ERCOT Establishes the Covid-19 Electricity Relief Program – Market Minute (Video)

On March 26, 2020, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) established the COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program, providing eligible residential ratepayers in the state with a temporary exemption from disconnections due to non-payment of electricity bills. 

According to the PUCT’s draft of the Order, the program is to be funded by a rider implemented by Transmission and Distribution Utilities (TDUs).

The rider will collect funds to be utilized to reimburse TDUs and REPs for unpaid bills from eligible residential customers experiencing unemployment due to the impacts of COVID-19 and to ensure continuity of electric service for those residential customers. 

All customer classes are obligated to pay this charge. The initial rider will be based on $0.33 per megawatt-hour (MWh). 

The rider will have an immediate effective date upon being implemented by the TDU. 

It’s not known at this time how long the charge will exist. In its Order, the PUCT has reserved the right to supplement and/or modify the relief program by a subsequent order.

This is something we’re monitoring closely, so check back with The Current or sign up to learn more as it happens.