FAQs • City of San Marcos, TX • CivicEngage

How do I request an underground line locate for utilities?: Customers must call the 811 hotline or 800-DIG-TESS (800-344-8377) at least two working days prior to beginning excavation. The hotline operator will notify local utilities of the dig location, and utility representatives will mark underground utilities with paint or flags. Private property utility lines will not be located by the representative. 811 hotline

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Electric Utility

1. What phone number do I call to report an outage?: If you experience an outage, the City is ready to respond 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Electric: 512-393-8313. Water: 512-393-8010.

2. What do I do if my power goes out?: In the event that you lose power, please verify the household breakers have not tripped. If the breakers are still on, please contact the Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313.

3. Where are my breakers located?: Main breakers can be located on the outside of a building by the electric meter. Additional breakers are sometimes located in apartments near kitchens, in hallways, or in utility rooms.

4. When my breaker fails, who is responsible for replacing it?: Customers are responsible for replacing their breakers and have the option to contact an electrician for assistance.

5. What is the most frequent cause of power outages in San Marcos?: Power outages are most frequently caused by weather events, animals, or vehicle collisions.

6. When my meter loop is damaged, what am I responsible for repairing?: If the service is overhead, then the customer is responsible for any part of the connection past the service line termination. If the service is underground, please contact the Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313.

7. How do I report tree limbs on power lines?: Please contact the Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313.

8. When will the City trim tree limbs?: In order for the City to provide reliable and safe electric service, tree limbs are trimmed ten feet away from any electrical line. If trees are in or near electrical lines, customers are asked to contact the Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313.

9. Who do I call if there is a low hanging wire or a wire on the ground?: Please avoid low hanging wires and call the Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313 as soon as possible.

10. How do I request an underground line locate for utilities?: Customers must call the 811 hotline or 800-DIG-TESS (800-344-8377) at least two working days prior to beginning excavation. The hotline operator will notify local utilities of the dig location, and utility representatives will mark underground utilities with paint or flags. Private property utility lines will not be located by the representative. 811 hotline

11. When my meter loop is ready, how do I request a meter?: The City of San Marcos Permit Center must inspect the meter loop for correct installation. Upon inspection approval, the Permit Center will contact the Electric Utility Service Department. Customers must also establish an account with the City of San Marcos Utility Customer Service Department prior to having a meter installed. Once both of these requirements have been fulfilled, the utility will typically set the meter within 2 business days. Utility Customer Service Department

12. How do I request electrical service?: Please contact the City of San Marcos Utility Customer Service Department to set up services. Customers have several ways to set up services: online or in-person at the two locations:

- Municipal Building (behind City Hall) 630 E Hopkins Street

- San Marcos Electric Utility, 1040 Highway 123 (Seguin Highway)

13. How do I know who my electric provider will be?: There are three electrical providers within the City of San Marcos:
- San Marcos Electric Utility
- Pedernales Electric Cooperative
- Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative
Please view the service area map to determine your provider.

14. How do I read my electric meter?: Residential electric meters will scroll through different screens. The initial screen displays “888888” indicating the unit is functioning properly. The next screen displays the kWh meter reading. This is a five digit number.

15. How do I request an energy audit for my house or business?: Through the Free Energy Audit program, the City of San Marcos provides electric utility customers with customized recommendations on how to reduce energy consumption and associated utility costs. The energy audit includes an evaluation of:

- Heating/AC equipment and ductwork
- Ventilation systems
- Energy using appliances
- Insulation
- Windows and doors
- And more

To schedule your Free Energy Audit, contact the San Marcos Electric Utility at 512-393-8308.

16. How do I report a street or customer light outage?: The Street Light and Customer Lighting Programs benefit the San Marcos Citizens by providing a safer, well-lit environment that reduces the chance of theft and vandalism. Lights operate on a photocell and should be on all hours of darkness. If you notice a light out or a light burning during the daylight hours, please contact our Electric Utility Service Department at 512-393-8313.

17. Does the City support Net Metering?: Yes. Customers wanting to install distributed generation systems should contact the Permit Center for a permit packet, which includes information on permitting, City code, and the interconnection agreement. For more information, please visit the City’s Energy Conservation webpage.