Hurricane Ike and Your Electric Bill

Estimated Bills
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has oversight of the billing process of many electric companies in the areas hit by Hurricane Ike. Texans who choose their electric provider and have problems with their bill are advised to file a complaint with the PUC. If the amount of the bill is in dispute, the amount in dispute does not have to be paid until the complaint is resolved.

Most electric bills in hurricane-damaged areas are being estimated. The estimate is supposed to include only the power that you used up until the time of the storm. If you believe your bill is incorrect, you can file a complaint by e-mail at customer@puc.state.tx.us. Provide the address, account number, short explanation of the problem, and contact information. You can also call toll free 1-888-782-8477. Expect to leave a message and wait for a return call.

The PUC has no jurisdiction over customers of city-owned utilities and electric cooperatives. Good places to start filing a complaint are the mayor’s office and the president of the board of directors of the electric cooperative.

October 8, 2008 Public Utility Commission of Texas Emergency Order
The PUC Commissioners adopted a second emergency order on October 8. The order suspends rules for residential disconnection of service for nonpayment until October 24. Security deposit cannot be charged until October 24. Disconnection for nonpayment and security deposit requirements may resume on October 25. People in Galveston and the near east and the northeast side of Houston are protected by the order. Other provisions of the order regarding estimated bills, meter testing, and suspension of priority reconnect fees are in effect until November 6.

The Houston zip codes included in the order are: 77012, 77016, 77017, 77022, 77023, 77028, 77029, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77061, 77067, 77078, 77087, 77093, 77336, 77539, 77547, and 77562.

The PUC project number is 36150.

Prepared by: Carol Biedrzycki, Texas Ratepayers’ Organization to Save Energy, 815 Brazos St., Suite 1100, Austin, Texas 78701, Oct. 10, 2008.