Critical Care and Chronic Condition Designations

Notice to residential customers conerning Critical Care Customer and Chronic Condition Customer designations:

You have a right to apply for a Critical Care or Chronic Condition designation, which are applicable if you have a person permanently residing in your home who has: been diagnosed by a physician as being dependent upon an electric-powered medical device to sustain life ("critical care"); or been diagnosed by a physician as having a serious medical condition that requires an electric-powered medical device or electric heating o r cooling to prevent the impairment of a major life function through a significant deterioration or exacerbation of the person's medical condition ("chronic condition").

You can apply for the applicable designation, which affords certain protections, using this form, which your physician will need to complete and submit to your Transmission and Distribution Utility.

Please note that customres designated as Critical Care or Chronic Condition are not eligible for Prepaid service. If, after enrollment, we receive notification from your Transmission/Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) that you have been designated as a critical care or chronic contition residential customer, we will work with you to transition you to a Direct Energy post-paid plan in a manner that avoids service interruption.

Hurricane guidelines

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING, FIND A SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY.

When a hurricane is 36 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV or radio to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
  
• Restock your emergency preparedness kit. Include food and water sufficient for at least 3 days, medications, a flashlight, batteries, cash and first-aid supplies.

When a hurricane is 18-36 hours from arriving

• Bookmark your city or county website for quick access to storm updates and emergency instructiona.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects inside that could become projectiles in high winds (e.g., patio furniture, garbage cans); anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., propane tanks); and trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building.

When a hurricane is 6-18 hours from arriving

• Turn on your TV/radio or check your citi/county website every 30 minutes to get the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.
• Charge your cell phone now so you have a full battery in case you lose power.

When a hurricane is 6 hours from arriving

• If you are not in an area that is recommended for evacuation, plan to stay at home or where you are and let friends and family know where you are.
• Close storm shutters and stay away from windows. Flying glass from broken windows could injure you.
• Turn your refrigerator or freezer to the coldest setting and open only when necessary. If you lose power, food will last longer. Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator so you can check the food temperature when the power is restored.

How to survive during the hurricane

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not drive around barricades.
• If sheltering during high winds, go to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter, or a small, interrior and windowless room or hallway on the lowerst floor that is not subject to flooding.
• If trapped in a building by flooding, go to the highest level of the building. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising flood water.

Be safe after the hurricane

• Listen to the authorities for information and special instructions.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to preven electric shock.
• Avoid wading in flood water, which can contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

Hurricane checklist

Hurricane season in Texas is June 1 - November 30.

Preparedness checklist

• Make an Evacuation Plan. Find activated evacuation routes here: DriveTexas.org or by calling (800) 452-9292. Call 2-1-1 to find out if you live in an evacuation zone.
• Sign-up for Emergency Alerts. Make sure your device is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).
• Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit. Learn how to build an emergency kit.
• Review your Home Insurance Policy.
• Register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) or call 2-1-1 if you live in an evacuation zone and: 1.) have a disability or medical need and do not have a car or other vehicle to use in an evacuation 2.) have a disability or medical need and do not have friends or family to help in an evacuation.^*

Hurricane Preparedness online resources

• Texas Division of Emergency Management website
• Texas Department of State Health Services
• American Red Cross
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Office of the Texas Governor Greg Abbott