The Public Utility Commission of Texas is reminding residents of consumer protections designed to keep electricity service connected during periods of extreme heat, according to an Aug. 4 news release from the agency.
With triple-digit temperatures continuing across much of the state, the commission said the protections are intended to support households facing financial hardship while ensuring Texans keep access to essential electric service during dangerous weather.
Under PUCT rules, retail electric providers are prohibited from disconnecting electricity service for non-payment during an officially recognized extreme weather emergency, including periods of excessive heat. Providers are also required to offer deferred payment plans for bills that come due while an extreme weather emergency is in effect, giving eligible customers additional time to pay without losing service. The commission noted that its definition of an extreme weather emergency follows National Weather Service advisory criteria set out in Sections 25.29(i) and 25.483 of its rules.
“It’s hard to stay cool in the Texas summer heat, and that’s especially true for Texans facing financial challenges,” said PUCT Executive Director Connie Corona. “Our rules help ensure Texans have the power they need to stay safe during extreme summer heat while they work to pay their electric bills without risking disconnection.”
The agency urged customers struggling with higher-than-normal energy costs to contact their retail electric provider before accounts become delinquent, noting that many providers offer payment plans and other forms of financial relief. Texans can also dial 2-1-1 to learn about local assistance programs that help with utility bills, the release said. Additional protections apply to customers who are ill or disabled and have documented that losing electric service would cause illness or worsen an existing medical condition.
Consumers who cannot resolve a problem directly with their provider can seek help from the commission’s Consumer Protection Division, which investigates complaints involving utility service, the agency said. With more hot weeks ahead, state regulators said understanding the available protections and seeking assistance early can help Texans keep the lights and air conditioning on through the rest of the summer.