What's a Switch Hold, Exactly?
A switch hold is a flag on your ESI ID — that's the unique number for your meter. When that flag is set, every light company in Texas sees it. They can't start service until it's cleared.
The key thing to understand: the hold is on the address, not on you personally. That's why you can move somewhere else and get lights just fine. It's also why new tenants sometimes get stuck dealing with the previous tenant's mess.
Real Talk: Pay-As-You-Go Can't Get Around This
Some companies make it sound like prepaid can bypass a switch hold. They can't. No light company in Texas — not a single one — can turn on your lights while there's a hold on your address. The hold is in the state system (ERCOT). Every company sees it. There's no workaround.
The Three Types of Switch Holds
Not all switch holds are the same. Knowing which type you're dealing with tells you exactly how to fix it.
1. Payment Plan (DPP) Hold
This is the most common type. When you couldn't pay a bill and the light company offered you a payment plan (called a Deferred Payment Plan or DPP), they put a hold on your account. That way you can't switch to a new company to avoid paying what you owe.
How it works:
- • You agreed to a payment plan to avoid getting cut off
- • The hold stays until you pay the total deferred balance — not just your current bill
- • If your lights get cut off while on a DPP, you have to pay that same company to reconnect. You can't just switch providers.
2. Meter Tampering Hold
This one comes from the TDU (the wire company — Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP). If they think someone messed with the meter to avoid paying for usage, they put this hold on while they investigate.
How it works:
- • The TDU detected something wrong with the meter
- • You have to pay for the lights you used (they estimate it) plus the cost to fix the meter
- • This is a serious deal — tampering is technically theft of service
3. Level/Average Billing Hold
If you're on a level billing plan (where you pay the same amount each month) and fall behind, the company can put a hold on your account.
How it works:
- • Only applies if you're delinquent on the plan
- • Hold is removed when you catch up or settle the balance
When a Hold is NOT Legal
Light companies can't just slap a switch hold on you for any reason. These situations are not legal:
- • A hold for a regular past-due balance when you never agreed to a payment plan
- • A hold for charges you're actively disputing
- • Keeping a hold after you've paid — they have to remove it within 1 business day
If any of these apply to you, file a complaint with the PUCT. Instructions are at the bottom of this page.
How Different Light Companies Handle Switch Holds
All companies follow the same basic rules, but their processes for resolving holds vary. Here's what we know about the major ones.
TXU Energy
- • New Occupant docs: Fax to 866-892-3844 or email resrequest@txu.com
- • Requires lease or closing statement dated after the hold was placed
- • Generally processes within 2-5 business days
Direct Energy
- • New Occupant docs: Email to SwitchHold@directenergy.com
- • Does NOT accept cell phone bills as proof of occupancy
- • Requests stay on hold until documentation is verified
Reliant Energy
- • Similar process to TXU
- • Full DPP balance required to release hold
Prepaid Companies (Payless Power, Pogo, etc.)
- • These companies use switch holds heavily because of their business model
- • Pogo calls theirs an "ESI ID Hold" — same thing, different name
- • If your prepaid balance goes negative, they may convert it to a payment plan and add a hold
- • Payless requires past-due amount plus $20 balance to reconnect
How to Clear a Switch Hold and Get Your Lights On
Find out if you have a switch hold
Use the checker above — enter your address and we'll tell you in 10 seconds if there's a hold. You can also call any light company and give them your address to check.
Figure out why it's there
- ✓ Payment plan (DPP) — you agreed to pay off a balance over time
- ✓ Meter tampering — the TDU flagged your meter for investigation
- ✓ Previous tenant — someone else's debt is blocking your address
Deal with it based on the type
- ✓ DPP hold: Pay the full deferred balance (not just the current bill)
- ✓ Tampering hold: Pay the back-billing and meter repair charges
- ✓ Previous tenant: Submit a New Occupant Statement with proof you just moved in
Wait for the hold to clear
Once you've handled the balance, the light company has to submit a removal request within 1 business day (that's the law — PUCT Rule 25.480). Then it takes another 1-3 business days for the system to update.
Get your lights on
Once the hold is gone, you're free to sign up with whoever you want. If you don't want to deal with another deposit, pay-as-you-go is always an option.
What to Say When You Call
Knowing the right words makes these calls go faster. Here are scripts for the three most common situations.
Script A: You Owe the Money and Want to Pay
Script B: You're a New Tenant (Not Your Debt)
Script C: You Think the Hold is Wrong
The New Occupant Statement: When It's Not Your Debt
If you're moving into a place and the previous tenant is the one who didn't pay, Texas law says you shouldn't have to deal with their mess. The New Occupant Statement (NOS) is your way out.
