Nearly 600,000 could be impacted by end of electricity relief program
Texans who were previously protected by a state program blocking utility disconnections during the coronavirus pandemic could again be at risk of having their lights shut off if they can't pay their bills.
Some customers could be on the hook for some back payments.
The Public Utility Commission, a state utility regulator, enacted the Electricity Relief Program in late March to provide relief to those facing financial insecurity due to the coronavirus, as thousands of Texans lost their jobs due to mandatory shutdowns.
The commission's jurisdiction does not include parts of the state with city-owned utility companies, like Austin, which has a monopoly on electricity services, or regions that use cooperatives.
Nearly 595,000 households were being shielded from utility disconnections because of the program.
Since March, it's provided more than $30 million in bill payment assistance, partially funded by surcharges added to other utility customers' bills that average out to about 50 cents per household per month.
Although the program ends Oct. 1, and the commission doesn't plan on extending it, officials said there are options for people who are still struggling.
Customers can ask their retail electric providers for a deferred payment plan, according to the commission.
They say companies are required to do this if it's requested.
They are also required to notify customers ten days in advance for potential disconnect for non-payment.
Those using the program were encouraged to pay what they could at the time, said Andrew Barlow, a spokesperson for the commission.
Once the program ends, Barlow said consumers will still be held financially liable and will need to work out payment plans with their energy providers.
Customers will only be required to pay what hasn't already been offset by discounts given to energy providers as a result of the program.
"It'll vary from customer to customer, because I think everybody's situation is different," Barlow said. "But in essence, the retail electric provider has been maintaining track of how much they owe and how much has been offset."
Texans receiving Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan benefits will still automatically be enrolled in the program until Aug. 31. Texans receiving unemployment relief are also eligible to register for the program until then. But now, retail electric providers can start cutting power for nonpayment, after providing at least 10 days' notice.
Barlow said the decision to end the program was based on declining unemployment numbers.
"As our economy shows signs of rebounding and social services increasingly fill the gaps, it's time to close this chapter and move forward," Commissioner Arthur D'Andrea said in a statement. "The entities under our purview worked hard to follow our guidance for the duration of the Electricity Relief Program and I'm confident the competitive energy marketplace will continue benefiting Texans."
But Sandy Rollins, executive director of the Texas Tenants Union, said it's too soon to end the program.
In June, the unemployment rate was down from historic highs seen in April but, at 8%, is still more than double what it was before the pandemic began. About 3.3 million Texans have applied for unemployment relief benefits since mid-March.
"I think it's important for all these agencies to recognize that as much as we want this pandemic to be gone, as sick as we all are of it, it's not gone," Rollins said. "It's still here, and people are still suffering, both physically and financially."
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