Report an Outage
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 text OUT to (903) 455-1715 if you are registered for Text Alerts.
Outage Map
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 (903) 455-1715 to register your cell number. Then you can use the following text commands:
Report an Outage
OUT
Outage Status
STATUS
Outage Help
HELP
Stop Updates
STOP
(Message and data charges may apply.)
Outage Tips
What to Do When the Power’s Out
If you have a power outage at your home or business, follow these steps:
Turn off all household appliances, computers, televisions, air-conditioning, and heating units, etc. When power is restored, turn on items one at a time.
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 the 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 (903) 455-1715. Be sure to follow all directions carefully.
Note for 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 System
Transmission towers and lines supply power to 1 or more transmission substations. These major lines seldom fail, but they can be damaged by severe weather or a tornado. Tens of thousands of people could be served by 1 high-voltage transmission line, so if there is damage here, we fix it first.
Step 2 – Substations
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 – Distribution Supply Lines
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 – Tap Lines
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 – Individual Lines
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.
Storm Safety & Emergency Planning
In times of emergency, such as a natural disaster, you can be sure we’re doing everything we can to support emergency services and members’ need for electrical power. Our safety pages provide some things you and your family can do to prepare for storms and weather challenges.
Keeping You Informed
Keep up to date on important details regarding your power service by visiting our Media Center.
Visit the ERCOT Dashboard to view the most current grid conditions.