Documents You'll Need:
- • Signed New Occupant Statement — the light company will give you the form
- • Your lease — signed by both you and the landlord, dated after the hold was placed
- • Landlord affidavit — if you don't have a formal lease
- • Utility bill from your previous address — in your name, dated within the last 2 months (this proves you lived somewhere else)
- • Your ID
Timeline:
Once you submit your docs, expect 2-5 business days for the company to review and lift the hold. Some are faster, some drag their feet. If it's been more than a week, call back and ask for a supervisor.
Pro tip: Get the name of every person you talk to and write down the date and time of each call. This matters if you need to file a complaint.
How Long Until My Lights Are On?
Here's the realistic timeline. No one can make this go faster — it's just how the system works.
| Step | Timeline | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Pay balance / Submit NOS | Day 1 | You've done your part |
| Company submits removal request | Within 1 business day | Required by PUCT Rule 25.480 |
| ERCOT/TDU processes removal | 1-3 business days | System update time |
| NOS document review (if applicable) | 2-5 business days | Company verifies your paperwork |
| Sign up + get lights on | Same day (once hold is cleared) | If you submit before the cutoff time |
When to File a PUCT Complaint (And How)
If a light company isn't playing by the rules, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is who you call. They regulate this stuff.
File a complaint when:
- • The company won't remove your hold within 1 business day after you paid
- • They refuse to accept your New Occupant documents
- • They put a hold on your account without you agreeing to a payment plan
- • You have a hold from a company you never signed up with (possible identity theft or "slamming")
How to File:
- 1. Call: 1-888-PUC-TIPS (1-888-782-8477)
- 2. Online: puc.texas.gov/consumer/complaint/
What to Include:
- • Company name and your account number
- • Your ESI ID (if you know it)
- • Dates you paid or submitted documents
- • Names of people you talked to
- • What rule they're breaking (cite "PUCT Rule 25.480" if they're not removing your hold after payment)
Common Questions About Switch Holds
"Can prepaid lights get around a switch hold?"
No. A switch hold blocks every single light company in Texas — prepaid, traditional, all of them. The hold is in ERCOT's system. Every company sees it. There's no workaround, no matter what anyone tells you.
"Does a switch hold ever expire on its own?"
No. The hold stays on the address until the debt is paid or you prove you're a new occupant. The 4-year statute of limitations only affects whether they can sue you for the debt — the switch hold itself can stay forever. The company isn't required to write it off. For more on how old debt works, see our guide to old utility debt.
"If I move to a new address, will the hold follow me?"
No. The hold is on the ESI ID (the meter), not on you personally. If you move to a new address, you can get lights there just fine. The hold only blocks service at the specific address where the debt was incurred.
"I paid the balance but the hold is still there. What now?"
First, give it 24-72 hours for the system to update. If it's been more than 3 business days, call the company and remind them that PUCT Rule 25.480 requires them to submit the removal request within 1 business day. If they still don't act, file a PUCT complaint.
"The previous tenant owes money. Why is that my problem?"
It shouldn't be your problem — that's why the New Occupant Statement exists. Texas law says you can't be held responsible for someone else's debt at your address. Submit the NOS with your lease and ID to prove you just moved in.
"Can I just pay part of the balance to get the hold removed?"
Usually no. For DPP holds, the rule says the "total deferred balance" has to be paid. Some companies might work with you, but they're not required to. It's worth asking, but don't count on it.
"There's a hold from a company I never signed up with. What's going on?"
This could be identity theft or "slamming" (an unauthorized switch). File a PUCT complaint immediately and reference PUCT Rule 25.495. The company has to prove you authorized the account. If they can't, they have to remove the hold and stop collection.
"My lights got cut off and there's a switch hold. Can I just switch to a new company?"
No. If you're on a payment plan with a switch hold and get disconnected, you have to deal with that same company to reconnect. The hold blocks you from going anywhere else until you pay the deferred balance in full.
Is Your Switch Hold Legal? Quick Check
- 1. Are you a new tenant?
YES → The hold is not your responsibility. Submit a New Occupant Statement.
NO → Go to step 2.
- 2. Did you agree to a payment plan (DPP)?
YES → The hold is legal. You have to pay the deferred balance to remove it.
NO → Go to step 3.
- 3. Were you notified of meter tampering?
YES → The hold is legal. You have to pay the back-billing and meter charges.
NO → Go to step 4.
- 4. Is the hold for a disputed bill or just a regular past-due balance (no DPP)?
YES → The hold may be illegal. File a PUCT complaint.
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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).
