Jul. 14--The recent hot spell could provide temporary relief for some Texans who haven't paid their electric bills.

Under Texas rules, a customer's electricity cannot be terminated during and immediately after a heat advisory, on holidays or weekends, or when the customer shows that disconnection will harm someone who is ill.

Customers can also make arrangements to pay their bills and avoid disconnection. Under state rules, companies must offer customers deferred payment plans when asked to do so.

Low-income households might qualify for the LITE-UP rate discount program. Call toll free at 1-866-454-8387.

Most Texans who already receive some kind of government assistance -- such as Medicaid and food stamps -- qualify for an added discount this year. Recipients are automatically enrolled, but if you aren't, call LITE-UP or your electricity provider.

This month, state Rep. Sylvester Turner, D-Houston, asked the Public Utility Commission to pass an emergency ban on service disconnects during the summer. His request sought to prevent low-income, elderly and critical-care customers from disconnections. The PUC turned him down.

If you're looking for a lower electricity rate but don't know how to get one, you can get a copy of Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber's Guide to Switching Electricity Companies.

E-mail watchdog@star-telegram.com with "Electricity column" in the subject line.

Or mail your request to: Dave Lieber, The Watchdog, Star-Telegram, P.O. Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101.

-- Dave Lieber

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