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Summer Electricity Shutoff Banned for Seniors, Low-Income
The Texas Public Utility Commission today approved an emergency rule prohibiting disconnections to elderly low-income customers until Oct. 1, and expanding payment options to all low-income customers during the hot Texas summer. All customers with high electricity bills may want to shop around for the best price. You can find helpful information on shopping for the best electricity price at www.PowerToChoose.org and at www.HoustonConsumerChoice.com. The emergency rule contains three main components that strengthen existing prohibitions on disconnections: - Electric providers are prohibited until Oct. 1 from disconnecting all critical care customers (customers in which a suspension of electric service will create a life-threatening situation). These customers will be required to pay at least 25 percent of their outstanding bill starting in October with the remainder due within five months. - Electric providers are prohibited until Oct. 1 from disconnecting all low-income customers who are at least 65 years old. These customers will be required to pay at least 25 percent of their outstanding bill starting in October with the remainder due within five months. - Low income customers under age 65 can prevent disconnection through September with a deferred plan requiring payment of no more than 25 percent of their bill. The deferred amount would be due within five months. Electric customers qualifying for the low-income plan must have a household income at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or receive Medicaid or Food Stamps from a Texas state agency. Eligible customers are required to contact their electric providers to prevent disconnection. These customers will not be charged late fees on bills dated through Sept. 30. Current prohibitions on disconnections already include: - Disconnection during extreme weather emergencies, including periods when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory. - Disconnection during weekends or holidays. - Disconnection to customers when the provider receives a notice pledging an energy assistance payment. All power companies operating in Texas are aware of this new rule and should begin following it immediately. If you know of someone who is having problems with a power company regarding these shutoff rules, or if we can help you in any other way, please let us know.
Scott Hochberg
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