First: Why Was Your Power Disconnected?
Your fastest path back depends on why it happened. An unpaid bill with your current company can be fixed in 4 hours. A switch hold takes 1-3 days. Find your situation below:
Unpaid bill with your current light company
Pay the past-due amount or set up a payment plan. Service is typically restored within 4 hours of payment.
Account closed by light company after disconnection
You will need to pick a plan with a new light company. If there is no switch hold, this can happen the same day.
Switch hold from unpaid balance
Pay the balance or set up a payment plan with the original light company. The hold takes 1-3 business days to clear.
Move-in to address that was disconnected
Get started with new service in your name. If there is a switch hold from a previous tenant, you may need to provide proof of new occupancy.
Need lights on today? You have options.
If there's no switch hold, we can help you get lights same day. We check multiple light companies to find you the best option — traditional plans with $0 deposit if you qualify, or guaranteed prepaid if not. Either way, most people get reconnected within 4 hours.
Step-by-Step: Getting Power Restored
Follow these five steps in order — most people can get their lights back on the same day if there's no switch hold. Your rights are protected by PUCT Rule 25.29. Know all your rights as a Texas light customer.
Find out why lights got cut off
15 minutesCall your current or previous light company to understand the exact reason. This determines your next steps.
Check for a switch hold
5 minutesAsk the light company or any new light company to check if there is a switch hold on your address in the ERCOT system.
Resolve any outstanding balance
Same dayPay the balance in full, set up a payment plan, or dispute incorrect charges. Get confirmation in writing.
Pick a plan for new service (if needed)
Same dayIf your account was closed, choose a new light company. Prepaid plans have the fastest activation with no credit check.
Wait for lights to come back on
4-24 hoursOnce everything is resolved, lights are typically restored within 4-24 hours. Same-day reconnection is possible if you complete steps before 2-3 PM.
Watch Out: Switch Holds
A switch hold is the most common barrier to quick reconnection. If your previous light company placed a hold on your address, no light company can start service until it is resolved.
Learn more about switch holds and how to resolve themRealistic Timeline Expectations
4 hrs
Pay past-due to current light company
Same day
New light company, no switch hold (before 2 PM)
1-3 days
Switch hold removal after payment
Same-Day Service Cutoff Times by Provider
To get lights on TODAY, you must complete enrollment before the provider's cutoff time. After cutoff, service starts next business day.
| Provider | Same-Day Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Payless Power | 6:00 PM | Prepaid, no credit check |
| TXU Energy | 6:00 PM | Traditional, credit check required |
| Reliant Energy | 5:00 PM | Traditional, credit check required |
| 4Change Energy | 6:00 PM | Traditional, lower credit thresholds |
| Direct Energy | 5:00 PM | Traditional, credit check required |
| Frontier Utilities | 6:00 PM | Prepaid available |
Weekend & Holiday Service
Most providers DO NOT offer same-day connection on weekends or holidays. If you enroll Friday after cutoff, service starts Monday. Plan accordingly for holiday weekends (Labor Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
Verification Impact on Timeline
Same-day service assumes instant identity verification. If verification requires manual review (out-of-state ID, name mismatch, fraud alert on credit), add 1-2 business days to timeline.
Fastest Options for Getting Power Today
Pay your current light company
If you still have an active account, paying the past-due balance is the fastest path. Most light companies restore service within 4 hours.
Pick a prepaid plan (if no switch hold)
Prepaid lights have the fastest enrollment process - no credit check, no deposit. If you pick a plan before 2-3 PM and there is no switch hold, same-day service is typically possible.
Payment plan to remove switch hold
If you cannot pay the full balance, ask about a payment plan. Some light companies remove the switch hold once you start a plan, allowing you to get started elsewhere.
What If You Can't Pay Anything Right Now
If you have $0 available—not even $40 for prepaid—here are your immediate options. This is not about credit or deposits. This is about emergency assistance when you're completely tapped out.
