The Rule That Protects You
PUCT Rule 25.483(j) prohibits light companies from disconnecting Texas customers during extreme weather emergencies. The rule has two triggers:
Extreme Heat
National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for your county. Protection lasts for that day plus 2 more calendar days.
Extreme Cold
Yesterday's high was 32 degrees F or below AND the forecast shows temps staying at or below 32 degrees F for the next 24 hours.
Source: PUCT Rule 25.483(j) — Extreme Weather Emergencies
Defines temperature thresholds and duration of disconnection prohibitions.
Heat Wave Protections: What Keeps Your Lights On
Texas summers kill more people than any other weather event. The PUCT knows this. That is why heat protections are built into the rules — and why they include a grace period after the heat breaks.
Heat Advisory Trigger
When the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for your county, your light company cannot cut you off. This is automatic — you do not need to call or request it.
2-Day Grace Period
Protection continues for 2 full days after the Heat Advisory ends. If a Heat Advisory was issued any time in the last two calendar days, you are still protected.
County-by-County
Heat Advisories are issued by county based on local conditions. Check weather.gov with your ZIP code to see if your county is under advisory.
How to Check If You Are Protected Right Now
- Go to weather.gov
- Enter your ZIP code in the search box
- Look at "Active Alerts" for your county
- If you see "Heat Advisory" — you are protected from disconnection
Take a screenshot. If your light company tries to disconnect you during an advisory, this is your proof.
Freeze Protections: The 32-Degree Rule
Winter Storm Uri proved that losing power in a Texas freeze can be deadly. The PUCT rule protects you when temperatures drop to freezing — but the rule works differently than heat protections.
Freezing Temperature Trigger
If yesterday's high temperature did not go above 32 degrees F, AND temperatures are forecast to stay at or below 32 degrees F for the next 24 hours, your light company cannot cut you off.
Forecast-Based
The rule looks at the National Weather Service forecast, not just the current temperature. If a freeze is coming, protection kicks in before it arrives.
No Grace Period
Unlike heat, cold weather protection ends when temperatures rise above freezing and are forecast to stay there. Standard 10-day notice rules still apply if they have not been met.
The Two-Part Test for Cold Weather Protection
Both conditions must be true:
- 1. Yesterday's highest temperature did not go above 32 degrees F
- 2. The forecast shows temperatures will stay at or below 32 degrees F for the next 24 hours
If the temperature rises above freezing during the day and is expected to stay above freezing, protection ends. But your light company still needs to give you proper notice (10 days) before they can disconnect.
Prepaid Lights and Extreme Weather
If you have pay-as-you-go lights, you might worry that your power will cut off the second your balance hits zero. Good news: PUCT Rule 25.498 protects prepaid customers during extreme weather too.
Your Lights Stay On
If your prepaid balance hits $0 during extreme weather, your service continues. Your light company cannot cut you off, period.
Negative Balance Allowed
Your account will go negative as you use power. You are essentially borrowing from your light company during the emergency.
Payment Plan Available
If your negative balance exceeds $50 during the weather event, your light company must offer you a deferred payment plan to pay it back over time.
Reconnection Rules
After the emergency ends, you will need to pay off the negative balance (or set up a payment plan) and add enough to bring your account positive — up to $75 may be required.
Source: PUCT Rule 25.498 — Prepaid Service
Extends extreme weather protections to prepaid customers, including negative balance provisions and payment plan requirements.
What This Means in Real Terms
Say it is August and a Heat Advisory is in effect. Your prepaid balance drops to $0. Here is what happens:
- Your lights stay on. Your light company cannot disconnect you.
- You keep using power. Your balance goes negative — maybe -$30, -$50, or more.
- The Heat Advisory ends. You get 2 more days of protection.
- After those 2 days, you need to either pay off that negative balance or set up a payment plan.
- If the negative balance exceeds $50, your light company must offer a payment plan if you ask for it.
The catch: Once protection ends, you could face immediate disconnection if you do not address the balance. Do not wait until the emergency ends to start figuring out your options. Call your light company during the heat wave to discuss a payment plan.
When Weather Protection Does NOT Apply
The weather moratorium only protects against disconnection for non-payment. There are situations where your lights can still be cut off, even during a heat wave or freeze:
Safety Hazards
If the utility finds dangerous wiring, a damaged meter, or other safety issues, they can disconnect you immediately regardless of weather.
Theft or Tampering
If there is evidence of meter tampering or stealing power, weather protections do not apply. They can cut you off.
Already Disconnected
If your lights were already cut off before the extreme weather started, your light company is not required to reconnect you without payment.
Grid Emergencies
Weather protections cover billing disconnects only. If ERCOT orders rolling blackouts to save the grid (like during Winter Storm Uri), those still happen.
How This Has Played Out in Real Life
These rules are not just words on paper. They have been tested during real emergencies, and the PUCT has shown it will enforce them.
Winter Storm Uri
February 2021The PUCT suspended ALL disconnections during the grid crisis. After the moratorium lifted, light companies had to offer payment plans to customers who fell behind during the storm.
Summer 2023 Heat Waves
June-September 2023Consumer groups pushed for a blanket summer moratorium. The PUCT declined, keeping the day-by-day Heat Advisory trigger. Protections turned on and off throughout the summer as advisories came and went.
