Texas PUC Formally Extends Electricity Relief Program (Suspension Of Disconnection For Non-Pay For Eligible Customers, REP Reimbursements)

Orders REPs To Continue Offering Deferred Payment Plans To Customers Upon Request

July 16, 2020

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Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com

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As expected, the Texas PUC today adopted an order to extend the Electricity Relief Program (ERP) until August 31, 2020

As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, the PUC had first stated on July 2 an intent to extend the ERP until August 31, 2020

Additionally, the PUC today ordered that all retail electric providers must continue to offer a deferred payment plan to customers, upon request, until further order of the Commission.

The PUC also ordered that, until August 31, 2020, exceptions are granted to the following electric rule to the extent that the rule applies to residential customers: 16 TAC § 25.29(b)(1). which allows an electric utility to disconnect electric service of a residential customer for nonpayment.

As previously reported, the ERP reimburses REPs at a rate of $0.04 per kWh for customers in the ERP, whom the REPs cannot disconnect for non-payment. Delivery charges are also not charged to the REPs for ERP customers

July 2 Update:

In a July 2 news release, the Texas PUC said, "To date, more than 106,000 Texans have enrolled in the program [ERP] either online or by phone. Counting Texans in the program due to their inclusion on the state’s low income list (due to participation in SNAP or MEDICAID), the ERP program is currently protecting more than 560,000 households from disconnection for non-payment."

Earlier, July 2:

During today's open meeting, Texas PUC Commissioners agreed to extend the Electricity Relief Program (ERP) until August 31, 2020

A formal vote was not taken and will be taken at the PUC's next open meeting prior to the ERP's scheduled expiration of July 17. However, all three Commissioners informally agreed to an extension of the ERP until August 31, 2020

As previously reported, the ERP reimburses REPs at a rate of $0.04 per kWh for customers in the ERP, whom the REPs cannot disconnect for non-payment. Delivery charges are also not charged to the REPs for ERP customers

Per prior PUC order, the Electricity Relief Program (ERP) is scheduled to end on July 17, unless extended by the Commission

PUC Chairman DeAnn T. Walker cited an increase in COVID cases in Texas for the extension. Walker said that the state is not in a position to warrant expiration of the ERP program in two weeks as previously anticipated.

Walker said that during the extension, Staff will continue to work with TDUs and REPs concerning an orderly process for any wind down of the program whenever such occurs.

With the expected extension of the ERP to August 31, the Commission will have an opportunity to further consider the program's status at its August 27 open meeting

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