Critical and chronic care resources

At Base, your safety and well-being are a top priority. Under the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) rules, certain households may qualify for Critical Care Customer or Chronic Condition protections that provide additional safeguards during power interruptions and disconnection events. 

Critical Care or Chronic Condition designations provide:

• Advance notice of planned electric service interruptions
• Additional protections during disconnection events
• Prioritization during power restoration, when feasible

You may be eligible if you or someone in your household depends on electric-powered medical equipment to sustain life or prevent serious medical complications. 

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Ventilators or respirators
• Dialysis machines
• Oxygen concentrators
• IV pumps or other life-support equipment

A licensed physician or medical authority must certify to your utility that the loss of electricity would create a dangerous or life-threatening condition for the patient.

How to apply

1. Download the PUCT Critical Care application form.
2. Have the form signed by your physician or other authorized medical professional.
3. Submit the completed form directly to your utility via fax or email. 

For questions on the application process, please contact your utility at its designated critical care phone number.

Your utility will review your application and notify you and us of your status. Please note that certification is not permanent - renewal is required periodically under PUCT rules. Refer to the PUCT rules or ask your utility for details on designation duration.

Designation as a Critical Care Customer or Chronic Condition Customer does not guarantee the uninterrupted supply of electricity.