Texans know that summer can bring more than just sunshine. Between sudden thunderstorms, record-breaking heatwaves, and the occasional hurricane, our grid can be pushed to the limit. Power outages aren’t just a winter concern—they're increasingly common during the summer months, too. Whether you're already a Base member or still exploring your options for backup power, this guide breaks down how to prepare your home, protect your health, and stay comfortable when the lights go out.

9 Essential summer outage preparation tips

1. Stock up on warm-weather essentials

• Water – Aim for one gallon per person, per day. Hot weather increases hydration needs.
• Shelf-stable snacks – Heat-safe food that doesn’t require cooking.
• Medications – Refill prescriptions in advance.‍
• Cooling aids – Handheld fans, wet wipes, cooling towels, and battery-powered mini fans.
  

2. Reduce heat exposure indoors

• Close blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight.
• Avoid using the oven or stovetop during peak heat.
• Open windows only during early morning or late evening if safe.

3. Reduce energy usage

• Lower your electricity usage during peak demand (2–7 PM).
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use ceiling fans.
• Charge critical devices like phones and medical equipment overnight when the grid is less stressed.

4. Stay informed

• Sign up for TXANS notifications – ERCOT provides updates on grid conditions.
• Follow local weather alerts and monitor conditions for potential outages.
• Stay connected with Base Power on X and Instagram for real-time updates.

5. Prepare your home

• Seal doors and windows to keep hot air out and cold air in.
• Tune up your HVAC and change air filters regularly.
• Keep a list of high-usage appliances you can turn off during an outage.

6. Protect outdoor systems

• Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and equipment ahead of storms.
• If you have sprinklers or irrigation timers, turn them off to conserve water.

7. Build your summer-ready emergency kit

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered fan or USB-rechargeable cooling devices
• First aid kit and copies of key documents
• Ice packs or coolers to preserve food temporarily

8. Know how to manage your appliances

• During an outage, unplug large appliances to avoid surges when power returns.
• Consider a surge protector for sensitive electronics.
• Label your breakers ahead of time if you plan to manage power manually.

9. Have a backup plan

• Make a list of cooling centers in your area.
• Identify nearby family or friends you could stay with if an outage is prolonged.
• Keep a paper contact list in case phones lose battery.

For Base members: How to prepare for power outages

How power outages affect your Base-powered home

Good news: With a Base battery, your household will stay powered! Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect. (For more on how your battery works during an outage, read How the Base battery works: A complete guide to grid connectivity and outage protection.)

During a power outage, your Base battery will disconnect your home from the grid. This ensures that the stored energy in your battery powers only your household. The average outage in Texas lasts 2.5 hours. At low energy use, a single-unit Base battery can provide power for 20 hours. At moderate energy use, backup duration is typically 12-14 hours.

Extending your backup duration

Certain high-energy appliances, or "secret power-guzzlers," can drain your battery quickly. These include:

• Hot tubs and jacuzzis
• Electric water heaters (especially tankless models)
• Electric dryers and washing machines
• Air conditioners
• Conventional, resistance-based electric whole-home heating systems

Turning off these appliances during outages will significantly extend your battery’s duration.

Things to know before an outage

• Pre-outage preparation: Identify high-energy appliances in your home and plan to turn them off during an outage. Inform Base electricians about your setup during installation to get personalized advice.
• During an outage: If your battery is overwhelmed by high-powered devices, it will shut off automatically. The system attempts three automatic restarts. If unsuccessful, you can manually restart it via the Base app after reducing your power usage.
• Transitioning from grid to off-grid power: When the grid goes down, the hub separates your home, giving you exclusive access to stored battery energy. This transition includes a brief half-second delay.
• Getting support: Base Power’s support team is always available to assist you during an outage.

Preparing for Texas storms without backup power

Power grid failures in Texas are a matter of “when,” not “if.”

Here’s how you can prepare:

• Stock emergency supplies: Keep essentials like water, blankets, hand warmers, non-perishable food, and medications readily available.
• Secure alternative energy sources: Consider investing in a whole-home backup battery system for reliable backup power.
• Plan evacuations: If staying put during a blackout isn’t safe, have an evacuation plan. Coordinate with friends or family outside affected areas.
• Build an emergency contact list: Write down important phone numbers in case your devices lose power.
• Turn off power-hungry devices: If using a backup battery, reducing energy use will help avoid overwhelming or draining your backup power too quickly.
• Use energy-efficient appliances: Switching to energy-efficient devices can reduce strain on the grid during peak demand.

Concluding thoughts

Taking these precautions before volatile weather arrives can help protect your home and loved ones. With proper preparation, you can stay cool, safe, and ready for whatever summerbrings. Stay informed, conserve energy, and prepare your home in advance to handle Texas’ unpredictable heat waves with confidence.