Critical Status Program

What is Critical Status?

SMTX Utilities offers public safety and industrial utility customers an option to apply for Critical Load status. When scheduled outages or service interruptions for nonpayment occurs, we will attempt to provide advance notice so preparations can be made appropriately. In the case of an unplanned outage, SMTX Utilities will prioritize Critical Load Program participants for restoration.

NOTICE: Designation of Critical Status does not relieve a member of the obligation to pay for electric service, and service may be disconnected for failure to pay. The application will not be processed and approved if incomplete or improperly submitted. All information is required unless otherwise indicated. Submission of this application does not automatically result in Critical Status. When scheduled outages or service interruptions for nonpayment occurs, we will attempt to provide advance notice so preparations can be made appropriately. In the case of an unplanned outage, SMTX Utilities will prioritize Critical Status Program participants for restoration when possible. Disconnection of service may occur for failure to pay outstanding utility bills. Designation of Critical Status does not exempt locations registered in the program from planned service interruptions, nor are registered members exempt from their financial responsibilities or the termination of service in accordance with SMTX Utilities policies. Critical Status can not guarantee an uninterrupted, regular, or continuous power supply. If electricity is a necessity, you must make other arrangements for on-site backup capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss in electric service. 

Public Safety & Industrial Customer Critical Load Status Application Information

A Critical Load Customer is a non-residential customer whose load is designated as feeding uses including, hospitals and nursing homes, emergency service stations, some Wastewater and Water Treatment facilities, specific components of the natural gas infrastructure, and industrial customers for whom an interruption would create life-threatening conditions. Public Safety and Industrial Critical Load applications must be complete and submitted online at sanmarcostx.gov/criticalload to obtain designation of Critical Load Status with SMTX Utilities

Public Safety and Industrial Customer Critical-Load Application

  2. Nonresidential customers that fall into public safety and industrial categories may apply for Critical Load status. 

    What is public safety and industrial Critical Load? 

    • Public safety: a customer for whom electric service is critical to maintain public safety; including but not limited to hospitals, emergency rooms, police stations, fire stations, and critical water and wastewater facilities.

    • Industrial: a customer for whom an interruption in electric service would create a dangerous condition or significant disruption on the customer’s premises.

  24. Does Customer/Facility Have Back-up Generation

  27. Critical Load status does not guarantee or ensure uninterrupted electric service or exclude customers from being included in ERCOT mandated rotating outages or planned service interruptions. Customers with Critical Load status are encouraged to have plans in place for on-site back-up generation in the event of power outages. 

    Designation of Critical Load status does not relieve a customer of the obligation to pay for electric service, and service may be disconnected for failure to pay. 

    Submission of this application does not automatically result in Critical Load status. Notification of the status granted will be provided to the customer at the mailing and email address provided. 

    For questions regarding Critical Load status, email SMTX Utilities at criticalload@sanmarcostx.gov.

    28. Leave This Blank:

  30. This field is not part of the form submission.

Residential Medical Application for Critical Care Status

Critical Care Status is a residential utility customers who has medically necessary equipment that requires consistent power supply access. Download and complete the Residential Medical Application for Critical Care Status at sanmarcostx.gov/criticalload. The completed application must be signed by a physician and returned in a secure dropbox located in the administrative office lobby of the City of San Marcos Public Services Center, 2217 E McCarty Street.

NOTICE: Qualifications pursuant to this form do not guarantee an uninterrupted power supply. If electricity is a necessity, patient/customer may need to make other arrangements. Reasonable effort will be made to extend the date for discontinuance of service to a delinquent residential customer if established that disconnect will result in a person residing at the customer's residence becoming seriously ill. Proper documentation must be provided and customer may enter into a deferred payment agreement. Failure to make timely payment and/or make payment arrangements will result in disconnection. If disconnected after failure to reach an agreement or meet the deferred payment agreement, reconnection will not be made until outstanding balance fees are paid in full.