Millions of Americans depend on electricity to run medical equipment, including nearly 200,000 in Texas.
HOUSTON — When the power goes out, most people sweat over the loss of air conditioning or spoiled food. But for millions of older and disabled Americans, it is far more serious. They depend on electricity to run medical equipment.
Joe Garza, a Houston resident, is one of them. He relies on EMS to transport him to and from dialysis treatments. A stroke and leg amputation left him bedridden. The only thing that keeps him comfortable these days is his dog Pepe and an air mattress that runs on electricity.
When the power goes out, like it did during last May’s derecho, Joe is left stranded.
“I just felt like there was no more hope because I can’t, I just can’t move. That’s a problem,” Garza said.
Garza is one of nearly three million Americans who rely on electric durable medical equipment (DME), like oxygen, electric wheelchairs and CPAP machines. In Texas, that includes 199,599 people as of April. It is the second most in the country. Harris County has 22,328 electricity-dependent people, the most in Texas. And in Houston-area ZIP codes, as many as 522 people depend on power for their medical devices.
Electricity-dependent people
- California: 247,527
- Texas: 199,599
- Florida: 191,892
Source: U.S. Dept. Of Health & Human Services, April 2025
Joe Fuentes, Director of Community Resiliency with BakerRipley, a nonprofit that helps families prepare for emergencies, said the organization is working on outreach opportunities to let people know what resources are available.
“One of the things that we have in Harris County that really is unique and amazing is ReadyHarris.org, letting them know that it’s there, No. 1. No. 2, making sure they have the information ready for the Red Cross, United Way, and so forth. One of them is 211, and to follow us on social media. We are adamant about updating and putting messages out,” Fuentes said.
By dialing 211, Harris County will send someone to do a wellness check or provide transportation.
For Joe Garza, having options makes a difference.
“If I get some assistance, as for electricity, I mean, I think it’ll be OK. I really do,” Garza said.
Texas residents can also sign up for Critical Care Residential Customer Status with the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Also, the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).