How to Get Your Lights On After an Eviction in Texas

Texas prepaid light companies can get your lights on the same day after an eviction — no credit check, no deposit, often for as little as $40. An eviction is already one of the hardest things to go through. Then you find a new place, try to get your lights turned on, and hit another wall: the old light company says you owe them money, and now nobody else will turn your lights on either.

That’s the situation a lot of people face. Here’s how to get through it.

What Happens to Your Light Account After an Eviction

When you’re evicted, your light service doesn’t automatically shut off or transfer. Here’s the typical sequence:

1. Eviction happens — You leave the unit.
2. The light bill keeps running — If you didn’t cancel service, you’re still being charged until the landlord requests a new account or the company catches on.
3. The final bill arrives — It includes everything up to the disconnection date, plus any early termination fees if you were on a contract.
4. The balance goes to collections — If you don’t pay, the light company reports it.
5. A switch hold is placed — This is the big one. ERCOT (the grid operator) puts a flag on your name. When you try to sign up with any light company in Texas, they see the hold and can refuse you.

The switch hold is what blocks most people. It’s not a credit score issue — it’s a specific flag that says “this person owes a Texas light company.” Learn exactly how it works in our switch hold guide.

Check If You Have a Switch Hold

Before you panic, find out where you actually stand. You might not have a switch hold at all — it depends on whether your old company reported the debt to ERCOT.

Use our deposit checker tool to see what comes up at your new address. If companies show as available to you, you’re probably clear.

You can also call your old light company directly and ask: “Is there a switch hold on my account?” They’re required to tell you.

Your Options (From Fastest to Cheapest)

Option 1: Prepaid Lights (Fastest — Same-Day)

Prepaid plans are the go-to for post-eviction situations. Here’s why:

• No credit check — Your credit history and the eviction don’t matter
• Switch holds may not apply — Some prepaid companies operate differently and can bypass standard switch hold blocks
• Same-day service — Most prepaid companies get your lights on within hours
• No contract — If your living situation is still unstable, you’re not locked in

The rate is higher than a traditional plan, but your lights are on today. That matters more than saving a few cents per kilowatt-hour when you’re trying to get settled.

See how prepaid works and what it costs in our prepaid guide.

Option 2: New Occupant Exception

If you’re moving into a place where you’ve never had service before, you might qualify as a “new occupant” on that meter. This is different from transferring service — you’re establishing brand new service at a new address.

Some light companies will work with new occupants even if there’s a switch hold, because the hold is tied to a previous address. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth asking.

What you’ll need:

• Proof you live at the new address (lease agreement, mail with your name)
• A valid ID
• The new address and meter number

Option 3: Pay Off the Old Balance

If the amount is manageable, clearing the old debt removes the switch hold. Once it’s gone, you can sign up with any light company — and if your credit is borderline, paying the old balance actually improves your standing.

Tips for negotiating the old balance:

• Ask for a settlement. Many companies will accept 50-70% of the balance if you pay it in one lump sum. They’d rather get something than send it to collections.
• Get it in writing. Before you pay anything, get written confirmation that payment will clear the switch hold.
• Ask how long the hold removal takes. Usually 1-3 business days after payment is confirmed. ERCOT has to process the removal.
• Check the age of the debt. If it’s been several years, you may have more options. Our guide to old utility debt covers statute of limitations, collections, and what happens to very old balances.

Option 4: Dispute the Balance

If you believe the charges are wrong — for example, if you were charged for service after you left the apartment — you have the right to dispute under PUCT §25.43. Contact the light company first. If they won’t help, file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

Our Texas electricity rights guide covers the complaint process.

Don’t Make These Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using someone else’s name. It’s tempting to put the lights in a friend or family member’s name to avoid the switch hold. This works short-term, but if anything goes wrong, that person is on the hook for the bill. And if the light company finds out, they can disconnect for fraud.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the old balance. The switch hold doesn’t expire on its own. The balance might eventually fall off your credit report, but the switch hold stays until the debt is resolved. Ignoring it just delays the problem.

Mistake 3: Waiting to set up service. Some people move into a new place and try to get by without lights for a while. In Texas summers, this isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s dangerous. Get prepaid set up the day you move in. You can always switch to a cheaper plan once you’ve sorted out the old balance.

The Rebuilding Plan

Here’s the path forward after an eviction:

Month 1: Get prepaid lights at your new address. No credit check, no deposit, lights on today.

Months 1-6: If you have a switch hold, work on the old balance. Try to negotiate a settlement. Even small monthly payments show good faith and some companies will lift the hold once you’re on a payment plan.

Month 12: After 12 months of on-time prepaid payments, you now have a track record. Get a letter of credit from your prepaid company.

Month 13: Use that letter to sign up for a cheaper fixed-rate plan with no deposit. You’ve rebuilt from scratch.

It takes time. But it works. And it starts with getting your lights on today. Check what’s available at your new address.

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Related reading:

• What Happens When Your Lights Get Cut Off in Texas
• ERCOT Switch Hold: Everything You Need to Know
• Light Company Won’t Turn On Your Lights? Here’s What to Do

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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).