PUC RULES - Public Utility Commission
What if my contract is about to expire?
Retail Electric Providers (also known as REPs and/or Suppliers) are required to notify residential customers at least 30 days before a contract expires. The residential customer can switch without incurring an early termination charge if the switch is no earlier than 14 days before the contract expiration date provided in the notice. If the customer takes no action in response to the notice, the Supplier will continue to serve the customer on a Month-to-Month Plan.
What if I cannot pay my bill?
If you are a customer of Life Essential Services, you may contact Jeff Bodovsky and he will work with you and your Supplier to help you keep your lights turned on.
However, in all cases it is the responsiblity of the customer to try to make payment arrangements before your bill is due and/or your service is disconnected.
You are elligible for a deferred payment plan if you have not received more than two termination notices in the past year. It is important to keep up with the terms of the payment plan and to continue to make regular payments and payments based on the plan, or you could be disconnected.
To help make budgeting easier, you may ask about level billing programs or average payment plans that offer bills that are about the same amount each month. All customers who are not currently delinquent with their electric bills are eligible for these programs.
What if I do not pay my bill?
A Supplier (not an Agent, Broker, or Salesperson) may authorize the disconnection of a customer's electric service after proper notice is given to the customer and not before the first day after the disconnection date provided in the notice. Service may be disconnected for non-payment of a bill, deferred payment arrangement, or deposit. A TDU (Transmission & Distribution Utility) may disconnect service in cases of emergencies, meter tampering, or unsafe conditions.
Can I change the Due Date of my bill?
Your due date will be 16 days after your Supplier receives your usage notice from the TDU. If you would like a due that is different from this "16-day" date, you may request it from your Supplier. Suppliers are not obligated to modify a due date.
Important Texas Legal Links:
Bill Charges Explained:
ttps://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/electricity/bill_e.aspxB
Taxes & Surcharges:
https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/phone/Taxes.aspx
Your Rights in Texas:
https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/complaint/Rights.aspx
Smart Meters:
https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/electricity/Metering.aspx
Texas Bill Assistance Programs:
https://www.puc.texas.gov/consumer/lowincome/Assistance.aspx