How to Reconnect Electricity After Disconnection in Texas

Why Your Electricity Was Disconnected

In Texas, your electricity provider can disconnect service for nonpayment, but they must follow specific rules set by the PUCT:

• Written notice: Your provider must send a disconnection notice at least 10 days before cutting power.
• Extreme weather protection: Providers cannot disconnect service on days when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or when temperatures are forecasted to be 32 degrees or below.
• Medical exceptions: If someone in the household has a serious medical condition that requires electricity, you may qualify for a delay. A physician must provide documentation.

If you were disconnected without proper notice, you can file a complaint with the PUCT.

Step 1: Understand What You Owe

Before you can get reconnected, you need to know exactly what your financial situation looks like:

• Past-due balance: The amount you owe for electricity already consumed.
• Reconnection fee: Most providers charge $25 to $50 to restore service.
• Deposit: If you did not have a deposit on file before, or if the provider requires a new one, this can add $150 to $400.
• Late fees: Some providers add late payment charges, typically a percentage of the overdue amount.

Call your provider or log into your account to get the full breakdown. Ask specifically about every charge — you should know exactly what you are paying before you agree to anything.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Stay or Switch

You have two paths:

Stay With Your Current Provider

To reconnect with the same provider:

1. Pay the past-due balance (full amount, or negotiate a payment plan).
2. Pay the reconnection fee.
3. Pay any required deposit.
4. Request reconnection — service is typically restored within 24 to 48 hours.

Advantage: Simpler process. One provider to deal with. Disadvantage: If your rate was high to begin with, you are sticking with it.

Switch to a New Provider

To switch:

1. Clear your outstanding balance with the old provider first. You generally cannot enroll with a new REP if you owe money to another one.
2. Choose a new plan. Your credit may be worse after the disconnection, so expect a deposit requirement or consider a prepaid plan.
3. Enroll with the new provider. They will handle the switch with your TDU.
4. Reconnection through a new provider may take 1 to 3 business days.

Advantage: Opportunity to get a better rate. Disadvantage: Takes longer and you need to settle the old balance first.

Step 3: Consider Prepaid as a Fast Alternative

If you need power back as quickly as possible and cannot afford a large deposit, prepaid electricity is often the fastest route:

• No credit check. The disconnection on your record does not matter.
• No deposit. Your initial payment (typically $40 to $75) goes directly toward electricity.
• Same-day activation. Some prepaid providers can get your power on within hours.
• No outstanding balance requirement with the prepaid provider. You only need to clear your balance with the old provider to release your meter for a new enrollment.

See our prepaid electricity guide for details on how it works and which providers offer it.

Step 4: Get Reconnected

Once you have paid what is needed and chosen your path:

• Business days: Reconnection requests processed on business days are typically completed within 24 to 48 hours.
• Weekends and holidays: Some TDUs process reconnections on weekends, but it may take longer.
• After-hours emergencies: If there is a medical emergency, contact your TDU directly.

Your TDU (Oncor, CenterPoint, AEP Texas, or TNMP) is the entity that physically restores your power. Your retail provider submits the request, and the TDU handles the actual reconnection.

If You Cannot Afford Your Past-Due Balance

Being honest about what you can and cannot pay right now is the first step. Here are options:

Deferred Payment Plans

Texas regulations require providers to offer deferred payment plans in many situations. This allows you to spread the past-due amount over several months while maintaining active service. Contact your provider and ask specifically about a deferred payment plan.

Utility Assistance Programs

Several programs can help cover electricity bills:

• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Federal program administered by the state. Income-based eligibility. Can help with past-due balances and future bills.
• Community Action Agencies: Local nonprofits that administer energy assistance. Search your county name plus “community action” to find the nearest office.
• 211 Texas: Dial 211 from any phone to reach a referral line for local assistance programs, including utility help.
• Provider hardship programs: Some providers have their own assistance programs or can connect you with local resources.

Negotiate the Balance

If you have a large past-due balance, call your provider and ask about:

• Waiving late fees
• Reducing the reconnection fee
• Setting up a payment plan with no interest
• Whether any balance forgiveness programs apply

Providers would rather get partial payment over time than no payment at all. Being straightforward about your situation and asking what options exist is worth the phone call.

Preventing Future Disconnections

Once you are reconnected, here are ways to avoid going through this again:

• Set up autopay so payments are never missed due to forgetfulness.
• Enroll in budget billing if your provider offers it. This spreads your annual costs evenly across 12 months so summer bills do not spike.
• Monitor your account regularly. Most providers have apps or online portals where you can track your balance and payment due dates.
• Switch to prepaid if budgeting is the main issue. Prepaid plans let you control spending day by day, and you can never owe more than your current balance.
• Shop for a lower rate on ChooseMyPower. If your current plan is expensive, switching to a cheaper plan reduces the odds of falling behind.