More than 90 percent of Austin Energy customers’ power restored

Power back to most but some outages remain

More Central Texans are waking up to electricity after days without it but officials caution we're not out of the woods yet. FOX 7 Austin's John Krinjak has details.

AUSTIN, Texas - More Central Texans are getting their electricity back. As of early Friday morning, Austin Energy has restored power to around 97% of customers. The company says they hope to have power restored to most customers in the next several days, but adds there will be some outliers that will take a longer time to repair due to the extent of the damage from winter weather.

People who've been waiting in their freezing homes are finally starting to get help. Thursday, ERCOT eased restrictions, giving Austin Energy the green light to restore power slowly to homes and businesses. At the height of this disaster, more than 200,000 Austin Energy customers were without electricity.

ERCOT says due to the continued extreme cold and ice, there is a possibility that some limited outages could be needed over the course of Friday morning to keep the grid stable.

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Focus shifts to water as electricity returns to Austin Water’s biggest plant

Crews have to work slowly and restore the water in sections at this time. Meanwhile Austin Energy is slowly getting people's electricity back on.

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"Austin Energy's focus is restoring power to our remaining customers who have been without power. As weather conditions continue to change it is possible ERCOT may have to mandate ore outages but we will take every effort to restore these as quickly as possible," said Jackie Sargent, general manager, Austin Energy.

Austin Energy said if you still don't have electricity they don't have a definite timeline for when it will be restored.

For those who do not have power, you are urged to make adjustments now so when it comes back, there’s minimal demand to the circuit. That includes lowering your thermostat, unplugging appliances, and only leaving one light switch on.

Austin Public Works crews clear streets, sidewalks of hazards

While much of Austin’s right-of-way remains in dangerous, icy condition, efforts to clear these are continuing today around the city, and will continue until conditions improve.