As we closely monitor the forecasted extreme cold weather sweeping across our service area and the state, we want to ensure you are well-prepared for the upcoming weather.

Cold Weather Preparedness:

To help you stay safe and comfortable during this cold spell, we encourage you to take the following precautions:

• Protect the four Ps: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants
• Dress in layers to stay warm, paying extra attention to your ears, fingers, and feet when outdoors.
• Check on elderly family members or neighbors who may require assistance.
• Bring pets indoors or create a warm and safe space for them to rest.
• Cover exposed pipes and spigots to prevent freezing, and allow faucets to drip slightly to relieve pressure.
• Make note of local warming centers if needed.
• For additional assistance, call Texas Health and Human Services at 2-1-1 or visit www.211texas.org. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Cold Weather Safety:

Ensure the safety of your home by following these guidelines:

• Keep a safe distance from heating sources like fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, or candles.
• If using a space heater, plug it directly into an outlet and never leave it unattended.
• Avoid using an oven to heat your home.

Outage Reporting:

Our crews and staff are prepared to respond to outages caused by ice accumulation, strong winds, or other factors. Please be aware that weather conditions can impact restoration times due to road conditions.

To report an outage:

• Smarthub - Online or App
• 1-866-632-3532

Do not report outages through email or social media.

ERCOT and Grid Conditions:

As of now, ERCOT is not requesting any conservation efforts. However, a Weather Watch is in effect from January15 through January 17, anticipating extreme cold weather leading to higher demand and the potential for lower power reserves. Learn more about ERCOT and TXANS to stay informed.

You can also visit our ERCOT resource page for additional information.

Stay Updated

• Follow the National Weather Service and local news sources for local weather reports.
• Sign up for TXANS notifications on the ERCOT mailing list.
• Download the ERCOT app (available through Google Play or App Store)
• Monitor current and extended grid conditions at ERCOT.com
• Follow ERCOT on X (@ERCOT_ISO) and Facebook (Electric Reliability Council of Texas).
• Subscribe to ERCOT EmergencyAlerts, which are not sent through TXANS, and are only sent under emergency conditions.

Life Support Registry

If someone in your home depends on an electric-operated health aid, sign up for Medina EC's Life Support Registry. To sign up for the registry, you must complete the form on our website and submit a physician's directive prescription. Please note, Medina EC's Life Support Registry does not guarantee there will be no power interruptions. Power outages happen for many reasons that may be out of the cooperative's control. Please ensure to have back up resources in the event of any outages.

Energy-Saving Tips

Home heating units are the largest source of energy consumption during winter months. Help your home be more efficient to save energy and money:

• Lower your thermostat's heat setting 2-3 degrees, if able. Every degree will help you save money.
• Dress in layers to stay warm.
• Avoid using space heaters. They are generally inefficient.
• Seal drafts in home to keep cold air out and warm air in.

Open window coverings during the day to allow the natural sunlight to warm the home, and close the coverings at night to maintain the warmth.