Other
Search for your questions using the categories to the right. Don’t see it? No problem. Ask it using the “Have a Question?” button to the right. An Oncor representative will e-mail you, letting you know that Oncor experts are working on finding your answer. It’s just one more way Oncor is working to become a trusted adviser to the people we serve.
-
I’ve seen in the news that there are really high power prices recently. Will Oncor customers end up paying more because of these power outages?
Oncor’s rates are only for the delivery of electricity – typically about approximately 25 to 30 percent of your bill – and not the electricity itself. Since Oncor doesn’t operate any power plants and doesn’t charge for the actual energy, no generation costs are included in Oncor rates. The actual energy charge is included in the total price you pay your Retail Electric Provider (REP).
It’s important to understand how the Texas market works to better understand what you are paying for in your electric rates and, unfortunately, there have been many news stories and blogs posting incorrect information that could be confusing to customers. Most Texas customers are on contracts with their REPs. If you are on a contract, those high wholesale prices you’ve seen in the news may not affect you because your price is locked in for the duration of your contract.
So then, who pays? In most cases, it's the REPs. The balancing energy market, where those high prices were reported, is designed for the REPS to purchase small amounts of their total electricity at the last minute to meet the demands of their customers. The better they plan, the less they have to purchase on the balancing market so those high prices serve as an incentive for REPs to closely estimate their actual need.
Additionally, you only pay for the power you consume, and when your service is interrupted, you’re not using any. For tips to help conserve energy, please visit www.TakeALoadOffTexas.com. To compare retail offers available in your area and choose the plan best suited to your needs, visit the Public Utility Commission's site, www.powertochoose.org.
If you have a advanced meter, you can see your usage data every day by logging on to www.smartmetertexas.com.
-Charlie B., Ask Oncor Expert
-
What equipment does the customer own and what equipment does Oncor own?
The consumer owns and is responsible for the meter base and wiring in the meter base, as well as conduit and wiring connecting the weather head at the top of the house. Oncor owns the pole and transformer serving the premise and the wires that connect to the weather head and meter. This applies to overhead service.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
What is Oncor’s responsibility for taking care of an easement?
A utility easement gives Oncor (and sometimes other utilities) the right to construct, operate and maintain its facilities within the easement. This would include pruning of trees that may interfere with the reliable safe operation of electrical facilities. The owner of the property would still be responsible for mowing of grass and general maintenance of the property.
-Rusty E., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
Can Oncor install an outdoor light for me?
Oncor has not offered this service since 2000. We do, in accordance with our tariff, provide unmetered service to and maintain existing guard lights installed on our poles that were in place prior to 2000. If a citizen wants a new guard light/security light, they will need to purchase and mount it on their own property (tree, garage door, fence or pole). They cannot be installed on Oncor distribution poles. It is recommended that citizens contact an electrician to discuss their best options to obtain and install security lighting.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
I have one guard light; can another one be installed?
Oncor has not offered this service since 2000. We do, in accordance with our tariff, provide unmetered service to and maintain existing guard lights installed on our poles that were in place prior to 2000. If a citizen wants a new guard light/security light, they will need to purchase and mount it on their own property (tree, garage door, fence or pole). They cannot be installed on Oncor distribution poles. It is recommended that citizens contact an electrician to discuss their best options to obtain and install security lighting.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
How deep is an underground electric line buried?
Secondary service wires are the wires or distribution circuit on the low voltage side of a transformer. This is usually a 120/240-volt service for a residential or small commercial consumer. These wires are buried in a trench 24 inches deep when installed, measured from the top of the conduit or service wire to the top of the trench.
Primary service wires are the wires or distribution circuit on the high voltage side of a transformer. This is usually a 7,200/14,000-volt service for a large commercial or industrial consumer. These wires are buried in a trench 30 to 36 inches deep when installed, measured from the top of the conduit or service wire to the top of the trench.
Due to erosion, service wires may not be as deep as when they were installed. Anyone preparing to do excavation work to dig around buried service wires would need to contact Texas’ underground service wires locator service by calling 8-1-1. It is necessary to contact them at least 48 hours in advance of digging to request service wires be located.
Using this vital service will help ensure safe excavation, plus it is the law that before anyone digs around buried power lines they must have the lines located.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
Why do I have colored flags in my yard?
Colored flags in your yard are usually an indication of someone preparing to perform excavation work, plant trees or shrubbery or install a fence to name a few reasons. Normally, these flags are placed in yards by an underground line locating company, such as Dig TESS, per the homeowner’s request. Sometimes the gas, cable or water companies may need to repair, upgrade or install new underground service. It may be necessary for them to have these lines marked and sometimes they may have to mark the lines buried in your yard so that they may safely perform their work and prevent any underground services from being damaged.
