AUSTIN, Texas – With summer heat firmly in place across Texas, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) is reminding Texans about consumer protections to help keep their electricity service connected during extreme heat. These protections include safeguards against disconnection due to financial hardship or extreme weather emergencies, as well as access to bill payment assistance. “Our rules help ensure Texans have the power they need to stay safe during extreme summer heat while they work to pay their electric bills without risking disconnection.” PUCT rules prohibit electric service disconnections for non-payment during extreme weather emergencies, including periods of extreme heat. The PUCT’s definition of an extreme weather emergency follows National Weather Service advisory criteria outlined in Chapter 25, Sections 25.29(i) and 25.483.