Electrical Repairs After Wind, Flooding Require Licensed Electrical Contractor and May Require Electrical Permits

AUSTIN – Many Texas homes and businesses suffered damage during last week’s wind and rain events. Although repairs to electrical transformers and some lines will be performed by power companies, some repairs may fall to homeowners and business owners because the damage is at their side of the powerline. Do not hire unlicensed electricians to perform this important repair. Anyone performing, or offering to perform, electrical work in Texas must be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and perform that work through an electrical contractor licensed by TDLR. The first step in hiring an electrical contractor should be checking the TDLR website (www.tdlr.texas.gov) to make sure that they are licensed by TDLR. Licensed electrical contractors must either hold a license as a master electrician or employ a master. They are required to carry insurance, which protects you as a consumer on completed jobs. Make sure that the contractor has gotten any required electrical permit through the city or county before any work begins, and never pay upfront for all the work you’ve agreed to have done. About TDLR TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 38 business and occupational licensing programs with almost 1,000,000 licensees across the state. Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.