to see if your circuit panel or fuse box has tripped or blown a fuse. If so, reset the breaker or replace the blown fuse.
- Check the disconnect on the outside, just below meter base. (Not all buildings have an outside disconnect. These are found mainly on mobile homes.)
- Check with neighbors to see if they have power.
- Call Farmers Electric Cooperative at 1-903-455-1715. Be sure to follow all directions carefully.
- Turn off all household appliances, computers, televisions, air-conditioning and heating units, etc. When power is restored, turn on items one at a time.
NOTE: Members with life support equipment.
Individual households may receive special attention if loss of electricity affects life-support systems or poses another immediate danger. If you or a family member depends on life support, call your cooperative before an emergency arises.
Restoring Power: Our Process
Getting power back on after a major outage involves much more than simply throwing a switch or removing a tree from a line. Our priority is to restore power safely to the greatest number of members in the shortest possible time.
Step 1: Transmission towers and lines supply power to one or more transmission substations. These major lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by a hurricane or tornado. Tens of thousands of people could be served by one high-voltage transmission line, so if there is damage here, we fix it first.
Step 2: Farmers EC has several local distribution substations, each serving thousands of consumers. When a major outage occurs, we check these substations. If the problem can be corrected at this level, power may be restored to a large number of people.
Step 3: Next we check the main distribution supply lines, which carry electricity away from the substation to a group of consumers, such as a town or housing development. When power is restored at this stage, all consumers served by this supply line could see the lights come on, unless there is a problem farther down the line.
Step 4: The final supply lines, called tap lines, carry power to the utility poles or underground transformers outside houses or other buildings. Line crews fix the remaining outages based on restoring service to the greatest number of consumers.
Step 5: Sometimes, damage will occur on the individual service line between your house and the transformer. (This can explain why you might have no power when your neighbor does.) Be sure to report your outage, so Farmers EC can assign a service crew to repair it.
