My lights just got cut off - what do I do right now?

First, check if you have a switch hold by calling your previous light company or your local transmission company (Oncor in Dallas, CenterPoint in Houston, AEP in Corpus Christi, or TNMP in some areas). A switch hold means you owe the old company money and no new company can serve you until it is resolved. If you don't have a switch hold, sign up with a new light company right away — prepaid plans are the fastest path with no deposit, no credit check, and guaranteed approval. Most people start with $40-75 (which goes toward your electricity, not a deposit) and have power back within 2-4 hours if they enroll before 3 PM CT. ERCOT processes the switch remotely through your smart meter. If you do have a switch hold, call the old company to pay the balance or negotiate a payment plan to get the hold released.

Can I get my lights back on today after they got cut off?

Yes, if you enroll before the daily cutoff time and you don't have a switch hold blocking your address. Most people get their lights back within 2-4 hours of completing enrollment. Prepaid plans are the fastest because there's no credit check or deposit verification to slow down the process — you pay $40-75 to start, get instant approval, and ERCOT flips your meter remotely. The latest same-day cutoff is 6 PM CT through Payless Power (available 7 days a week including weekends). Most other companies cut off at 3-5 PM on weekdays. If you enroll after the cutoff, your order goes into the queue and your lights will come on first thing the next morning, usually by 8-10 AM. Signing up late today is still faster than starting fresh tomorrow.

How much does it cost to get my lights back on?

With prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans, you can get your lights back on for $40-75 — and that money goes toward your actual electricity usage, not a deposit or fee you lose. Prepaid is the cheapest way to get power back immediately with no credit check and no risk of denial. For traditional plans, the cost depends on your credit: some people qualify for $0 deposit, while others may be quoted $200-400. The key difference is that every light company sets their own credit thresholds — the same credit score might get a $400 deposit quote from one company and $0 from another. NoDepositLights.com checks multiple traditional companies simultaneously to find which one offers you the lowest or zero deposit. Many people find a $0 deposit option through this process, saving them the higher ongoing rates of prepaid plans.

What is a switch hold and how do I remove it?

A switch hold in Texas means you owe money to a previous light company and ERCOT (the Texas grid operator) won't allow any new company to turn on your power at that address until the debt is resolved. This applies to all providers including prepaid companies — a switch hold blocks everyone. To remove it, call the previous light company and either pay the outstanding balance in full or negotiate a payment arrangement. Many companies accept partial payment or installment plans to release the hold. Once the hold is lifted, you can sign up with any light company immediately and get lights the same day. If you think the switch hold is incorrect — for example, if the balance isn't yours or was already paid — file a free complaint with the PUCT at (888) 782-8477. The PUCT can investigate and order the hold removed if the company is in violation.

Call: (888) 997-4633

Power Out

Your Lights Just Got Cut Off

Most people get power back in 2-4 hours. You need $40 and your address. That's it.

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

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Finding no-deposit plans in your area...

Before You Sign Up - Check This One Thing

This takes 2 minutes. If you skip it, you could waste money on a plan that can't turn you on.

Do you have a switch hold?

If you owe money to your old light company and they reported it to ERCOT, no new company can turn you on until you clear the debt. This is called a switch hold.

How to check:

1. Call your old light company. Ask: "Did you report me to ERCOT?"
2. If NO - you're clear. Sign up for a new company today.
3. If YES - pay the balance or set up a payment plan to remove the hold.

Full switch hold guide - what to do if you have one →

How Fast Can You Get Your Lights Back?

If you don't have a switch hold, here's what happens next.

5 minutes

Pick a plan

Have your ID and payment method ready. Prepaid is fastest.

10 minutes

Get confirmation

Email and text with your account number.

2-4 hours

Lights come on

They flip the switch remotely. No truck roll needed.

Same-day service if you enroll before 3 PM on weekdays. Requires smart meter (most Texas homes have one).

How Much to Get Your Lights Back On

Real numbers. No surprises.

Fastest Option

Prepaid (Pay-As-You-Go)

$40-75

No credit check
No deposit
Lights on in 2-4 hours
Everyone gets approved

Costs about $25-30/month more than traditional plans, but no deposit and no credit check.

Better Rates

Traditional Plan

$0-300

Credit check required
Deposit varies by credit score
Lower monthly cost
Deposit refunded after 12 months

We check multiple light companies to find you the lowest deposit. Many people qualify for $0.

Not sure which to pick? Enter your ZIP and we'll show you both options.

See Your Options

We shop multiple light companies

$0 deposit when possible

Same-day lights

From People Who Got Their Lights Back On

Same situation. Same stress. They handled it.

$40 deposit in an emergency this was great and the package is where I can afford every month thank you

Latesia C.

Kristen was professional patient and very helpful. My experience was quick and easy same day service with no deposit.

Belinda A.

Was looking all day came across compare power and they was great helped me with. No deposit thank you

Kesha P.

Quick and easy found me a no deposit electric company

Ellena G.

What If I Owe My Old Light Company Money?

If they reported it to ERCOT (switch hold):

No new company can turn you on until you clear the debt. Call the old company and either pay it or set up a payment plan. Once cleared, you can sign up immediately.

How to remove a switch hold →

If they didn't report it:

You can sign up with a new company today. The old debt doesn't block you. It might affect your deposit amount with traditional plans, but prepaid doesn't care about your history.

What happens to old utility debt →

If you can't afford to clear the hold:

Call 211 for free help. The CEAP program (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) can help with past-due balances. The Office of Public Utility Counsel provides free advice if you think the charges are unfair.

Dial 211 → OPUC.texas.gov →

Get Your Lights Back On Right Now

Enter your ZIP. Pick a plan. Lights on in hours.

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

Or call: (888) 997-4633