When you have prepaid electricity, your provider actively monitors your balance and usage, which is reported in near real-time via a smart meter. You can track this information through your online account portal or mobile app. As your balance gets low, you’ll receive notifications—typically by text, email, or in-app alerts—giving you ample time to add funds before disconnection. Alerts usually include your remaining balance and a summary of energy used over the past 24 hours.
If your balance reaches the minimum level (as defined by Texas PUC rules for prepaid service, typically $10 or less), a signal is sent to your smart meter to automatically disconnect your service. No technician visit is required.
It’s wise to note that consumer protections are in place, mandated by the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC). Providers are generally prohibited from disconnecting service during certain times, such as:
- Extreme Weather Events: Service is generally not disconnected during heat advisories or hard freezes.
- Weekends and Holidays: Disconnections are often prohibited on weekends or state/federal holidays.
- Medical or Vulnerable Status: Customers with critical medical needs may be entitled to additional protections.
If your service remains active during one of these protected periods while your balance is zero, your account may go negative. You are still responsible for paying this balance, and leaving it unpaid could result in collections, which may negatively impact your credit.
Restoring service with prepaid electricity is simple; first, you must pay any negative balance, which only occurs if your service remained active during a protected period after your account balance dropped to zero. Additionally, you will need to make a payment to bring your account back into a positive balance. Finally, a reconnection fee, typically $20–$30, may also apply and does not go toward electricity usage.
Once payment is processed, the smart meter receives a reconnect signal, and service is typically restored within 30 minutes to a few hours—a much faster process than traditional postpaid plans.