My lights just got turned off - what should I do?

First, call your previous light company to check if they placed a switch hold on your address with ERCOT. A switch hold blocks all new service — including prepaid — until the debt is resolved. If you don't have a switch hold, you can sign up with a new light company and get lights back the same day. Prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans are the fastest path: no deposit, no credit check, guaranteed approval. You pay $40-75 to start (goes toward your electricity usage, not a fee), and most people 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, contact the old company to pay the balance or arrange a payment plan to get the hold released before signing up with a new provider.

Can they turn my lights off without warning in Texas?

No. Under Texas law (PUCT Subst. R. 25.483), your light company must give you at least 10 days written notice before disconnecting your service for nonpayment. The disconnection notice must include the amount owed, the disconnection date, and information about payment assistance programs. Additionally, Texas law prohibits disconnection on weekends, state-recognized holidays, and any day when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures at or above 105 degrees Fahrenheit (or heat index at or above 108). If your lights were turned off without proper notice, you have the right to file a complaint with the PUCT at (888) 782-8477. Customers with medical conditions can also get a medical certificate that delays disconnection for up to 63 days while they arrange payment.

How do I prevent my lights from getting turned off again?

Several strategies can prevent future disconnection. Set up autopay with your light company so payments are automatically deducted from your bank account or debit card — you'll never miss a due date. Alternatively, consider switching to prepaid lights where you control your balance and get daily text alerts when you're running low, so there are no surprise bills. Call 211 (Texas 2-1-1) for free referrals to programs like CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) and LIHEAP that help pay utility bills based on income. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF, you may qualify for a deposit waiver and priority payment plans. Some light companies also offer level billing that spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months, eliminating the summer spikes that often cause missed payments.

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) has blocked all new service at your address until the debt is cleared. No new light company — not even prepaid providers — can turn on your power while a switch hold is active. To remove it, call your previous light company and either pay the outstanding balance in full or negotiate a payment arrangement. Many companies will accept partial payments or installment plans to release the hold. Once the company confirms the hold is removed with ERCOT, you can sign up with any provider and get lights the same day. If you believe the switch hold is incorrect or unfair, file a free complaint with the PUCT at (888) 782-8477 — they can investigate and order the hold removed if the company violated regulations.

Call: (888) 997-4633

Power Disconnected

Your Lights Got Turned Off

You have options. Most people get power back in 2-4 hours with a new company. No deposit, no credit check.

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

Need help figuring this out? (888) 997-4633

A person checking their phone for light by the cold glow of the screen after the lights got turned off — Lights out doesn't mean out of options.

Most people get their lights back on the same day — no deposit, no credit check.

Two Ways to Get Your Lights Back

Both can work. Pick the one that makes sense for your situation.

Option 1

Reconnect With Your Old Company

Pay your past-due balance plus a reconnection fee (usually $25-50). They can turn you back on same-day if you pay before their cutoff.

You'll need to pay:

• Past-due balance
• Reconnection fee ($25-50)
• Sometimes a deposit if you were flagged

Consider this if: Your balance is small and you want to keep your current rate.

Option 2 Most Popular

Switch to a New Company

Sign up with a new light company that doesn't require a deposit. Prepaid plans let you start with $40-75. No credit check. Same-day service if you enroll before 3 PM.

You'll need to pay:

• $40-75 to start (prepaid)
• That's it - no deposit, no fees

Consider this if: You don't have money to pay your old balance right now or you want a fresh start.

You still owe your old company. But that debt doesn't stop you from getting lights with someone new (unless they reported a switch hold).

See No-Deposit Plans

Finding no-deposit plans in your area...

One Thing That Can Block You

Before you sign up with a new company, check this. It could save you time and money.

Make sure you don't have a switch hold

If your old light company reported your debt to ERCOT, you have a "switch hold." That means no new company can turn you on until you clear the debt. This is the law in Texas.

How to check:

1. Call your old light company
2. Ask: "Did you report me to ERCOT?" or "Do I have a switch hold?"
3. If YES - you need to clear the debt or set up a payment plan before switching
4. If NO - you're clear to sign up with a new company today

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

Your Rights When Lights Get Turned Off

Texas law protects you. Know what they can't do.

10-day notice required

They must send you a written disconnection notice at least 10 days before turning off your lights. If they didn't, that's illegal.

No weekend disconnections

They cannot turn off your lights on weekends or holidays. If they did, file a complaint with the PUCT.

Medical protection

If someone in your home is seriously ill, a doctor's note can delay disconnection up to 63 days.

Read the complete Texas rights guide →

We shop multiple light companies

$0 deposit when possible

Same-day lights

Got their lights back on same day

Verified reviews via Shopper Approved

How to Prevent This From Happening Again

Nobody wants to go through this twice. Here's what actually works.

Set up autopay

Your light company pulls the payment automatically on the due date. You never have to remember. Never miss a payment.

Works for both traditional and prepaid plans.

Switch to prepaid

You control your balance. Get text alerts when you're running low. Add $20 from your phone. Never get surprised by a cutoff notice.

About $25-30/month more than traditional, but you're in control.

Get help paying

Call 211 for free help. CEAP (energy assistance program) can help with light bills. Many churches and nonprofits offer emergency help.

Dial 2-1-1 - free and confidential

From People Who Got Their Lights Back

Same thing happened to them. 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.

Can't Afford to Get Your Lights Back On?

Free programs exist. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Get Your Lights Back On Today

No deposit. No credit check. Most people get power in 2-4 hours.