Switch Holds in Texas

A switch hold will remain in effect until your light company notifies the utility company that payment obligations have been met, including back-billings and meter repair charges due to tampering, if applicable.

If you are disconnected for non-payment, you must pay your provider to get your lights turned on.

A switch hold is a response to an electricity customer who does not pay a past-due bill to block and prevent that customer from switching to another light company before paying their overdue light bill. 

The switch-hold prevents a switch or move-in transaction from occurring. If you cannot pay your light bill, your electric company will offer you a deferred payment plan to allow you to pay any outstanding balance in installments.

Upon entering this agreement, the light company can place a switch hold on your meter to prevent you from switching to another light company to avoid the balance due.  

Another reason is if your utility company determines that meter tampering has occurred at your location. Tampering with your Transmission and Distribution Utility meter is against the law. 

You can switch light companies in Texas if you owe money (as long as there is no switch hold already in place).

However, you will most likely be required to pay a deposit to start service with a new company. If your power is disconnected, contact your electric company and request a payment plan to pay the balance owed over time. 

When entering a payment plan with your electric provider, you also agree to have a switch hold placed on your service address.

Do not enter into a payment agreement with your light company if you want to prevent a switch hold from being placed on your account. If at all possible, pay your bill in its entirety.

If you do not have the funds, we recommend you pay your bill and switch to a prepaid company on ComparePower.

Not paying your light bill might harm your credit, making it more challenging to get lights when you need them most.

A switch hold can be removed by paying any past-due balance owed to your electricity company. Once the balance is paid in full, it can take up to 72 hours to remove the switch hold. 

If you are a new occupant with a switch hold, you can remove the switch hold by contacting the electricity company you are trying to set up services with and filling out a New Occupant Statement (NOS). New Occupant Statements must be accompanied by at least one of the following documents:  

– Copy of signed lease
– A notarized affidavit from the landlord
– Closing documents
– Certificate of Occupant; or
– Utility bill in Customer’s name dated within the last two months from a different premise

The Texas Public Utility Commission has lifted a moratorium on utility disconnections.

Electric providers may offer benefits to low-income customers. You must be in the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) or on Medicaid, and the participant’s name must appear on the electric bill. Check with your electric provider to see if they participate and if they offer low-income benefits.