State law requires having underground lines located before digging 16 inches or deeper. Anyone preparing to do excavation work to dig around buried service wires would need to contact Texas’ underground service wires locator service by calling 8-1-1. It is necessary to contact them at least 48 hours in advance of digging to request service wires be located. When this is needed, you may see a variety of colored flags in your yard depending on which underground service needs to be located. Each color represents which company’s underground service is buried in that area. The most common flag colors are red for the electric utilities, yellow for the gas utilities and orange for the communication or cable companies. For more information regarding the colored flags or the process for underground line location can be found on Dig TESS’s Web site at www.digtess.org or by calling 8-1-1.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
If I am building a house or business location, what action does Oncor have to take?
An Oncor Utility Designer will talk to you or your electrician or builder to determine your electrical requirements and plan the most cost-effective way to provide electric service to your new home or business. If you have already selected a Retail Electric Provider, you can make a request to talk to an Oncor Utility Designer through that REP, or you can contact Oncor at 1.888.313.6862 to make your request.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
Why can’t I go into an office to talk to someone from Oncor?
Most of Oncor’s offices house construction crews, electrical equipment and fleet operation involving large construction vehicles, etc. These locations are restricted and are not suitable for walk-in customer service. Also, since Oncor does not directly bill consumers for electric service, there is not a need for bill payment or bill dispute locations. However, virtually all of the communication involved between Oncor and consumers can be performed by phone or through correspondence. For those cases where someone from Oncor does need to meet with a consumer personally, this can usually be done at the construction site or at a location agreeable to that person and Oncor.
-Mike M., Oncor Customer Expert
-
What is wattage? Also, what is a kilowatt-hour or a kWh?
Wattage measures the work being done at a given point and time. It’s found by multiplying voltage by the current flowing in a wire. For example, a 100-watt light bulb burning for 10 hours uses 1,000 wattage hours — or one kilowatt hours (kWh). A kwh equals 1,000 watts used for one hour.
Kilowatt-hours are the measurements that Oncor uses to determine your electric consumption. Similar to how a gas station will charge you for gas by the gallon, Retail Electric Providers charge you for electricity by the kWh.
-Bill M., Oncor Research Expert
-
How is electricity created, & how does it come into our homes?
Electricity comes from other energy sources that are converted to electricity so that we can use it. In Texas, the energy sources are coal, natural gas, uranium/nuclear fuel, wind, solar and gas from landfills. These energy sources are transformed to electricity by generators.
Transmission lines carry electricity from where it's made to places called substations in different towns and neighborhoods. These substations contain equipment that reduces electricity’s voltage, so it can travel on smaller distribution power lines that branch out down streets or alleys and underground to homes and businesses.
These power lines carry electricity to transformers on poles or to pad mounts on the ground, where the voltage of electricity is reduced again — to 120 volts — so people can use it safely. From transformers, electricity travels into buildings and homes through wires called services drops. These wires connect to a meter box, which measures how much electricity is being used, and to all the wires that run inside walls to outlets and switches.
For more information, click here to see what the State’s energy education Web site says about how electricity is made.-Bill M., Oncor Research Expert
-
Who is financially responsible for moving my neighbor’s service line that crosses my property?
A determination as to financial responsibility for relocations of this type requires additional information. Existing easements, subdivision covenants conditions and restrictions and current platting are a few of the areas which need investigating before a determination can be made.
A local representative from Oncor’s design team would need to meet with you to determine exactly what you’re requesting, research the property relative to the location in question and then determine a proposed solution and any required customer participation in the cost of facility modifications. If you would like to meet with an Oncor representative about this, please give us a call at 1.888.313.6862.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
How can I find out about job opportunities at Oncor?
Oncor welcomes your interest in possible employment opportunities with us. We are the leading electric delivery company in Texas and are on the cutting edge of the latest technological advancements such as Smart Grid Technology and Advanced Metering systems. All of our available job openings can be accessed via the “About Oncor” page on our website, www.oncor.com, or by clicking here. Use the menu and search boxes to find jobs that best fit what you’re looking for.
-Larry W., Oncor HR Expert
-
Can a power surge affect an air conditioning unit?
Yes, electrical power surges can harm air conditioning units. The term "power surge" is frequently used by most people; however a surge is simply an increase in voltage supplied to an electrical device. Surge protection is recommended for all equipment operated on any electrical system. Neither Oncor, nor any other utility company, can provide constant, uninterrupted electric service. Routine operational functions of the electrical grid can result in momentary fluctuation of voltage that can affect non-protected electrical equipment. Additionally, air conditioning equipment can also be damaged when there is a momentary loss and return of power while the unit is operating. If the unit is not protected by a time-delay relay the unit can be damaged when it attempts to restart immediately after a momentary loss of power. This situation is called “short cycling.”
There are many types and brands of "surge" protection equipment available on the market, including surge protectors for individual pieces of equipment, like a computer or television. Electricians can also install what is called “whole house” surge protection to provide protection for all electrical devices in your home.
It is the customer’s responsibility to install and maintain protective devices to prevent damage to their equipment. In this particular case we recommend you contact a licensed electrical contractor or air conditioning dealer and ask for their recommendation for your specific needs.
As a disclosure Oncor is not an expert in this field and we do not market, sell or provide surge protection equipment to customers.
-Rick W., Oncor Claims Expert
-
I would like to get electric service for my RV Trailer in my backyard. How do I go about requesting this and will there be a cost?