1. Call 211 Texas (Immediate Assistance Referral)
Call 211 or text your ZIP code to 898-211. This connects you to emergency utility assistance programs in your area. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
What they can do: Connect you to CEAP (utility bill assistance), local churches with emergency funds, community action agencies, and crisis intervention programs. Many can provide same-week assistance for disconnection emergencies.
2. Request Hardship Extension from Your Light Company
Call your light company's customer service and ask for the "hardship" or "financial assistance" department. Use these exact words: "I'm experiencing a financial emergency and requesting a hardship extension under PUCT rules."
What they may offer: 7-14 day extension before disconnection, referral to their hardship program, connection to community assistance partners, or reduced payment arrangements.
Timeline: Most companies respond within 24-48 hours. If disconnection is scheduled for tomorrow, call TODAY and specifically say "emergency hardship extension."
3. Apply for CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program)
CEAP can pay up to $1,800 toward your light bill or past-due balance. Income limit: 150% of federal poverty level ($49,500/year for family of 4 in 2026).
Where to apply:
- • Houston: BakerRipley, Catholic Charities, Neighborhood Centers
- • Dallas: Dallas County HHS, Salvation Army
- • San Antonio: REAP (City of San Antonio)
- • Austin: ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition)
- • Fort Worth: Community Action Partners
Processing time: 5-10 business days typical. Some agencies offer emergency same-day vouchers for disconnection crises.
4. Light Company Pledge Programs (Company-Specific)
Some light companies have internal assistance funds for customers in crisis:
- • TXU Energy: TXU Energy Aid program (up to $300 bill credit)
- • Reliant: Reliant Helps (emergency assistance vouchers)
- • Direct Energy: Neighbor to Neighbor fund
How to access: Call customer service, ask for "customer assistance programs" or "pledge program." Approval typically takes 3-5 business days.
If All Assistance Fails
If you've exhausted assistance options and still have $0:
- • Shelter with utilities included: Contact 211 Texas for emergency shelter referrals
- • Family/friends: Temporary stay while assistance processes (5-10 days typical)
- • Day labor/gig work: Most prepaid companies accept $40 minimum—achievable in 1-2 days of work
- • Plasma donation: First-time donors typically receive $50-100 (same-day payment)
Timeline reality: CEAP and assistance programs take 5-10 days to process. Plan for temporary alternatives during this window.
Related: Complete guide to Texas utility assistance programs with application deadlines, income limits, and required documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can I get my lights back on?
If you pay the past-due balance to your current light company, lights are restored within 4 hours (PUCT Rule 25.29 requirement). If you need to pick a plan with a new light company and there is no switch hold, same-day connection happens if you complete enrollment before 2-3 PM (varies by provider).
Can I switch to a different light company after my lights got cut off?
Yes, but only if there is no switch hold on your address. If you have an unpaid balance, the original light company may place a hold that blocks all service until resolved. Check for a switch hold before trying to get started with a new light company.
What is a switch hold and how does it affect reconnection?
A switch hold is a block placed on your address by a previous light company when you have an unpaid balance. It prevents ANY light company from starting service until the hold is removed. The hold is registered with ERCOT and takes 1-3 business days to clear after you resolve the balance.
Can prepaid lights bypass a switch hold?
No. Despite what some companies advertise, no light company - including prepaid companies - can start service on an address with an active switch hold. The hold must be resolved first.
I am a new tenant at an address where lights are off. What do I do?
If the lights got cut off from a previous tenant, you can get started with service in your name. If there is a switch hold from that tenant, provide a New Occupant Statement with your lease and ID to prove you are not the person who owes the debt.
Will I need to pay a deposit to reconnect?
If reconnecting with your current light company, no new deposit is required (you already have one on file). If signing up with a new light company, deposits are required for credit scores below 650 ($200-400 typical range). Prepaid lights require no deposit, making it the fastest option for those who cannot pay a deposit.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full past-due balance?
Ask your light company about payment plans. Under PUCT Rule 25.28, light companies must offer payment arrangements for customers who cannot pay the full amount. Getting on a payment plan may also remove a switch hold so you can get service restored. If the debt is older, you may have additional options — see our guide on old utility debt. PUCT
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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).
