{"id":511,"date":"2022-11-10T08:19:42","date_gmt":"2022-11-10T14:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.texstarenergycorp.com\/?p=511"},"modified":"2022-11-07T08:20:40","modified_gmt":"2022-11-07T14:20:40","slug":"how-long-can-i-delay-paying-my-electricity-bill-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texstarenergycorp.com\/blog\/how-long-can-i-delay-paying-my-electricity-bill-in-texas","title":{"rendered":"How Long Can I Delay Paying My Electricity Bill in Texas?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Electricity is essential in Texas. It allows you to cool your home during the hot summer months and warm it during cold snaps. Without power, you can\u2019t run your fridge, cook with your stove, or keep the lights on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, when you\u2019re unable to pay your electricity bill<\/a>, you have a serious problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you get service from a power company, you are agreeing to a simple exchange. Your electricity provider will supply reliable power to your home and you will pay the company for the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, that means you have to keep up with your side of the agreement to get the power you need. If you can\u2019t pay your bill, the provider has the right to shut off your electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thankfully, Texans have several options for utility assistance. Keep reading to learn how you can keep the power on in times of financial hardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Texas law<\/a>, electricity providers can shut off your power 10 days after your bill\u2019s due date. Before turning it off, however, they must mail you a written (or emailed, if you have agreed upon this method of communication previously) disconnection notice, which can only be dated as early as the first day after your bill\u2019s due date<\/p>\n\n\n\n This notice must include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you receive this notice, you will have 10 days to pay your bill before your provider shuts off your electricity. The due date cannot be on a holiday or the weekend unless the company is open and able to take payments on those days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have to pay a late fee along with the original amount, even if you make the payment before the shut-off date. This fee is set by the power company and may vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This process also applies if you don\u2019t pay any deposits on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No one wants to fall behind on their utility bills, but sometimes your circumstances are out of your control. When you\u2019re facing hard times, you may be able to get financial assistance for your electricity bills. Every option has specific requirements, so explore each program to see if you qualify.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your energy provider knows that its customers may need help paying their bills from time to time. It likely has several options that can help cover or delay your payments without turning off your electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should contact the company as soon as you know that you won\u2019t be able to pay your next power bill. Get in touch with your provider to ask about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most power companies are happy to work with customers who are going through a tight spot. That said, they don\u2019t have to offer all of these options. As stressful as it may be to navigate these situations, remain polite and courteous to the representatives you speak to. They may be willing to go the extra mile for you if you\u2019re friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also do your best to make every payment on time when you\u2019re able. When you\u2019re a reliable customer, you may get more help when you need it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On your disconnection notice, your electric company is required to list organizations that can help pay your overdue balance. These programs can help in a variety of ways. They\u2019re also not the only options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Research local, state, and federal organizations that help with power bill payments. Some options for Texans include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your electricity provider may provide its own program for low-income and\/or elderly customers. Visit its website or call the company to see what it offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under Texas law, power companies can offer exclusive benefits to customers enrolled in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) or on Medicaid. Each company can choose whether or not to offer this benefit, as well as its details. If you are eligible for these programs and actively enrolled, ask your power company about their low-income benefit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Electricity is essential in Texas. It allows you to cool your home during the hot summer months and warm it during cold snaps. Without power, you can\u2019t run your fridge, cook with your stove, or keep the lights on. So, when you\u2019re unable to pay your electricity bill, you have a serious problem. When you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":512,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n
What can I do if I can\u2019t pay my energy bill in Texas?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Reach out to your power company<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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2. Explore local, state, and federal assistance programs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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3. Ask about SNAP or Medicaid benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n