Rep. Sylvester Turner fights the heat

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Public Utility Commission of Texas rejected a state lawmaker's request to forbid electric companies from shutting off customers power during the extreme hot weather.

Existing PUC rules prohibit electricity shutoffs for at least two days after heat advisories are issued by the National Weather Service.
However, some say those rules are not enough to protect the people of Texas. That includes a state representative who missed part of the Texas Legislative '09 Special Session in order to protest the commission's decision.

Houston State Rep. Sylvester Turner called the commissions' decision "heartless."

"The elderly and poor often turn off their air conditioners because they cannot pay the high electric bills in extremely hot weather," said Turner. "I don't want anyone to suffer or die because they cannot pay their bills."

Turner said mandating electric companies to suspend disconnection during high temperatures is the right thing to do.

Heat stroke was ruled as a contributing factor in the death of a Houston man whose air conditioning was not working this past May. Turner said he is especially concerned about cases where people die due to lack of air conditioning and subsequent heat exhaustion.

Many advocacy groups joined Turner in his petition. Among the groups are AARP , Texas ROSE , Texas Legal Services and One Voice Texas .

Turner acquired the support of 14 of his House colleagues, two members of the Senate , the City of Houston , the City of Fort Worth and various other concerned citizens along with advocacy groups.

PUC spokeswoman Terry Hadley said the City of Austin will not be affected because Austin Energy is a municipal utility.

"The worst thing a customer can do is not pay a bill, “said Leslile Schneiweiss, responding on behalf of Austin Energy.

The following options are available:

• Levelized billing allows you to average you previous year’s worth of bills and create a set rate for the entire year.
• A deferred payment option will allow you to where you can pay 50% of the cost the time it is due, and the other 50% over a three or four month time period to get yourself caught up. However, new bills must be paid in full.
• The Customer assistance program allows you to get a discount on electric power if you are receiving medical assistance, Medicaid, or Travis county energy assistance program.
• The city of Austin suspends heat cutoffs if there is a heat advisory.