When state legislators began struggling with the concept of Texas utility deregulation, one of their primary concerns was how to release customers into a new competitive landscape. And how to do it without falling victim to potentially confusing terms and conditions from competitive energy providers. While this may sound somewhat paternalistic, legislators and regulators wanted energy suppliers to compete on a number of factors. Such as; price, quality of service, and value-added products and services. They did not want customers to have to decipher widely varying terms and conditions. That would make comparing offers almost impossible. Therefore, Texas consumer protection rules – electricity were established. This helped to create a common playing field on which energy providers and customers could interact.
Protected Consumers
The consumer protection rules apply to all retail electric customers. In Texas, commercial customers with a peak demand of 50 kilowatts or greater are allowed to waive their consumer protections and agree to alternative terms and conditions with their electricity provider. This is because medium and large commercial and industrial customers are considered to have unique needs. They also have the accompanying sophistication to agree to terms and conditions without the protective umbrella of the consumer protection rules. Residential and small commercial customers cannot waive these protections under any circumstances.
Contract Documents
In Texas, the consumer protection rules are codified in the PUC Substantive Rules. Obviously, it is difficult to assert that consumers need blanket protections. We then expect them to be able to locate and translate complex regulations. The solution was to require electricity suppliers to provide every customer with a copy of a standardized plain-English summary of some of the more significant rights and protections. This document is titled “Your Rights as a Customer” (YRAC). The YRAC, along with the Terms of Service (TOS) and Electricity Facts Label (EFL) constitute the agreement between the retail electric supplier and the customer.
Your Rights as a Customer
While many retail electric customers may skip reading the YRAC, it contains important information regarding service disconnection and dispute resolution. Among other things, the YRAC explains how customers aged 65 and older can switch providers and have the deposit waived. This can happen if they are in good standing with their current retail electric supplier. It also explains how their energy supplier cannot charge customers that move during the term of their agreement an early termination fee. The next time you shop for the best rates on electricity, be sure to read the YRAC and other documents provided by the supplier. It could pay to know your rights in the deregulated electricity market.
