Domestic Violence Utility Protections | Get Lights On Safely in Texas

Read This First: Your Safety Matters More Than Anything

- Use a safe phone. If your abuser monitors your phone, use a friend's phone, a library computer, or call from the domestic violence hotline's number (they can call the light company with you).
- Create a new email. For your light account, use a fresh email your abuser does not know about.
- Clear your browser history after visiting this page if you share a computer.
- Tell the light company that you are a domestic violence survivor and need account privacy. They should not share your information with anyone.

How to Get Your Deposit Waived

Texas law (PUCT Rule 25.478) says light companies must waive the deposit for survivors of family violence. This is not optional for them. Here is how to use it.

Get the Certification Letter

Download the "Certification Letter for Victim of Family Violence Waiver" from the Texas Council on Family Violence or ask any shelter for it. This is the only form you need.

Download from TCFV.org

Get It Signed

Take the form to someone who can certify you are a survivor. You do not need to prove anything to the light company. You just need one of these people to sign:

- Domestic violence shelter staff (you do NOT need to be staying there)
- Medical professional (doctor, nurse, or other treating staff)
- Law enforcement (but this is NOT required)
- District or County Attorney's office (victim assistance staff)
- Legal aid organization (Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Lone Star Legal Aid, etc.)

Most accessible option: Call your local domestic violence hotline. You can complete an intake over the phone, and shelter staff can sign the form based on your statement. You do not need documentation.

Contact a Light Company

Call the light company and say: "I am applying for new service. I am a victim of family violence and have the PUCT certification letter for a deposit waiver."

Ask for their fax number or email address to send the form. Send it right away.

Get Your Lights On

Call back in 1-2 hours to confirm they received the form. Schedule your connection. Most people get their lights on the same day if they call before 2-5 PM.

Where to Send Your Waiver Letter

Every Texas light company must accept the waiver. Here is how to reach the major ones directly.

Light Company	Fax / Email for Waiver	Phone
Reliant Energy	Fax: 800-563-0120 depositions@reliant.com	866-222-7100
TXU Energy	depositoptions@txu.com	800-242-9113
Gexa Energy	Fax: 713-961-7997	866-961-9399
Green Mountain	depositoptions@greenmountain.com	866-785-4668
Direct Energy	depositoptions@directenergy.com	800-251-5617

Pay-as-you-go light companies (like Payless Power) must also accept the waiver. If they normally require a prepayment to start, the waiver should cover that too.

Your Situation, Your Options

Every survivor's situation is different. Here is what to do based on where you are.

Moving to a new place

This is the most straightforward situation. Once you have an address:

1. Get the certification letter signed (shelter, doctor, or legal aid)
2. Call a light company and request service
3. Fax or email the signed letter
4. Set up account security (password, new email)

Staying in the same home (abuser is gone)

If the lights were in your abuser's name and they left debt behind:

1. Get proof you live there (your lease or a letter from your landlord)
2. Download a "New Occupant Statement" from the light company's website
3. Submit the New Occupant Statement with your lease. This removes the "switch hold" from your abuser's debt.
4. Apply for new service in your name using the deposit waiver

Important: If the light company argues that you are "associated" with the debt because you lived there, push back. You had no financial control. A shelter advocate or legal aid attorney can help you make this case.

Abuser opened accounts in your name (identity theft)

If you have light bills you did not agree to, you can dispute them:

1. File a police report for identity theft (not domestic violence, specifically identity theft)
2. Contact the light company's fraud department
3. Submit an affidavit stating you did not authorize the service
4. If they refuse to help, file a complaint with the PUCT: 1-888-782-8477

Abuser left but keeps lights in their name (to monitor or harass)

Some abusers leave the lights on to monitor your usage or threaten to cut you off remotely. Take control:

1. Start new service in your own name at the same address
2. Provide your lease or deed to prove you have the right to service there
3. This will force a disconnect of the abuser's account at that meter

Protecting Your Information

Light companies can reveal your address and habits if you do not take steps to protect yourself.

Set a Verbal Password

When you set up your account, ask them to require a verbal password for ALL account interactions. This stops anyone from calling in and pretending to be you.

