TEXAS, USA — The Public Utility Commission of Texas issued a warning to customers that third-party organizations cannot legally enroll them in the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program.
In a release, the PUC reminded customers that solicitations for information relating to the enrollment in the ERP could be fraudulent attempts to steal personal financial data and that participation in the ERP requires customers to self-enroll.
If customers are unable to self-enroll due to a medical condition or technology limitation, a household member or authorized legal representative may complete the enrollment process on their behalf. Requests made by third-party entities will be denied, the PUC said.
“I have directed agency staff to look into reports of companies using online advertising to promote a ‘service’ to enroll customers in the ERP,” PUC Executive Director John Paul Urban, III said in a release. “Consumers need to know that all attempted enrollments in this unauthorized manner will be rejected. They should also be concerned about putting their personal financial information at risk in an online scam.”
Customers are encouraged to report such activity to the PUC's Customer Protection Division by emailing customer@puc.texas.gov or calling 888-782-8477.
The Public Utility Commission also announced end dates to their pandemic orders directed at helping customers economically burdened by the pandemic. In a unanimous vote, utility commissioners approved the following:
- A May 15, 2020 end date on suspensions for disconnections for customers of vertically-integrated utilities outside of areas of the state open to competition (namely Entergy, El Paso Electric, SPS and SWEPCO) and water and sewer utilities regulated by the PUC.
- A May 15, 2020 end date on waivers of late fees for residential customers of retail electric providers in areas of the state open to competition.
- A May 15, 2020 end date on waivers of late fees for residential customers of retail electric providers in areas of the state open to competition.
The commission indicated they would revisit these decision prior to their respective deadlines.
“Regulatory certainty is a critical component of our state’s economic vitality, allowing business owners to forecast their challenges and adopt strategies for survival,” Chairman DeAnn Walker said in a press release. “We will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on all those it affects in the utility realm to ensure we are doing what we can to get through this together.”
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