DALLAS (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) December 15, 2008 -- With freezing temperatures in the forecast, Oncor is preparing for adverse weather. Oncor crews are on alert and standing by to handle icy conditions.

In the event of a major power outage, Oncor’s first priority is to restore electricity to emergency public service agencies, such as police departments, fire departments and hospitals. The next priority is to restore power safely to the highest number of homes and businesses possible.

Consumers should observe the following safety tips during potential outages resulting from severe weather:

• Always avoid downed power lines. Any downed line should be considered energized and therefore dangerous. If you see a downed power line, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1. Avoid debris lying on the ground that may conceal downed power lines and make sure there are no downed lines before allowing children out to play.
• Steer clear of Oncor crew work areas. Equipment and energized lines may be in the area that could create a safety hazard.
• When driving, watch for crews working along the roadways and obey all traffic signs and directions around work areas.
• Don’t attempt to make repairs to Oncor’s electrical system or pull limbs off lines.
• Be patient. When major outages occur, Oncor crews first focus on restoring power to transmission lines and distribution lines that feed the largest number of people before working on distribution lines that feed directly to individual homes and businesses. However, be assured that Oncor crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to customers.
• Be careful when using portable heaters or other supplemental heating. Never place heaters near flammable materials or where they might tip over. Use fire screens to prevent sparks and embers from causing problems.
• Exercise extreme caution if using candles during a power outage. Always keep candles away from flammable objects and never leave them burning unattended.
• Remember to report your outage. Call your retail electric provider and have your seven-digit ESI ID number ready, which is found on your electric bill. Once your lights come back on, turn your porch light on to let crews in the area know that your power has been restored.
• If you have a life-threatening medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

Oncor is a regulated electric distribution and transmission business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor operates the largest distribution and transmission system in Texas, providing power to 3 million electric delivery points over more than 102,000 miles of distribution and 14,000 miles of transmission lines. While Oncor is owned by a limited number of investors (including majority owner, Energy Future Holdings Corp.), Oncor is managed by its Board of Directors, which is comprised of a majority of independent directors.

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