Oncor Invests in Southern DFW Growth with Land Acquisition, Addresses Power Outages
Oncor Electric Delivery, the largest transmission and distribution electric utility in Texas, is strategically expanding its infrastructure in the rapidly growing southern Dallas-Fort Worth region. This investment comes as North Texas experiences increased demand for electricity and faces challenges with storm-related power outages.
Land Acquisition in Ellis County
In September 2025, Oncor acquired 121 acres of undeveloped farmland north of Waxahachie in Ellis County. The utility plans to use the land to stage equipment and support personnel, bolstering its ability to respond to regional growth and infrastructure needs. According to Younger Partners, who brokered the sale, the property is located in the southwest quadrant of Interstate 35E and West Sterrett Road, offering key accessibility.
Notably, Oncor clarified that the site will not be used for a substation or a power-serving facility. This move anticipates a projected 20% population increase in Ellis County over the next decade.
Recent Power Outages and Infrastructure Concerns
North Texas has recently experienced several instances of power outages due to severe weather. On February 10, 2026, residents of Glen Rose and Somervell County expressed concerns about proposed transmission lines. Earlier in February, thousands of homes lost power during icy conditions, with outages affecting approximately 2,500 customers in Dallas County, 1,600 in Collin County, and 600 in Tarrant County on February 15, 2026.
Oncor is actively monitoring storm systems and deploying resources to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. Localized flooding can sometimes cause delays in restoration efforts.
Rate Increases and Grid Investments
Oncor, along with North Texas cities, recently reached a rate settlement, likely leading to higher power bills for consumers. This increase is intended to fund investments in the electric grid, including projects to electrify oil-rich West Texas, which will require substantial power lines in the Hill Country. The company is responsible for maintaining the power grid and delivering electricity to homes and businesses across much of Texas.
Contacting Oncor
Customers seeking assistance or information can contact Oncor through their website: https://www.oncor.com