DALLAS — Thousands of north Texans experienced power outages following the storms Monday into Tuesday. Restoration efforts prioritized critical infrastructure like hospitals, police stations and water plants.

Second to that were those listed as critical care or chronic condition customers. Residents who have a serious medical condition or on life support equipment.

Jaime Ramos has cerebral palsy and after the 2021 winter storm registered to be on the critical care list. His electricity has been out since Tuesday at 5 a.m.

Ramos called his provider TXU energy.

“They said okay I see it’s for 2022 but you’re supposed to renew every year,” Ramos said, “my disability is permanent so therefore from my perspective there’s no need to renew it cause my disability is permanent.”

TXU is an electricity provider for Oncor. Customers of TXU or any Texas electricity provider must apply to have Critical Care or Chronic Condition Status. The application goes to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. A doctor must fax or email the completed application to the PUC for approval.

Ramos says he was emailed the form to fill out again, but without electricity, he’s unable to.

By Wednesday night, Ramos’s wheelchair was not working. A neighbor offered a generator to Ramos. He spent the night in his living room charging it. 

“In order to make sure my independence is good, I need to make sure this chair is good,” said Ramos, “without any power, my independence is gone.”

Oncor explains residential customers’ accounts are flagged as a critical care or chronic condition customer, but that doesn’t guarantee uninterrupted services. The application reiterates this, adding that the status does not ensure regular or continuous power supply.

“While prioritized during power restoration events, critical care designations do not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply, especially during severe weather,” said Grant Cruise, spokesperson with Oncor.

Ramos spent hours on the phone with Oncor and TXU, explaining his situation.

“When I talked to people at both TXU and Oncor of course you get the whole feedback, we understand,” said Ramos. “I tell people everyday anybody that tells me they understand, until you’re actually put in the situation you never really understand you can empathize with the situation, but you’ll never understand.”

Weather permitting Oncor expects complete restoration efforts by Friday evening. Harder-hit areas like North Dallas, East Dallas and Mesquite were expected to be restored by Saturday.

“Customers who rely on electricity for life-saving medical devices should have a plan in place in case of power outages such as a portable generator, staying with a family or friend, or staying in a hotel.”

Ramos says it’s not that easy. He is unable to move freely. His vehicle was recently stolen and now must rely on DART para-transit services.