| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Outlet or switch repair: $150–$300; labor $75–$150/hour |
| Time | Same-day or next-day for outage-type problems; callback within the hour |
| Who's qualified | Texas-licensed electrician with Master Electrician and $300,000+ liability insurance |
What should I do right now if the office power is out?
Unplug appliances, turn off most lights, and keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Report the outage using Austin Energy's online outage map. Never approach downed power lines.
Is it a building problem or a grid outage?
Austin Energy updates outage information through its outage map, so check there first to see if the outage is local or wider. Austin's severe-weather guidance also tells residents to monitor ERCOT conditions, since grid conditions affect whether the outage is regionwide.
What must happen before an electrician starts emergency repairs in Austin?
Electrical service must be disconnected before any repair work begins. Emergency permits are issued only for electrical work that is immediate and not exempt from permitting, and the permit application must identify the emergency. A repair checklist must be submitted to the building official after completion.
What should I check when hiring an electrician for the office?
Ask the pro for proof of Texas electrical contractor license and insurance. Texas contractors must employ a licensed Master Electrician and carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate. Confirm the license is current, since it renews annually.
What to do next
- Report the outage to Austin Energy using their online outage map, and note the time the outlets went dead.
- Ask the electrician for their Texas electrical contractor license number and verify it is current before work begins.
- Ask the electrician for proof of liability insurance of at least $300,000 per occurrence.
- Request a written quote that separates the service-call or diagnostic fee from the repair labor, since emergency visits often start with a diagnostic charge.
- Call (737) 367-2100 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a licensed, insured electrician.
Austin Volts is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
