{"id":5657,"date":"2020-10-09T16:17:20","date_gmt":"2020-10-09T21:17:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.texaselectricityratings.com\/blog\/?p=5657"},"modified":"2020-10-09T16:17:20","modified_gmt":"2020-10-09T21:17:20","slug":"texas-erp-program-ends-now-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.texaselectricityratings.com\/blog\/texas-erp-program-ends-now-what\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas ERP Program Ends, Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Even

Even though the Texas ERP program is over, you still have options to help pay your light company bills and keep your lights on.<\/center><\/p><\/div>\n

With Texas ERP Gone, How Do You Pay For Electricity?<\/span><\/h2>\n

From March to September of this year, the <\/span>Electricity Relief Program<\/span> (ERP) reduced the threat of electricity shut offs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the program has expired, the 620,000 Texans receiving assistance wonder how they will <\/span>pay for electricity<\/span>. While these customers still face back-due payments, many retail electricity providers have yet to resume shutoffs and are willing to negotiate payment plans.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Texas Electricity Still Isn\u2019t Free<\/span><\/h3>\n

The utility assistance measures related to COVID-19 never made electricity free. The ERP program and the <\/span>Public Utility Commission of Texas<\/span> (PUCT) directive for <\/span>Texas electricity providers<\/span> to set up deferred payment plans upon request never forgave electricity bills. ERP is over, but PUCT still expects retail electricity providers to work with you by offering you a deferred payment plan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Set Up a Deferred Payment Plan<\/span><\/h3>\n

Setting up a deferred payment plan with your retail electricity provider starts with a phone call. When you call your light company, be ready to discuss what you can pay each month. Then, you and the company representative work to an agreement on how much you will pay each month toward your past due amount. It really is that simple. You keep up your end of the deal, and your lights stay on while you chip away at your balance. Of course, be sure to keep up with <\/span>your electricity bill<\/span> moving forward.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Reach Out To Community Resources<\/span><\/h3>\n

Perhaps a deferred payment plan isn\u2019t enough to get you through your current financial hardship. You can also turn to <\/span>local community resources<\/span> that provide utility assistance. These community agencies work with Texas retail electricity providers and they can help you secure the help you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though the Texas ERP program is gone, some federal programs still have money for utility assistance to low-income households. To tap into those funds, contact your local <\/span>community action agency<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Look For A New Light Company<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve been frustrated by how your current electricity company has handled the pandemic, it might be time to give another company a try. Shop for Texas electricity at <\/span>https:\/\/www.texaselectricityratings.com<\/span> to see how much money a new light company can save you. You\u2019ll never know unless you look!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With Texas ERP Gone, How Do You Pay For Electricity? From March to September of this year, the Electricity Relief Program (ERP) reduced the threat of electricity shut offs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that the program has expired, the 620,000 Texans receiving assistance wonder how they will pay for electricity. While these customers still Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nTexas ERP Program Ends, Now What? - Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Texas ERP program that prevents electricity shut-offs is over. 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