In order to request new service, you will need to call the number on your electric bill for service requests or contact Oncor directly at 1.888.313.6862. The call agent will collect your information and forward to one of our designers. The designer will review your situation to determine what if any payment will be required. We are not able to quote a cost until we have someone review the details.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
Does Oncor have plans to some day provide whole house surge protection?
Oncor does not have plans at this time to provide whole house surge protection at the meter. If we were to provide this, we would have to include the cost in our rates, meaning yours and all of our customers’ bills might go up.
It is the customer’s responsibility to install and maintain protective devices to prevent damage to their equipment. There are many types and brands of surge protection equipment available on the market, including surge protectors for individual pieces of equipment, like a computer or television. Electricians can also install whole house surge protection to provide protection for all electrical devices in your home.
Surge protection is recommended for all equipment operated on any electrical system. Neither Oncor, nor any other utility company, can provide constant, uninterrupted electric service. Routine operational functions of the electrical grid and inclement weather situations such as lightning can result in momentary fluctuations of voltage that can affect non-protected electrical equipment.
-Kris M., Oncor Meter Expert
-
Is it possible to bury the power line that connects my home to the main line running through the alley?
The line that runs from Oncor’s pole to your property is called a “service line,” which may be possible to bury. An Oncor utility designer can look into whether this is possible or not at your home and can discuss with you the costs associated with doing so. The cost for burying a service line is the customer’s responsibility to pay.
If you’re interested in speaking to Oncor about your service line, please call 1.888.313.6862.
-David R., Oncor Distribution Expert
-
I would like to move my panel out of a closet and to the garage, but it's on the other side of the house. Can the electric service be moved from one side of the house to the other?
A local representative from Oncor’s design team would need to meet with you to determine exactly what you’re requesting, research the options and then determine a proposed solution and any required customer participation in the cost of modifications. If you would like to meet with an Oncor representative about this, please give us a call at 1.888.313.6862.
-David R., Oncor Electric Distribution Expert
-
I use CoServ for my electricity, but I can't find my ESI ID. Can you tell me where I can find this on my bill?
CoServ is an electric cooperative certified to provide electric service in certain defined areas of the state. CoServ is a different electric utility than Oncor. At this time, the CoServ territory is not a part of the competitive Texas market and therefore they do not use the ESI ID nomenclature.
For more information, you can contact CoServ at 940.321.7800 (local), 800.274.4014 (toll-free), visit the CoServ website or e-mail them at contact@coserv.com.
-Marty S., Oncor Customer Relations Expert
-
I tried to apply online for a position but experienced some technical problems. What should I do?
For technical difficulties with the Oncor Career Center, contact cpsupport@oncor.com. Please include a detailed description of the issue and your contact information.
-Larry W., Oncor HR Expert
-
How does a company become a service vendor for Oncor?
If you are a prospective supplier of goods or services, you are invited to register your company on Oncor's newly launched Supplier Registration Portal. In addition to completing the registration form, the Portal provides the capability for your company to upload key documentation, such as certifications, professional licenses, etc. Once registered, your company's information will be available to business units within Oncor for current or future opportunities. If there is an interest, you will be contacted for additional information. You can make changes to your supplier profile at any time.
For new suppliers, click here to register your company with Oncor now.
For existing suppliers, click here to update your supplier profile.
Additionally, Oncor seeks qualified small businesses and businesses owned by certified minority and women-owned business partners. We strive to help you succeed! This commitment is about good business and strengthening our community.
If you are a diverse supplier, please register your company using Oncor's new Supplier Registration Portal. Please be sure to upload your certifications, as we rely on this information in determining that your company meets our certification requirements.
For additional information about Supplier Diversity at Oncor, you can visit the Supplier Diversity webpage.
-Tim H., Oncor Supplier Expert
-
How do we contact Oncor to verify employment?
Contact an Employee Service Center Representative by calling 1.888.812.5465. The Service Center processes all employment verification requests for Oncor.
-Larry W., Oncor HR Expert
-
What causes a power surge?
Power surges, (sometimes called voltage surges) are fast, temporary spikes in voltage within an electrical circuit. These surges, which are unavoidable, occur when something boosts the electrical charge at some point in the circuit. This boost can increase the current flowing into or within your home’s electrical wiring, affecting lighting, appliances and other electrical equipment in your home or business. Power surges are caused by many different factors, including lightning, faulty or damaged electric wiring or the sudden turning on and off of a high power electrical device like an air conditioner or large electric motor.
It is always a good idea to make sure that your appliances and expensive electronic equipment are protected by surge protection devices and proper grounding of your electrical system. There are many types and brands of surge protection equipment available on the market, including protectors for individual pieces of equipment, like a computer or television. Electricians can also install what is called “whole house” surge protection to provide protection for all electrical devices in your home. Please contact a licensed electrical contractor or qualified electronics dealer for more information on protecting your home. Oncor is not an expert on the topic of surge protection devices for consumer electrical equipment, nor does Oncor market, sell or provide surge protection equipment to customers.
- Rick W., Oncor Claims Expert
