Common Questions About No-Deposit Lights

Prepaid plans start around $40-75. That's connection plus your first batch of power. If you literally have $0, call 211 for assistance programs in your area. Some churches and nonprofits help with utility deposits too.

No — and anyone who promises that is lying. Every light company sets their own credit thresholds, and they change them based on business needs. But here's what we CAN promise: you pick a plan and enroll. If that company requires a deposit, we let you check multiple other companies because deposit rules vary wildly. Many people find a $0 deposit option this way. And if nobody says yes? Prepaid is always available — no deposit, no credit check, lights on today.

Usually, yes. Every traditional light company checks credit and each one has different rules. Company A might want $400 from you while Company B wants nothing. You pick a plan and enroll. If that company requires a deposit, we let you check multiple other companies to find one that works. If nobody says yes, prepaid gets your lights on the same day — guaranteed.

Credit thresholds vary by company. One might accept a 580 score with no deposit, another needs 650, another takes 500. It's not personal — it's just different business rules. That's why we check multiple companies. Your 600 score might get rejected by Company A but approved by Company B.

Prepaid light companies don't care about your credit. Period. Traditional companies all check, but their rules vary. One might want a big deposit, another might not. We shop around so you don't have to call each one.

Prepaid: often within hours if you pick a plan before 2pm. Traditional plans: usually next business day. Weekend? Prepaid is your best bet for same-day.

If we find a $0 deposit option, just the connection fee (around $30). Prepaid plans run $40-75 to start. That covers connection plus your first batch of power.

That $40-75 goes toward your electricity usage — it's NOT a deposit. You're prepaying for the power you'll use. When your balance runs low, you add more. It's like a prepaid phone card but for lights.

You add money first, then use it. Your balance goes down each day based on what you actually use. You get text alerts when you're running low. Top off when you need to.

Your lights get cut off. For real. Add more money and they come back on within a few hours. Set up auto-reload so this doesn't happen.

No, it costs more. Rates run 30-50% higher than traditional plans. About $300/year more expensive. That's the trade-off for no deposit and no credit check. Worth it if you need your lights on today and can't get approved for traditional. Once you've paid on time for 12 months, you can switch to cheaper traditional plans.

Prepaid is your guaranteed option. No credit check, no deposit, no denial. It costs more per month, but it gets your lights on today. And after 12 months of on-time payments, most traditional companies will waive the deposit — that's your path to lower rates.

Yes. After 12 months of on-time payments with any light company, most traditional light companies will waive the deposit. That's your path to lower rates.

Probably a switch hold. If you owe money to a previous light company, they block your address. No company can connect you until you settle up. Not even prepaid. No way around it.

Try to get started with any light company. They'll tell you right away if there's a hold and which company placed it.

Call the company that placed it. Pay the balance or set up a payment plan. Takes 1-3 business days to clear after you handle it.

For prepaid: set up auto-reload and watch your balance alerts. For traditional plans: call your light company BEFORE your due date if you can't pay. Most offer payment plans or extensions if you ask. After they cut you off, your options shrink.

Traditional companies usually won't disconnect Friday through Sunday or on holidays. Prepaid is different. Run out of balance on Saturday night, your lights go off Saturday night.

Usually it's the AC. Summer in Texas can double or triple your bill. Other culprits: old fridge, electric water heater, poor insulation, or a rate that spiked after your contract ended. Check if you're on a variable rate. Those can jump without warning.

Anywhere in Texas where you can pick your light company: Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, and most of the state. NOT Austin or San Antonio. Those cities run their own power company.

Austin Energy and CPS Energy are city-owned. You don't get to pick. Call them directly for service and ask about their payment options.