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There are 16 resource(s) on TexasLawHelp  
   2011 Referral Directory Legal Services and Other Resources This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
Legal services and other resources for low-income Texans. 		  
   
   Electric Utilities -- The Big Picture This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
When you have problems related to your electricity service or your bill, you can use this guide to locate the people who are most likely to be able to help you.
By: Texas Ratepayers Organization to Save Energy 		  
   
   Fox26Law: Your Legal Questions Answered (Separate Website)
Every Tuesday and Thursday in its 7 a.m. newscast on FOX 26 Morning News, legal analyst Chris Tritico offers up some free legal insight. On this page you can ask your questions, watch previous segments, and read Chris' online-only responses to various questions.
By: Fox26 KRIV 		  
   
   How to Select a Lawyer This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: The State Bar of Texas 		  
   
   If You Have A Complaint with Your Utility Company (Separate Website)
Having a problem with your electric or telephone service can be frustrating and time consuming. The Public Utility Commission wants to help you through the complaint process to have the problem corrected as soon as possible. The PUC is your source for help and information about electric and telecommunications services in Texas. The Commission has jurisdiction over all local telephone service providers and investor- owned electric utilities.

If you have a question or complaint about your electric or local telecommunications provider, the Public Utility Commission of Texas can help.

  
   
   Limited Scope Representation This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
A way for people with limited money to afford an attorney.
By: Legal Hotlines for Texans 		  
   
   Stop Phone Slamming This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)

By: National Consumer Law Center
    Read this in: Spanish / Español 		  
   
   TDHCA Weatherization Assistance Program (Separate Website)
Provides low-income Texans with services to weatherize their homes to help save electricity. Visit this website to find a weatherization provider in your area, who can give you more information and tell you whether you qualify for services.
By: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 		  
   
   Texas Electric Choice (Separate Website)
The Power to Choose website can answer questions about electric competition in Texas. Enter your zip code on the website to find out whether you are in a "competitive area" of Texas and to compare offers of different Retail Electric Providers.
By: Public Utility Commission of Texas
    Read this in: Spanish / Español 		  
   
   Utilities (Separate Website)
Special rules for utilities apply for renters. These rules mainly apply to the landlord. Read this if you are a renter and are having problems with your utilities that may be related to your landlord. If the problem is with your utility company, you should contact the utility or the Public Utility Commission's Customer Protection Division.
By: Texas Tenants Advisor 		  
   
   Utility Bill Help (Separate Website)
If you are having trouble paying your electric bill, this program may be able to assist you by providing temporary assistance to help you pay your bill. Visit this website to find out if you may be eligible for assistance and who to contact in your area.
By: Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs 		  
   
   Utility Shut-Offs
A landlord may not interrupt a tenant?s utility services, including electricity, water, wastewater, or gas services, unless for bona fide repairs, construction or an emergency. This is true whether utility services are paid by you directly to the utility company or if they are furnished by the landlord through your tenancy.
By: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
    Read this in: Spanish / Español 		  
   
   Utility Shut-Offs by Utility Companies for Landlord Nonpayment
If a utility company disconnects service or gives written notice that service is about to be cut off because a landlord who is supposed to furnish utilities has not paid the utility bill, then the landlord is liable to the tenant regardless of whether the unit is "all bills paid," submetered, or mastermetered.
By: Texas RioGrande Legal Aid
    Read this in: Spanish / Español 		  
   
   Waiver of Electric and Telephone Service Deposit This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you have been a victim of family violence, you may be able to receive a waiver of the deposit to help you establish electric and/or telephone service. In order to qualify, you must be able to establish that you have been a victim of family violence and have this letter filled out by one of the following: family violence center staff, treating medical personnel, law enforcement personnel, Office of the Attorney General, the local County or District Attorney's office, or your local legal aid office. Once the letter has been filled out, you must send the letter to the electric and/or telephone company you are applying for service with.
By: Texas Council on Family Violence 		  
   
   Waiver of Gas Service Deposit This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. (Separate Website)
If you have been a victim of family violence, you may be able to receive a waiver of the deposit to help you establish gas service. In order to qualify, you must be able to establish that you have been a victim of family violence and have this letter filled out by family violence center staff, treating medical personnel, or law enforcement personnel. Once the letter has been filled out, you must deliver the signed original to the gas company you are applying for service with.
By: Texas Council on Family Violence 		  
   
   What Are My Rights as an Electric Customer? (Separate Website)
Visit this website to find out what your rights are as an electric customer in Texas. If you feel that your rights have been violated, call the PUC’s toll-free Customer Hotline at 1-888-PUC-TIPS (1-888-782-8477).
By: Public Utility Commission of Texas
    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File 		  
   
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