PUC Outlines Consumer Protection Rules

As the dog days of August approach and electric bills soar, the Public Utility Commission is reminding consumers of rules in place to protect them from having their power disconnected due to financial difficulties, especially during extreme heat.

“Ensuring the power stays on for all Texans, regardless of their financial situation, is a top priority for all of us at the PUCT,” Executive Director Connie Corona said.

Several utilities have suspended disconnections to allow customers to recover from Hurricane Beryl, which caused widespread outages, particularly in the Houston area.

Consumer protection rules require electric providers to offer bill payment assistance programs, though electric cooperatives and municipally owned utilities in Texas are not subject to this rule; however, most offer some form of bill assistance. Options include a payment arrangement or a deferred payment plan.

Customers seeking assistance should start by contacting their electric provider. They can also learn what assistance programs are available in their area by dialing 211.

Migrant Apprehensions Drop to 2021 Levels 

The number of migrants apprehended by federal officers in June was at its lowest level in more than three years, according to figures released by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and reported by The Texas Tribune.Border Patrol agents apprehended 83,356 migrants in June across the southern border, down from 117,901 in May and the lowest since January 2021, the month President Joe Biden took office. “Recent border security measures have made a meaningful impact on our ability to impose consequences for those crossing unlawfully,” acting CBP Commissioner Troy A. Miller said in a statement. “We are continuing to work with international partners to go after transnational criminal organizations that traffic in chaos and prioritize profit over human lives.”

Biden issued an executive order, effective June 5, that essentially ended granting asylum to migrants.

Gov. Greg Abbott in previous statements has credited the state’s multibillion-dollar mission, Operation Lone Star, for the decline in migrant apprehensions, The Tribune reported.