How can I get help paying my utility bills in Texas?

From a landline, call toll free at 1-877-399-8939 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The toll free number will directly connect you with the CEAP service provider in your county. Or, visit Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and select “Utility Bill Payment Help.”

Is there a moratorium on electric bills in Texas?

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas has set the last day for the moratorium on electric, water and sewer service disconnections for customers with unpaid utility bills. According to a release, that date is June 18, 2021.

What is Texas going to do about electric bills?

The legislation would impose a fee — likely for the next decade or longer — on electricity companies, which would then get passed on to residential and business customers in their power bills. Lawmakers on Wednesday said they could not yet estimate how much it would impact Texans’ electricity bills.

Why some Texans are facing catastrophic electric bills after a winter storm?

The winter storm was not the first time wholesale customers in Texas have been stuck with large bills due to unexpected weather; in 2019, a heat wave caused a spike in power usage — and a sudden increase in wholesale prices — that left many Texans paying hundreds of dollars more than they expected for power.

What is the Texas Assistance Program?

Texas offers assistance programs for disabled individuals and their caregivers. The Department of Disability Services is the lead agency and can provide information on medical care, in home services, home modifications, and provide assistance with the application process and other forms of financial benefits.

Is Texas disconnecting electricity?

The Texas Public Utility Commission has lifted a moratorium on utility disconnections. The PUC put the moratorium in place after the February winter disaster that left millions of Texans without power and killed at least 151 people – according to the latest count from the Texas Department of State Health Services.

What do I do if my power gets shut off?

‘Immediately reach out to local utility or electricity provider’ “If your utilities are shut off for non-payment, you should immediately reach out to your local utility or electricity provider,” said Kelly Bedrich, president of electricityplans.com, an electricity plan marketplace.

Can electric companies disconnect right now in Texas?

The Texas Public Utility Commission has lifted a moratorium on utility disconnections. The Texas Public Utility Commission lifted a moratorium on electric, water and sewer disconnections earlier this month, allowing providers to send disconnection warning notices to customers with past due bills.

What happened to Texas high electric bills?

15 through Feb. 19, while the $9,000 per megawatt-hour price for wholesale power was in effect. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office then entered negotiations toward a settlement.

Why is Texas power so expensive?

Wholesale electricity prices fluctuate based on demand. Because natural gas pipelines and wind turbines froze up in Texas, there was less power available, but high demand for electricity, causing wholesale prices to shoot up, said Joshua Rhodes, an energy research associate at the University of Texas.

Why are Texas Utilities so high?

In sum, the sky-high electric bills in Texas are partly due to a deregulated electricity system that allowed volatile wholesale costs to be passed directly to some consumers.

Will Texas lawmakers help residents facing high energy bills after storm?

Gov. Greg Abbott said on Sunday that legislators were working to provide relief for residents facing high energy bills after a devastating winter storm. Texans who have suffered through days of freezing cold without power should not be subjected to skyrocketing energy bills due to an due to a spike in the energy market.

Why did my electricity bill skyrocket in Texas?

Texas Electricity Bills Skyrocket Due To Winter Storm : Live Updates: Winter Storms 2021 Texas allows companies to sell electricity at wholesale prices. When the price of electricity skyrocketed last week, that meant exorbitant bills for many residents who had been trying to save money.

How did Texas’ recent snow storm affect energy prices?

As Texas struggles to recover from a deep freeze that has killed dozens, some customers in Texas like Upshaw are facing unprecedented price hikes in their energy bills as a result of the recent snow storm. Texas officials say they are investigating. Home FOLLOW ON WATCH LIVE

What happened to the Texas power grid?

Power lines near Houston on Feb. 16. Some Texas residents are facing enormous power bills after wholesale prices for electricity skyrocketed amid last week’s massive grid failure. Millions of Texas residents suffered last week when a winter storm caused a statewide electrical grid failure.