You can get a 63-day disconnection exemption in Texas if a permanent resident at your address relies on life-sustaining electric-powered medical equipment.
The exemption, regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), prevents your electricity from being disconnected due to nonpayment under Texas Administrative Code §25.483.
Below, I’ll explain what this exemption is, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is the Texas 63-Day Disconnection Exemption?
The 63-day disconnection exemption protects households where a Critical Care Residential Customer lives. This means that if someone in the home requires electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, your Retail Electric Provider (REP) cannot disconnect your power for nonpayment for up to 63 days from the date your bill was issued.
This exemption does not erase your bill—you will still owe the charges, but it gives you extra time to work out a payment plan and avoid immediate shutoff.
For the exemption to apply, you must submit medical certification each time you need protection from disconnection.
Who Qualifies for the Texas 63-Day Exemption?
To qualify, a resident at your service address must:
✔ Be a Critical Care Residential Customer – This means a doctor has certified that they use electric-powered medical equipment necessary to sustain life.
✔ Reside at the service address for the electricity account – The exemption applies only to homes, not businesses.
✔ Submit the required medical certification form – A licensed physician must confirm that the resident requires life-supporting electric equipment.
✔ Agree to a deferred payment plan – You must work with your Retail Electric Provider (REP) to set up a plan to pay your outstanding balance.
Examples of Qualifying Medical Equipment:
- Oxygen concentrators
- Dialysis machines
- Ventilators
- Feeding pumps
- Other life-sustaining devices powered by electricity
How to Apply for the Texas 63-Day Disconnection Exemption
Step 1: Contact Your Retail Electric Provider (REP)
Call your electricity provider as soon as you receive a disconnection notice and request the Critical Care Residential Customer disconnection exemption.
If you don’t know your provider’s phone number, you can find it on your bill or check the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) website:
🔗 PUCT Electric Provider Search
📞 PUCT Customer Help Line: 1-888-782-8477
Step 2: Have Your Doctor Submit the Medical Certification
Your attending physician must provide a written statement confirming that a permanent resident at your address depends on life-sustaining medical equipment.
Most providers will require the doctor to complete and sign a Critical Care Application Form. You can ask your REP for the exact form they require.
🔹 The form must include:
✔ The patient’s name and address
✔ The physician’s confirmation of life-sustaining medical equipment
✔ The physician’s contact information
✔ The physician’s signature
Step 3: Submit the Medical Certification to Your REP
After your physician completes the form, submit it to your Retail Electric Provider (REP). Each provider has different submission methods, including:
- Fax
- In-person drop-off
Call your REP to confirm how they accept the form.
Once submitted, the exemption is valid for up to 63 days (or less, if agreed upon by your provider).
Step 4: Set Up a Deferred Payment Plan
Even with the exemption, you are still responsible for paying your electricity bill. Your provider will require you to enter a deferred payment plan to spread out payments over time.
🔹 What a Deferred Payment Plan Includes:
✔ A structured plan to pay overdue bills over time
✔ Monthly installments in addition to your regular bill
✔ Prevention of future disconnections if payments are made on time
If you fail to set up or follow a payment plan, your electricity can still be disconnected after the 63-day exemption expires.
Important Notes About the 63-Day Exemption
⚠ The exemption is NOT automatic – You must apply each time you need it.
⚠ This does NOT mean free electricity – You still have to pay for usage.
⚠ Failure to follow the payment plan can lead to disconnection after the exemption period.
What If My REP Refuses the Exemption?
If your provider refuses to process your exemption request, you have the right to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
📞 PUCT Complaint Hotline: 1-888-782-8477
📩 File a complaint online: PUCT Complaint Form
If you are at risk of disconnection and need emergency assistance, you can also contact 2-1-1 Texas to see if you qualify for financial aid programs.
📞 Call 2-1-1 for assistance
🔗 Visit: www.211texas.org
Conclusion
You can get the Texas 63-day disconnection exemption if someone in your home depends on life-sustaining electric-powered medical equipment. To qualify, you must:
1️⃣ Contact your Retail Electric Provider (REP).
2️⃣ Have your doctor submit a medical certification confirming the need for life-sustaining equipment.
3️⃣ Enroll in a deferred payment plan with your electricity provider.
This exemption does not eliminate your bill, but it provides more time to arrange payments and avoid power shutoff. If your provider refuses to process your request, contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) at 1-888-782-8477 or file a complaint online.
⚡ Need immediate help? Call 2-1-1 Texas for financial assistance programs to help pay your electricity bill.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—apply for the exemption as soon as you receive a disconnection notice to protect your loved one’s medical needs.
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
