What is a Critical Load Customer?

Critical Load Public Safety Customer and Critical Load Industrial Customer:

According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) Substantive Rules § 25.497(a)  a "critical load public safety customer" is defined as "loads for which electric service is considered crucial for the protection or maintenance of public safety; including but not limited to hospitals, police stations, fire station​s, critical water and wastewater facilities, and customers with special in-house life-sustaining equipment."  A "critical load industrial customer" is defined as "an industrial customer for whom an interruption or suspension of electric service will create a dangerous or life-threatening condition on the retail customer's premises.”

Notice for Retail Customers

Retail Customers designated as a Critical Load Industrial Customer are not guaranteed uninterrupted electric power supply. If electricity is a necessity, it is the responsibility of the Retail Customer to make arrangements for alternate sources of electric power.​

Request Designation as a Non-residential Critical Load Customer

If you believe you qualify for either "critical load public safety customer" or "critical load industrial customer" status, please submit the form below. The information requested can be found on your electric bill from your Retail Electric Provider.