As Texans endure the sweltering summer heat and recover from the impacts of Hurricane Beryl, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is reinforcing the importance of consumer protection rules and available financial assistance for electric bills.

PUCT Executive Director Connie Corona emphasized, “Ensuring the power stays on for all Texans, regardless of their financial situation, is a top priority for all of us at the PUCT. As Texans along the Gulf Coast continue to recover from Hurricane Beryl and summer temperatures hold across the state, it’s important for all consumers to be aware of the rules and financial resources in place to protect them and their electricity service.”

Key Consumer Protection Rules and Assistance Programs

Suspension of Disconnections

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, several utilities have suspended disconnections to provide consumers with more time to recover. Detailed information on these suspensions can be found in the PUCT memo.

Bill Payment Assistance

PUCT mandates that retail electric providers (REPs) offer bill payment assistance programs and clearly explain eligibility requirements. While electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities in Texas are not bound by this rule, many still provide bill assistance.

Payment Options for Customers

For customers struggling to pay their bills, the following options are available:

- Payment Arrangement: An agreement to pay a bill after its due date but before the next bill.

- Deferred Payment Plan: Allows customers to pay an outstanding balance in installments. The initial payment cannot exceed half the amount due, and the customer is given at least five bills to pay the remainder. This plan must be offered for bills due in July, August, or September. 

Investor-owned utilities are required to provide similar payment assistance options, detailed in Section 25.28(i) of the PUCT’s rules.

Protection During Extreme Weather

PUCT rules prohibit disconnection of electricity service for non-payment during extreme weather emergencies, including extreme heat. REPs must offer deferred payment plans for bills due during such emergencies, as defined by National Weather Service criteria (Chapter 25, Sections 25.483 and 25.29i).

 Additional Support and Resources

Consumers facing financial difficulties related to their energy bills are encouraged to contact their provider for assistance or call 211 for information on local programs. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs offers an online tool to help consumers find utility bill assistance.

For consumers who are ill or disabled, PUCT has additional protections to prevent disconnection that could cause illness or worsen an existing condition. More information can be found on the PUCT’s Know Your Rights webpage.

The PUCT’s Consumer Protection Division is available to help resolve utility service issues. Consumers should first contact their electric provider, but if a resolution is not reached, they can email consumer@puc.texas.gov or call 1-888-782-8477.

Energy Saving Tips

Visit the PUCT’s Power to Save website for energy-saving tips and other helpful consumer resources.

By staying informed about these protections and assistance programs, Texans can better navigate their electric service needs during the hot summer months and beyond.

For more info, visit https://www.powertosavetexas.net/