Use a New Email Address

Create a fresh email your abuser does not know. Use this for your light account. Opt for paperless billing so no mail arrives at your address.

Lock Down Smart Meter Access

Modern smart meters let you (or someone else) see when you are using power. Make sure only YOU have the login to Smart Meter Texas or your light company's app. If your abuser ever had access, ask the company to reset all online credentials.

Texas Address Confidentiality Program

This program gives you a substitute PO Box address and free mail forwarding. You can use this address for your light bills instead of your real location.

Apply at TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov

Help in Your City

These organizations can sign your waiver letter, help with safety planning, and connect you with other resources. You do not need to be staying at a shelter to get help.

Houston

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Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC)

24/7 hotline, shelter, can sign waiver letters, referrals to utility assistance.

713-528-2121
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BakerRipley

Handles CEAP (utility assistance) for Harris County. Can help pay light bills.

713-273-3700

Dallas

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The Family Place

24/7 crisis line, shelter, can sign waiver letters.

214-941-1991
-

Genesis Women's Shelter

Emergency shelter, transitional housing, advocacy services.

214-946-4357

Fort Worth

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SafeHaven of Tarrant County

24/7 crisis line, shelter, legal advocacy, can sign waiver letters.

1-877-701-7233

San Antonio

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Family Violence Prevention Services (FVPS)

24/7 hotline, Battered Women and Children's Shelter, can sign waiver letters.

210-733-8810

Austin

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The SAFE Alliance

SAFEline 24/7, shelter, legal services, can sign waiver letters.

512-267-SAFE (7233)

Statewide Resources

Texas Council on Family Violence: 1-800-525-1978 (provides waiver forms, statewide referrals)
National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, connects you to local help anywhere)
Crime Victims Compensation (OAG): Can reimburse relocation expenses including utility costs. Learn more

If a Light Company Refuses Your Waiver

This should not happen, but if it does, you have options. The law is on your side.

1

Ask to speak to a supervisor

Frontline staff sometimes do not know about the waiver. Escalate.
2

Cite the rule

Tell them: "I am citing PUCT Substantive Rule 25.478(a)(3)(D). You are required to waive my deposit with this certification letter."
3

File a complaint with the PUC

Call 1-888-782-8477 or file online at puc.texas.gov. This usually resolves things fast.
4

Get help from legal aid

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (1-888-988-9996) and Lone Star Legal Aid (1-800-733-8394) can advocate for you at no cost.

Common Questions

Do I need a police report to get my deposit waived?

No. You do not need a police report, a protective order, or any court documents. A letter signed by a domestic violence shelter advocate, medical professional, or legal aid staff is enough. The shelter does not need to be housing you — even calling their hotline and completing an intake can qualify you to get the letter signed.

Can the abuser find out I started new light service?

Light companies cannot share your account information without your permission. Set a verbal password on your account so no one can call in pretending to be you. Use a new email address for your account. If you are enrolled in the Texas Address Confidentiality Program, you can use a substitute PO Box instead of your real address.

What if the lights are in my abuser's name?

You can start new service in your own name at the same address. You will need to prove you live there (a lease or landlord letter works). If the abuser left unpaid bills on the meter, you can submit a New Occupant Statement to remove the "switch hold" and start fresh. The debt is theirs, not yours.

Can I get lights on the same day?

Yes. Once you have the deposit waiver letter and call a light company, most can connect your power the same day if you call before 2-5 PM (depends on the company). Smart meters make this possible without a technician visit.

What if I have no money at all right now?

The deposit waiver removes the biggest barrier. For the actual usage, pay-as-you-go lights let you start with as little as $40. Additionally, Crime Victims Compensation (through the Texas Attorney General) can reimburse relocation expenses including utility costs. Call your local shelter — they often have emergency funds too.

Need Lights On Today?

If you have your waiver letter or want to start with pay-as-you-go lights while you get it, enter your ZIP code. We will show you every option available at your address.

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws and policies can change. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas. In an emergency, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).

You Have Rights. Texas Law Protects Survivors.

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