I want to know more about my electric utility rights in Texas.

If you have a problem with any electric provider you should contact the electric provider first and ask them to fix it. 

If you get an answer that you do not like from the customer service line, ask to speak to a supervisor. A supervisory review is a step in the PUC customer complaint procedure. Supervisors should be more knowledgeable about rules and regulations. Supervisors also have the discretion to make decisions that the people answering the phones do not have. If your problem is not fixed through the customer service network file a complaint. 

In deregulated and regulated service areas file a complaint at the Public Utility Commission (PUC).

PUC complaint filing information can be located on the PUC web site at www.puc.texas.gov.  

Or call (888) 782-8477.

You can also email customer@puc.texas.gov  to file a complaint.  

Whether you call or email the PUC, be sure to include information about disconnection notices and disconnection dates.

LITE-UP Texas was designed to help you pay your electric bill by providing discounts and other forms of payment assistance. The LITE-UP TEXAS rate discount ended August 31, 2016. See the web site of the Public Utilities Commission for more information about help paying your electric bill if you have a low income. 

Under certain circumstances, a regulated electric utility is prohibited from disconnecting a customer. These circumstances include:

• When there is a heat advisory in effect,
• When temperatures are below freezing for more than 24 hours,
• On weekends or holidays or the day immediately preceding where there is no one available to accept payment,
• When the customer establishes that disconnection of service will cause some critical care person residing at the residence to become seriously ill or more seriously ill,
• When the company receives a pledge, letter of intent, purchase order, or other notification that the energy assistance provider is forwarding sufficient payment to continue service.

Bill Payment Assistance - Prepaid Service

Many retail electric providers (REPs) are now offering prepaid service to residential customers.  The target market for prepaid service is low-income households. Under a prepaid plan the customer does not receive a monthly bill. It is the customer’s responsibility to monitor the account. It is the REP's responsibility to provide information electronically about the account. Many bill payment assistance programs—including the federally funded program and programs funded by counties—do not provide energy assistance to customers taking prepaid service.

The best way to prevent disconnection of your electricity is to stay in contact with your electric provider when you have trouble making your payments. Take advantage of available payment assistance, the weatherization program, or other energy efficiency programs that will reduce your usage while maintaining your usual level of comfort and service. Make alternative payment arrangements. Ask for a deferred payment plan and a levelized or average payment plan where you would pay the same amount every month. Most important, make sure you agree only to a deferred payment arrangement you can afford to pay.  If you default on the deferred payment plan you will be disconnected.