About AEP Texas Central: What You Need to Know
AEP Texas Central is a transmission and distribution utility that provides electricity to customers in central and south Texas.
The company is a subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), a major utility company that serves customers in 11 states.
AEP Texas Central is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the power lines and other infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes and businesses in its service area. The company works to ensure that its customers have reliable access to electricity, and it offers a range of programs and services to help them save energy and reduce their energy costs.
AEP Texas Central is also committed to sustainability and to promoting the use of renewable energy sources. In addition to serving its customers, the company is active in the communities it serves, supporting various initiatives and programs that promote economic development and improve the quality of life for local residents.
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Difference between AEP Texas Central and an Energy Provider?
AEP Texas North Utility is a transmission and distribution utility that provides electricity to customers in north and west Texas. As a transmission and distribution utility, AEP Texas North Utility is responsible for building, maintaining, and operating the power lines and other infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes and businesses in its service area. It is not responsible for generating electricity or for purchasing electricity from other energy producers.
The main difference between AEP Texas North Utility and other Texas energy providers is the type of service they offer. Other energy companies in Texas, such as retail electric providers (REPs), are responsible for generating or purchasing electricity at wholesale price and then selling it to residential and commercial customers. REPs compete with each other to offer the best prices and plans, and customers that live in deregulated energy areas like Texas have the option to choose the provider that best meets their needs.
AEP Texas Central Service Areas
AEP Texas Central which was previously known as the Central Power and Light company services areas in the South and Central parts of Texas.
See the highlighted blue colors on the map below to see AEP Texas’ service areas:
AEP Texas Central Outage Map
AEP Texas Central provides an online outage map that allows customers to view current outages and get updates on the status of any power interruptions in their area. The outage map can be accessed through the AEP Texas Central website or through the company’s mobile app.
To use the outage map, customers can enter their address or zip code to see a map of the area with colored dots representing outages. The map also includes a legend that shows the number of customers affected by each outage and the estimated time of restoration. Customers can click on a dot to see more information about a specific outage, including the cause of the interruption and any updates on when power is expected to be restored.
The outage map is a useful tool for AEP Texas Central customers to stay informed about power interruptions in their area and to plan for any necessary accommodations. Customers can also report an outage through the map or by contacting AEP Texas Central customer service.
What to do if there’s an AEP Texas Central power outage
Power outages can be inconvenient and sometimes even dangerous, so it’s important to know what to do in case one occurs. Here is a guide on what to do when there is a power outage:
- Stay safe: If you are using any electrical appliances when the power goes out, unplug them to prevent a potential electrical surge when the power is restored. If you are using a gas stove, make sure to turn it off to prevent a gas leak. If you are in an elevator, try to get out as quickly as possible.
- Check for updates: Check with your electricity provider for updates on when power is expected to be restored. You can usually find this information on the utility company’s online outage map or by calling their customer service line.
- Use a backup power source: If you have a generator, make sure to use it safely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have a generator, consider using flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead of candles, which can be a fire hazard.
- Keep your fridge and freezer closed: To prevent food from spoiling, try to keep the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. Foods that have been kept in the fridge should be safe to eat for up to 4 hours, while foods that have been kept in the freezer should be safe for up to 48 hours if the door is kept closed.
- Stay warm: If it’s cold outside, try to stay warm by wearing layers of clothing and using blankets. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, you can use it to heat your home.
- Stay cool: If it’s hot outside, try to stay cool by staying in the shade, using fans, and drinking plenty of water. Avoid using the stove or oven, as they can generate heat and make your home warmer.
- Turn off appliances: To avoid a potential electrical surge when power is restored, unplug any appliances that you were using when the power went out. This includes things like your television, computer, and microwave.
Energy Providers that service AEP Texas Central areas
In Texas, customers have the option to choose their electricity provider from a variety of retail electric providers (REPs). Here is a list of some of the REPs that serve Texas customers who live in an AEP Central area:
If you live in an AEP Texas North service area you’re in luck, you can shop around and choose your own Retail Electric Provider. A few of the companies that offer energy plans in your area are 4Change Energy, Frontier Utilities, Pulse Power, Energy Texas, Rhythm, Reliant Energy, Ambit Energy, Champion Energy, Gexa Energy, Payless Power, and more…
Click on the link for a list of energy companies that serve your area.
This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many other REPs that serve customers in Texas. Customers can compare the plans and prices offered by different REPs to find the one that best meets their needs. It’s important to note that REPs are responsible for purchasing electricity from the grid and then selling it to end customers, while transmission and distribution utilities, such as AEP Texas Central, are responsible for building and maintaining the power lines and other infrastructure that delivers electricity to homes and businesses.
Customers will receive their electricity through the transmission and distribution system of their default provider, regardless of which REP they choose.
Contact AEP Texas Central
General Customer Service: 1-877-373-4858
Outages: 1-866-223-8508
Email: Customers can send an email through the “Contact Us” form on the AEP Texas North website:
https://www.aeptexas.com/contact/
If you need to report an outage or emergency, you can call the AEP Texas North outage hotline at 1-866-223-8508. You can also report an outage online through the company’s website or through the AEP Texas North app.
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