Texas’ Most Energy-Stressed Cities During The Summer

With temperatures soaring and the Texas grid under pressure, many residents are increasingly worried about summer power outages. A new analysis combining Google search trends during Summer months and a statewide survey reveals where Texans are most concerned, and how prepared they are to face the heat without electricity. From Houston to Conroe, energy stress is high, but some cities are faring better than others.

Key Takeaways

• Conroe, Houston, Sugar Land, and Pearland make the most power outage-related online searches in summer.
• Brownsville, Laredo, and Amarillo show the least search interest.
• 63% of Texans experienced a power outage last summer, and 39% had already experienced one this summer (as of July 10, 2025).
• 87% are concerned about extreme heat during outages.
• 45% are not prepared for an outage to last more than 24 hours

Where Texans Are Searching Most About Power Outages

• Conroe (24,592), Houston (20,825), Sugar Land (15,721), and Pearland (11,500) make the most power outage-related online searches in summer.
• Brownsville residents searched the least, with only 1,988 searches per 100,000 residents.

Texans’ Summer Outage Experiences and Preparations

• 63% of Texans experienced a power outage last summer.
• 39% have already experienced an average of two power outages this summer, as of July 10, 2025.
• 87% are concerned about extreme heat during a power outage.
• Nearly 1 in 2 Texans (45%) are not prepared for an outage to last more than 24 hours.
• Nearly 1 in 4 (23%) have an emergency contact or evacuation plan set up.
• The top backup preparations during a power outage are:
  • Flashlights/lanterns
  • Extra batteries
  • Non-perishable foods and bottled water
• 5% have no backup preparations.

Methodology

We surveyed 515 Texas residents to explore their experiences with summer power outages. The survey was conducted on July 10, 2025. To understand long-term concern, we also analyzed search volume data from June through August for the years 2022-2024. Only Texas cities with populations over 100,000 were included. Search trends were measured using common outage-related keywords, including “power outage,” “grid alert,” and “no electricity.” Survey responses were self-reported, and current summer search data were not available at the time of the study.

About Payless Power

Payless Power is a leading provider of affordable, prepaid electricity plans in Texas. By offering no-deposit and no-credit-check options, Payless Power helps customers across the state take control of their energy use and stay connected, even during uncertain times. Learn more about our prepaid plans and how we support Texans through every season.

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