Winter Weather Updates
Update, March 10: The City Council at the March 9 meeting approved a one-time, automatic, $10 credit for all Georgetown water customers for dripping faucets in response to the winter storm in February.
Click any of the links below to be taken to that section of the updates.
- Disaster relief resources guide
- How will the storm affect my electric bill?
- Winter storm leak adjustment request
- Tree limb collection
- Permits for winter storm damage repairs
- Water/electric outages
- Solid waste and recycling collection
- Disaster Declarations
- Other service providers in Georgetown
Questions about the winter storm and the City’s recovery efforts? Check out the Georgetown winter storm FAQ
Disaster Relief Resources for Winter Storm Uri
The City of Georgetown has developed a Disaster Relief Resources for Winter Storm Uri page with information about available resources, including:
- Local resources: General, food, mental health, transportation, unemployment benefits, utilities, renters/homeowners, local aid organizations, City services
- State/federal resources: disaster relief, Texas Health and Human Services, Public Utility Commission
- Damage assessment information
How will the recent winter storm affect my electric bill?
Georgetown rates will not change, but you could see higher bills due to usage.
While it is true that the wholesale price of power increased exponentially for all Texas electric utilities during February’s extreme weather, City of Georgetown electric customers will see no difference in their electric rates at this time. At the direction of City Council, the City of Georgetown plans to take out a $47.8 million loan, to be paid by electric revenue over 10 years, to cover our wholesale power bill from the storm. Any changes will be communicated publicly through this website, other City communications channels, and the media.
If your electric bill is higher than normal for this time of year, it’s likely due to how much energy you used during the storm. Heating your home during cold weather uses a significant amount of energy, even more so if you experienced outages and needed to reheat your home. We know some of those outages were in response to ERCOT’s requirements to protect the statewide electric grid from collapsing. We have multiple options to help you pay your electric bill, such as funding assistance through partner agencies and in-house customer programs you may qualify for.
Go here for more detail on what happened and answers to frequently asked questions about the situation.
2021 Winter storm leak adjustment request
During the recent severe winter weather event, the City asked all water customers to drip their faucets for an extended period of time in an effort to limit pipe damage. To show our appreciation, and cover the associated costs, the City Council has approved a one-time water-utility credit of $10 for Georgetown residential and commercial water customers. This credit will appear on the first utility bill you receive after March 15, 2021.
Tree limb collection
Crews contracted by the City of Georgetown have been collecting tree limbs and natural debris since Feb. 24 for residents who live in Georgetown city limits. Tree limb collection should be completed this week, March 15-19.
Permits for winter storm damage repairs
The City of Georgetown’s Building Inspections Department will be working with homeowners and businesses during the next month to assess damage from the Feb. 10-21 winter weather event.
From Feb. 20-March 23, the City will assess each repair situation reported by customers to determine if a permit is required. Permits are required when multiple water pipes are broken since those damages can affect the integrity of the plumbing system and fixtures. The City is waiving permit fees on a case-by-case basis during this month-long assessment period.
Property owners are not required to request a permit for emergency repairs, such as replacing a hose bib or a short section of pipe (5 feet or less).
If more repairs need to be done, a remodel permit must be retained. A remodel permit is 42 cents per square foot. Permits are still required for repairs to gas lines or gas systems.
Visit permits.georgetown.org for more information and updates.
Water/electric outages
If you are experiencing a water or electric outage, please check our outage map. If your outage is not shown, please call 512-930-3640 and select option 1 for “electric/water/sewer emergency” to be transferred to the outage-reporting phone system. If you can’t get through via phone, you can email customercare@georgetown.org. The call center operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Calls received after hours are routed to the control center.
Solid waste and recycling collection
Texas Disposal Systems resumed normal collection of landfill trash and recycling on Monday, Feb. 22. Please put your carts curbside on your normal collection day.
Extra recycling can be placed in cardboard boxes next to your recycling cart.
TDS is processing several tons more waste than typical as a result of the storm. If your pickup was missed or you have other questions, please call 512-930-1715.
The Transfer Station, 250 W.L. Walden Drive, is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday for Georgetown utility customers to drop off brushy debris and recycling. Customers should bring a utility bill and matching ID. Recyclables drop-off is free of charge.
Disaster declarations
The City of Georgetown issued a disaster declaration on Feb. 14 due to the winter storm. City Council extended the declaration until March 23, 2021, at a special-called meeting at 2 p.m. Feb. 21 via Zoom. Staff continues to work with other cities, Williamson County, and regional partners to coordinate the response to this event.
The disaster declaration allows the City to request resources from the county, state, and federal government in responding to the winter storm. Resources could include sheltering needs, cleanup assistance, or emergency response. The disaster declaration is the legal mechanism to seek reimbursement for these expenses. The disaster declaration also authorizes the mayor to effect actions such as evacuations, altering transportation routes, establishing a curfew, suspending deadlines in city ordinances, and other measures to protect life and secure property in an emergency.
The disaster declaration is not the same as the Drought Contingency Plan, which authorizes the City to enact water use restrictions in order to provide for basic domestic use and fire flow.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide disaster declaration Feb. 12.
President Joseph Biden issued a federal disaster declaration Feb. 14.
Other service providers in Georgetown
Cable/Internet/Phone: Suddenlink
Gas: Atmos Energy
Electric: Oncor, Pedernales Electric Cooperative
