Texas PUC approves measures to help residents during pandemic

The Public Utility Commission of Texas approved several measures to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on low-income residents of the state.

“As the world deals with an unprecedented array of challenges, we are working closely with industry participants, consumer advocates, and other state agencies to ensure we are taking the steps necessary to assist those customers impacted the hardest by the pandemic,” Texas PUC Chairman DeAnn Walker said. “As we all embrace the hope of a reopened economy discussed by Governor Abbott today, we are focused on an approach that helps the people most impacted by the situation while maintaining a robust competitive electric market.”

Among the changes, the commission said utilities can suspend disconnections for customers and waive late until May 15. Also, they set a date of July 17, 2020, for enrollment in the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program.

“Regulatory certainty is a critical component of our state’s economic vitality, allowing business owners to forecast their challenges and adopt strategies for survival,” Walker said. “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.”