Young Energy Enforcement
June 2024The PUCT fined Payless Power's parent company $300,000 for disconnecting over 1,800 customers during extreme weather between 2020 and 2022. Proof that these rules have teeth.
The $300,000 Fine
In June 2024, the PUCT fined Young Energy (Payless Power's parent company) $300,000 for disconnecting over 1,800 customers during extreme weather events between 2020 and 2022. Part of that fine went directly to utility assistance programs. This case proves two things: automated systems sometimes fail to follow the rules, and the PUCT will go after companies that violate them.
What To Do If Your Light Company Cuts You Off During Extreme Weather
Document the Weather
Go to weather.gov immediately. Screenshot the active alerts for your county. Note the date and time. This is your evidence.
Call Your Light Company
Tell them: "I was disconnected during an extreme weather emergency. Under PUCT Rule 25.483, this is prohibited. I am requesting immediate reconnection and a deferred payment plan." Note the date, time, and name of the person you speak with.
File a PUCT Complaint
If they do not immediately fix it, call the PUCT at 1-888-782-8477 or file online at puc.texas.gov. Explain that you were disconnected during a weather emergency.
Check Medical Protections
If anyone in your home has a medical condition requiring power (oxygen, dialysis, refrigerated medication), a physician can submit a medical certificate that gives you 63 additional days of protection from disconnection — separate from weather rules.
Do not wait. If your lights were cut during extreme weather, this is a serious violation. The PUCT can order immediate reconnection, refunds, and fines against your light company.
Paying Back What You Owe After the Emergency
Weather protection keeps your lights on during the emergency, but it does not erase what you owe. Once the moratorium ends, you need a plan.
Deferred Payment Plans
- Your right: Light companies must offer a deferred payment plan for bills due during extreme weather emergencies
- Prepaid customers: If your negative balance exceeds $50 during the event, a payment plan must be offered upon request
- Typical terms: 50% upfront, remainder in installments over multiple billing cycles
- Switch holds: If you enter a payment plan, you may not be able to switch light companies until you pay it off
State of Disaster
If the Governor declares a State of Disaster (like during a hurricane or major freeze), the PUCT can direct all light companies to offer payment plans to affected customers. This is separate from the standard weather rules and provides extra protection after major emergencies.
Source: PUCT Rule 25.480 — Bill Payment and Adjustments
Covers deferred payment plan requirements after extreme weather emergencies.
The Rules at a Glance
| Weather Event | What Triggers Protection | How Long It Lasts | PUCT Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extreme Heat | NWS Heat Advisory for your county | Day of advisory + 2 calendar days after it ends | 25.483(j)(1)(B) |
| Extreme Cold | Yesterday's high was 32 degrees F or below AND forecast stays at or below 32 degrees F for next 24 hours | As long as forecast criteria are met | 25.483(j)(1)(A) |
| Prepaid (Both) | Same triggers as above | Same duration; negative balance allowed | 25.498 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my light company cut my lights during a heat wave?
No. When the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for your county, your light company cannot disconnect you for non-payment. This protection lasts for the day of the advisory plus the next 2 calendar days. PUCT
What temperature triggers heat protection?
There is no single temperature. Protection is triggered when the National Weather Service issues a Heat Advisory for your county. Heat Advisories are based on heat index (temperature plus humidity), not temperature alone, and vary by region. PUCT
Can my lights be shut off during a freeze?
No. If yesterday's high was 32 degrees F or below AND temperatures are forecast to stay at or below 32 degrees F for the next 24 hours, disconnection is prohibited. PUCT
I have prepaid lights. Am I protected during extreme weather?
Yes. PUCT Rule 25.498 extends weather protections to prepaid customers. If your balance hits $0 during a Heat Advisory or freeze, your lights stay on. Your balance will go negative, and you will need to pay that back after the emergency ends. PUCT
How do I know if a Heat Advisory is in effect?
Go to weather.gov and enter your ZIP code. Look for active alerts. If you see "Heat Advisory" listed for your county, you are protected from disconnection. PUCT
Does the protection erase my bill?
No. The weather moratorium delays disconnection — it does not forgive the debt. You still owe what you owe. Use the extra time to set up a payment plan or apply for assistance.
Can my light company disconnect me the day after a heat wave ends?
No. The heat protection includes a 2-day grace period. If a Heat Advisory was issued on any of the preceding two calendar days, you are still protected. PUCT
What if my light company disconnects me during extreme weather anyway?
File a complaint with the PUCT immediately at 1-888-782-8477. This is a serious violation. In 2024, the PUCT fined one company $300,000 for disconnecting customers during extreme weather. PUCT
Do I need to call my light company to activate weather protection?
No. The moratorium is automatic based on National Weather Service alerts. You do not need to request it. However, you should call your light company to request a deferred payment plan to address the balance you owe.
What happens to my prepaid account after the extreme weather ends?
Once the emergency (and the 2-day grace period for heat) ends, you need to either pay off the negative balance or set up a payment plan, plus add enough to bring your account positive. Your light company can require up to $75 to restore service. PUCT
Related Resources
- Your Light Bill Rights in Texas: Complete PUCT Guide
- How Prepaid Lights Work in Texas
- Getting Your Lights Back On After Shutoff
- Understanding Switch Holds
Consumer Advocate
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official rules, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas. NoDepositLights.com is powered by Compare Power (PUCT License BR190020).
