What is a switch hold?

A switch hold is a temporary restriction on your electric meter that prevents you from signing up with another energy provider. It typically occurs if you missed energy bills and owe your provider an outstanding balance. A switch hold protects providers from unpaid charges and encourages consumers to pay their outstanding debts.

How to remove a switch hold

There are a few ways to resolve a switch hold, depending on the reason for the restriction.

1. Pay off your outstanding balance if the switch hold is due to delinquent payments. Call your provider to pay off your balance or discuss a repayment plan. Most providers will help establish a deferred payment plan if you can’t pay the balance all at once.
2. Contact your utility company if the switch hold was put in place due to meter tampering (or suspected tampering). Your utility is responsible for managing your electric meter and can reactivate service if it finds there was no tampering.
3. Request a New Occupant Statement (NOS) if you move to a new home with an existing switch hold. You will need proof of residency, such as a lease statement or utility bill, to confirm that you are a new occupant.

If you’ve already contacted your provider and utility company but need additional assistance, you can file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). This state agency is responsible for regulating Texas providers and can help investigate your case.

The impacts of a switch hold

A history of delinquent payments can have consequences when you sign up for a new plan. Customers with a history of missed payments often have to pay a deposit to begin service with another provider. This fee normally equals around two months of your estimated bills. If a switch hold was incorrectly placed on your account, there should be no long-term consequences.

Helpful tip: If you want to avoid paying a deposit, search for no-deposit electricity plans on our marketplace. These plans allow you to prepay for a portion of your energy instead of paying a deposit.

Texas switch hold FAQs

Can I switch electricity providers while under a switch hold?

No, you cannot switch providers if you are under a switch hold. A switch hold prevents you from doing this until you settle any outstanding fees to your current provider.

How do I get the lights on with a switch hold?

You’ll need to contact your electricity provider to discuss reinstating your service. If financial restraints prevent you from paying your existing balance, your provider may work with you to create a repayment plan. That way, you can get the power back on and work toward paying off your debt.

How long does it typically take to resolve a switch hold issue?

Once you’ve paid your outstanding balance, your provider will remove the restriction and you are free to switch providers again in one to two business days.