AUSTIN – While more and more Texans are taking advantage of a new state law that gives them the power to choose the company that provides electricity to their home or business, many may not be aware of new programs designed to assist low-income customers.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC), which oversees implementation of electric competition in Texas, has established the LITE-UP TEXAS (Low-Income Telephone and Electric Utilities Program) to provide a 10-percent discount on electric rates for qualified low-income customers.
Customers in areas of competition (CPL Retail Energy, WTU Retail Energy, TXU Energy Services - which includes TXU and SESCO, Reliant Energy Retail Services and First Choice Power, Inc.) are eligible for the LITE-UP TEXAS discount. Other investor-owned utilities, city-owned utilities and electric cooperatives may have other programs to assist low-income customers.
Most low-income customers will automatically qualify for the 10-percent discount if they already receive certain benefits from the Texas Department of Human Services, such as Food Stamps, TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families), and low-income Medicaid, or if they are a qualified Medicare beneficiary.
Other low-income customers may be self-certified for the discount if their household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. Customers seeking an application form or additional information about the low-income discount may call toll-free 1-866-4-LITE-UP (1-866-454-8387).
By calling the toll-free number, qualified low-income customers also may obtain registration information on the Lifeline program, which reduces basic monthly telephone rates by $3.50 and waives the federal subscriber line charge.
“The PUC created these programs for those customers who need help the most,” said PUC Commissioner Brett Perlman. “We want to encourage customers to call our toll-free LITE-UP TEXAS phone number to register for the electric and telephone discounts.”
Customers who are enrolled in the LITE-UP-TEXAS program in January should receive their discount by the end of March at the latest. Generally, it will take 60 to 90 days to be fully processed for the discount.
As of January 1, the majority of electric customers in Texas can shop for a Retail Electric Provider (REP) based on what matters most to them, whether it’s cost, added customer service, or environmentally friendly sources of electricity generation. Qualified low-income customer will receive the LITE-UP TEXAS discount regardless of which REP they select.
In addition to the LITE-UP TEXAS, other low-income services under Electric Choice are now available:
· Payment Assistance Funds. REPs may have funds to assist customers in times of need. If you know that you cannot pay your bill, contact your REP.
· Average Payment Plan. All REPs must offer an Average Payment Plan that allows a customer to pay a similar amount every month.
· Bill Deadline Extension. Customers that cannot pay their electric bill on time should contact their REP to see if it offers a Bill Deadline Extension.
· Deferred Payment Plan. Customers may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Plan that allows them to make payments on their bill over time.
· Energy Efficiency Programs. Programs are available to help make homes more energy efficient. For information, contact the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs toll-free at 1-877-399-8939.
The PUC is working to ensure that all eligible customers receive the low-income discount by coordinating outreach efforts with the Texas Department of Human Services and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). Already, the PUC has distributed more than 12,000 informational brochures and application forms about low-income programs and protections. A free brochure, entitled “Low-Income Programs & Protections in a Competitive Electric Market,” is available from the PUC.
For more information about low income programs, choosing your electric provider, or other changes in Texas’ electric market, call the Texas Electric Choice toll-free number at 1-866-PWR-4-TEX (1-866-797-4839) (TTY 1-877-864-4725), or visit www.powertochoose.org.
