Streetlights play a crucial role in public safety, reducing the risk of accidents and deterring crime in neighborhoods across Texas. A burned-out or malfunctioning streetlight can create hazardous conditions, making it difficult for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to navigate safely at night.
Fortunately, reporting a burned-out streetlight in Texas is a simple process. Cities and utility companies provide online forms, phone hotlines, and mobile apps to help residents report issues.
Who Maintains Streetlights in Texas?
Streetlights in Texas are typically owned and maintained by one of the following entities:
✔ Local city government (Public Works or Transportation Departments)
✔ Electric utility companies (such as Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP)
✔ Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) for private communities
How to Identify the Right Authority
Before reporting a streetlight issue, you need to determine who owns or maintains the light. Here’s how:
- Check your city’s website – Many Texas cities have dedicated pages for streetlight maintenance.
- Look for utility provider labels – Some streetlight poles have small metal tags or stickers with the utility company’s name and pole number.
- Ask your HOA – If you live in a gated or private community, the HOA might be responsible.
How to Report a Burned-Out Streetlight in Texas
1. Reporting Through Your City’s Website
Most Texas cities offer an online reporting system for streetlight issues. Here’s how to use it:
🔹 Visit your city’s official website.
🔹 Look for the Public Works or Transportation Department section.
🔹 Fill out the streetlight outage form, providing details like:
- Exact location (nearest address or intersection)
- Pole number (if available)
- Description of the issue (burned-out, flickering, or broken light)
Many cities also allow you to report issues via 311 non-emergency services by phone or mobile apps.
For example, in Houston, residents can report streetlight outages via Houston 311.
2. Contacting Your Electric Utility Provider
If the streetlight is maintained by a utility company, you can report the issue directly to them. Here’s how to contact major Texas utility providers:
- Oncor Electric (Dallas-Fort Worth, North Texas)
- Report online at oncorstreetlight.com
- Call 1-888-313-4747
- CenterPoint Energy (Houston, Gulf Coast)
- Report online at centerpointenergy.com
- Call 713-207-2222
- AEP Texas (Corpus Christi, South Texas)
- Report online at aeptexas.com
- Call 1-877-373-4858
- Texas-New Mexico Power (TNMP) (Central and West Texas)
- Report online at tnmp.com
- Call 1-888-866-7456
3. Using Mobile Apps for Faster Reporting
Many cities and utility companies provide mobile apps to report streetlight issues quickly.
✔ Houston 311 App – Allows users to submit reports with GPS location and photos.
✔ Oncor Streetlight Outage Map – Enables tracking and reporting of outages.
✔ Austin Energy App – Used for reporting streetlight outages in Austin.
What Happens After You Report a Streetlight Issue?
Once a report is submitted, the responsible entity will:
✔ Send a technician to inspect the light (typically within a few days)
✔ Determine if a bulb replacement or repair is needed
✔ Complete repairs within 7–14 days, depending on workload and weather conditions
Common Reasons for Streetlight Outages
Streetlights can malfunction due to various reasons, including:
🚧 Burned-out bulbs – Requires simple replacement.
🚧 Electrical wiring issues – May take longer to repair.
🚧 Storm damage – High winds or lightning can knock out power.
🚧 Vandalism or theft – Some lights are damaged due to theft of copper wiring.
How to Follow Up on a Report
If a streetlight hasn’t been fixed within the expected timeframe:
🔹 Check your city’s or utility provider’s website for status updates.
🔹 Call customer service to inquire about delays.
🔹 Submit a follow-up request if necessary.
What If a Streetlight Issue Is an Emergency?
Some streetlight problems require immediate attention, such as:
✔ Exposed wires or electrical sparks – Could cause electrocution or fires.
✔ Pole damage from a car accident – Could result in fallen debris or electrical hazards.
In these cases, call 911 or the utility company’s emergency hotline immediately.
Conclusion
Reporting a burned-out streetlight in Texas is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining public safety and neighborhood security. Whether through city websites, utility companies, or mobile apps, residents have multiple ways to ensure streetlights are repaired quickly.
For the latest updates and official reporting channels, visit the Texas Department of Transportation at www.txdot.gov.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.