The Basics
How It Works
You put money in your account first, then use the power. Your balance goes down each day based on what you actually use. When you're running low, you top off your account and keep going.
Why No Deposit?
With regular plans, you use the power first and pay later. That's why they want a deposit - they're nervous you might not pay. With pay-as-you-go, you've already paid before you use it. No risk for them, no deposit for you.
What You Pay
To Get Started: $40-75
This covers a one-time connection fee (~$5-15) plus your starting balance (~$25-60). This is not a deposit - it's money that goes straight toward your lights.
Your Rate: 12-20 cents per unit
Pay-as-you-go rates run higher than regular plans (which are 8-12 cents). That's the trade-off for skipping the deposit and the credit check. For a lot of folks, that trade-off makes sense. PUCT Rate Information
Daily Fee: $0-2/day
Some light companies charge a small daily fee on top of what you use. Ask about this before you pick a plan - it adds up over a month.
Try the Prepaid Calculator — put in your balance and see how many days it'll last.
Related: Tips to save on prepaid
What Happens If You Run Out of Money?
When your prepaid balance hits zero, your lights get cut off — usually the next morning. No grace period like with regular plans.
You'll get a warning first, though: Texas law ( PUCT Rule 25.498) says light companies have to warn you when you're getting low - usually around $10-20 left.
To get back on: Add more money and your lights come back on, usually within a few hours. No reconnection fee with most companies.
When Pay-As-You-Go Makes Sense
Pay-As-You-Go Makes Sense If:
- ✓ You need lights today and don't have $200-400 for a deposit
- ✓ Your credit's been through some things
- ✓ You want to stay in control of what you spend
- ✓ You're working on getting back on your feet
- ✓ You only need lights for a few months
When Pay-As-You-Go Doesn't Make Sense
A Regular Plan Might Be Better If:
- → Your credit's in decent shape (you'll get lower rates)
- → You can swing the deposit now and get it back later
- → You want the cheapest possible light bill
- → You don't want to keep an eye on your balance
Consumer Advocate
I cut through the BS. Light companies hide their real rates in the fine print. I show you what you'll actually pay.
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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).
