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.

1. How can Oncor cut power off to an entire apartment building because a few people are stealing electricity? What about the people who are paying their bills?

   Electricity theft is more than just a petty crime. Many times, the theft involves tampering with the metering equipment and energized electrical wires. This can result in a dangerous and hazardous situation, such as exposed conductors, loose electrical connections or sparking wires. Conditions like these often cause fires and put the public at risk. Serious bodily injury or death could occur if someone accidentally contacted damaged electrical equipment.

   When Oncor or a local fire or police department finds hazardous conditions resulting from electricity theft, Oncor has to disconnect electricity at the level necessary to secure the hazardous condition and ensure the safety of the general public. Oncor cannot reconnect power to a building that was disconnected for a hazardous condition until the building passes a city safety inspection.

   Since apartment buildings often have one service line feeding a combined enclosure of meters, it is often necessary to disconnect the service line feeding the entire building to secure the hazard. This may result in some innocent tenants losing electricity. When these situations occur, Oncor works with the building management, city officials, police and various aid groups to keep the residents informed of the situation and what needs to be done for power to be restored quickly and safely.

   We’re concerned about the safety of all consumers, including those who are engaging in the dangerous activity of stealing electricity. No amount of money is worth risking injury or death. Our No. 1 priority is always the safety of our employees and the general public.

   -Kris M., Oncor Meter Expert

2. Who do I contact to dispute tampering charges that have been assessed through my Retail Electric Provider? If the charges have been made by Oncor, isn't my dispute with Oncor?

   Your Retail Electric Provider can convey your dispute on tampering charges to Oncor. Oncor will make available the evidence of tampering such as photos, affidavits, etc. for your REP to provide to you. Your REP can request that Oncor contact you directly to discuss the evidence and charges assessed.

   -Mike M., Ask Oncor Manager

3. I think someone was tampering with my meter. I saw someone at the meter yesterday and, when I asked for identification, he left. What should I do?

   If you think your meter has been tampered with, please call Oncor immediately at 1.888.313.6862, so we can investigate and make sure there are no hazardous conditions from the suspected tampering. Many times, tampering with metering equipment and energized electrical wires can result in dangerous and hazardous situations, such as exposed conductors, loose electrical connections or sparking wires.

   Oncor employees and contractors who need to access your property are always in uniforms and drive marked company vehicles. If requested, Oncor employees and contractors are required to show you identification and give you phone numbers for confirmation that they are there to do required work. If ever fearful for your safety, please call 9-1-1.

   -Kris M., Oncor Meter Expert

4. Do people steal meters? I think mine is missing on my rent house.

   Unfortunately, people do steal meters. In the future, if you think your meter has been tampered with, please call Oncor immediately at 1.888.313.6862, so we can investigate and make sure there are no hazardous conditions from the suspected tampering. Many times, tampering with metering equipment and energized electrical wires can result in dangerous and hazardous situations, such as exposed conductors, loose electrical connections or sparking wires.

   -Kris M., Oncor Meter Expert