Texas Electric Shut-Off: How Long You Have & What to Do Now
Receiving a shut-off notice for your electricity in Texas is alarming, but it does not mean immediate disconnection. You have specific rights and options to keep your power on, even if you are behind on payments. Act quickly to use the time you have.
Based on federal consumer protection law and HUD/CFPB public guidance · Last reviewed July 2026
The Direct Answer
In Texas, your electric company (Retail Electric Provider or REP) must provide you with a shut-off notice at least 10 days before they can disconnect your power for non-payment. This notice is a mandatory warning, not an immediate threat of disconnection.
To stop an impending shut-off, immediately contact your REP or utility company to discuss payment options, extensions, or available assistance programs. Do not wait until the day your power is scheduled to be cut off.
Do not ignore any shut-off notice. The longer you wait, the fewer options you will have to prevent your power from being disconnected.
Be wary of anyone demanding immediate payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency to avoid shut-off. These are common scam tactics. Always verify calls by contacting your utility provider directly using the number on your bill.
Understanding Your Shut-Off Notice in Texas
When your Retail Electric Provider (REP) intends to disconnect your service for non-payment, they are required by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to send you a written notice. This notice must be mailed at least 10 days before the earliest date your service can be disconnected. It will clearly state the amount you owe, the specific date your service may be disconnected, and how to contact the REP to resolve the issue.
What the Notice Means
The 10-day period is your window to take action. This is not a grace period for payment but a mandated warning period. During this time, your REP cannot disconnect your service. Use this time to gather information, explore solutions, and communicate with your REP. If you do not understand the notice, call your REP immediately and ask for clarification.
Verify Your REP
Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning you choose your REP from many providers. If you are unsure who your REP is, check a recent bill or visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas's website (PUCT) for resources to identify your provider.
Immediate Steps to Prevent Disconnection
Your primary goal is to contact your Retail Electric Provider (REP) as soon as you receive a shut-off notice. Do not wait until the last minute. Explain your situation and ask about all available options.
Request a Deferred Payment Plan
Under PUCT rules (16 T.A.C. §25.483), you have a right to request a deferred payment plan if you meet certain criteria. This allows you to pay your overdue balance in installments over an agreed period. Your REP must offer this if you haven't broken a previous deferred payment plan in the last 12 months, or if you've been a customer for at least six months and haven't had more than one disconnection for non-payment in the last year.
Ask for a Payment Extension
Even if you do not qualify for a formal deferred payment plan, your REP may be willing to grant a short-term payment extension. Be prepared to explain why you need the extension and when you expect to be able to pay.
Seek Energy Assistance
Many programs can help homeowners with utility bills. Contact your local community action agency or 2-1-1 Texas for information on assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or other local charitable aid. The Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) may also be available in your state for utility payments if you experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HomeLeafs is not a lender and earns nothing when a homeowner borrows money.
Protections Against Disconnection: When They Cannot Cut Your Power
Texas law provides specific protections that prevent your REP from disconnecting service under certain circumstances. Know these rules to protect your power.
Medical Emergency
If someone in your home has a medical condition aggravated by a lack of electricity, your REP cannot disconnect service for 63 days. You must provide a written statement from a physician or public health official to your REP within 14 days of the disconnection notice, certifying the medical emergency (16 T.A.C. §25.483(j)(3)).
Extreme Weather Conditions
Your REP cannot disconnect your power during extreme weather events. This includes when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning, or a cold weather advisory or warning for your county, and the temperature is predicted to exceed 100°F or drop below 32°F during the next 24-hour period (16 T.A.C. §25.483(j)(1)).
Holidays or Weekends
Disconnection for non-payment is prohibited on a holiday, a weekend, or any day when the utility's office is closed (16 T.A.C. §25.483(j)(2)). If your shut-off date falls on one of these days, your service cannot be disconnected until the next business day.
Formal Dispute
If you have a formal dispute with your REP regarding the amount owed and have followed the PUCT complaint process, your service should not be disconnected while the dispute is under investigation.
What If Your Power is Already Disconnected?
If your electricity has already been shut off, you will need to take specific steps to get it reconnected. The reconnection process can take time, so act swiftly.
Contact Your REP Immediately
Call your Retail Electric Provider to determine the exact amount needed for reconnection, including any past due balance, late fees, and a reconnection fee. Be prepared to pay the full amount or negotiate a payment plan if eligible.
Reconnection Fees and Deposits
Your REP will charge a reconnection fee. They may also require a new or additional security deposit before restoring service, especially if you have a history of late payments or disconnections. The amount of the deposit is regulated by the PUCT.
Reconnection Timeframe
Once payment is made and any required deposit is processed, your REP will schedule reconnection. PUCT rules require REPs to make a reasonable effort to reconnect service within 24 hours of receiving payment and resolving all issues. However, during peak demand or severe weather, this timeframe may be longer.
Need help with a utility shut-off notice?
HomeLeafs provides resources and guidance to homeowners facing immediate threats to their home and essential services. We can help you understand your rights and connect you to local aid.
No. In Texas, landlords generally cannot disconnect utilities like electricity as a method of eviction or to force you out. This is considered an illegal 'self-help' eviction. If your landlord threatens or disconnects your power, contact an attorney or tenant's rights organization immediately.
What if I can't afford the deferred payment plan offered by my REP?
If the payment plan offered is still unaffordable, communicate this to your REP. You may need to demonstrate your financial hardship. Additionally, intensify your search for energy assistance programs through 2-1-1 Texas, local charities, or government aid programs like LIHEAP. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) also has a complaint process if you believe your REP is not offering reasonable terms.
Do I need to pay a deposit to get my power reconnected?
Yes, your Retail Electric Provider (REP) may require a security deposit for reconnection, especially if you have a history of late payments or previous disconnections. The amount of this deposit is regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and is typically based on your average monthly bill. You may be able to waive the deposit if you have good payment history for the past 12 months with any electric provider or meet other PUCT criteria.
How do I file a complaint against my electric company in Texas?
If you have an unresolved issue with your Retail Electric Provider (REP) that you cannot resolve directly, you can file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). Visit the PUCT website or call their customer hotline for instructions on how to submit a formal complaint. The CFPB also accepts complaints about consumer financial products and services, but for direct utility service issues, the PUCT is the primary authority.