Quick answer
How do I get ERCOT power grid alerts by text message?
Sign up at ercot.com/txans and choose text, email or both. Since November 10, 2026, ERCOT's Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS) sends grid notices by text as well as email, in English and Spanish. Most alerts, such as a Weather Watch or a Conservation Appeal, are a heads-up or a request to use less power. Only Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 means ERCOT has ordered systemwide controlled outages.
Written and reviewed by Sean Al Hajebi, owner of Tesla Electric DFW. Last updated .
What changed
On November 10, 2026, ERCOT announced an enhanced TXANS, its system for telling the public about grid conditions such as forecast weather events, high demand and emergency actions. TXANS is now ERCOT's single source for grid notifications, and for the first time it can send them by text message. Emails and texts go out in English and Spanish.
If you already get TXANS emails, you can add text alerts by logging in to the TXANS portal with the email address you registered and changing your preferences.
How to sign up
- Go to ercot.com/txans.
- Choose how you want notices: text, email or both.
- Optional: ERCOT also posts notices in its ERCOT app for iOS and Android and on its social media accounts.
What each alert level means
From lowest to highest, using ERCOT's own definitions:
- Weather Watch: significant weather, high demand and possibly low reserves are forecast. Grid conditions are still normal.
- Voluntary Conservation Notice: higher demand and lower reserves are forecast. ERCOT asks people to use less power during a set time, if it is safe to do so.
- Conservation Appeal: higher demand is forecast and emergency operations could be needed. Same request to conserve during a set time.
- Energy Emergency Alert Level 1 and 2: operating reserves have dropped below set levels. ERCOT has not ordered systemwide controlled outages and asks everyone to cut use as much as possible. If your power goes out during EEA 1, ERCOT says it is likely a local outage.
- Energy Emergency Alert Level 3: systemwide controlled outages are underway. Utilities cut power locally to homes and businesses to protect the grid, so be ready to lose power.
If someone in your home has critical medical needs, ERCOT says to check with your local electric utility ahead of time.
If your power goes out
ERCOT runs the grid but does not restore power to your street. Report an outage to the company that owns your power lines. Depending on your address, that is Oncor or an electric co-op such as CoServ.
If the power is back on but part of your house is still dead, check for a tripped breaker or GFCI outlet first. If a breaker trips again right away, or you smell burning near the panel or an outlet, turn that circuit off and call an electrician.
Getting ready before the next alert
- Portable generator? Never plug it into a dryer outlet to power the house. That backfeeds the lines and can kill a lineman down the street. A weatherproof inlet with a panel interlock is the safe, code-approved way, and lets you choose the circuits you run: fridge, furnace blower, lights, outlets, internet.
- Want it automatic? A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch starts on its own within seconds of an outage.
- Have an EV? If your charger lets you schedule charging, set it to charge outside the hours named in a conservation request.
For a generator inlet, interlock or standby setup, text a photo of your panel and the outside wall to 214-774-2150 and we'll tell you what your home needs.
Questions we get
Does an ERCOT text alert mean my power is about to go out?
Usually not. A Weather Watch, Voluntary Conservation Notice or Conservation Appeal is a heads-up or a request to use less power. Only Energy Emergency Alert Level 3 means systemwide controlled outages are underway.
Are ERCOT alerts available in Spanish?
Yes. TXANS emails and text messages are sent in English and Spanish, and the TXANS page has a Spanish version.
Who do I call when my power is out in Frisco or nearby?
Report it to the company that owns your power lines: Oncor or an electric co-op such as CoServ, depending on your address. ERCOT does not handle individual outages.
Can I run my house on a portable generator through a dryer outlet?
No. It is illegal and dangerous because it can send power back into the utility lines. A generator inlet with an interlock on your panel is the safe, code-approved way.