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Signups to Increase for LITE-UP Texas
Expanded Enrollment to Increase Low Income Assistance
Contact:
Carrie Collier 512-936-7163
Pager: 512-483-8335
Thursday, March 14, 2002 -- The Public Utility Commission (PUC) is expanding its efforts to enroll eligible customers for a discount on their electric bills.
The PUC is implementing the LITE-UP Texas program to provide a 10 percent discount on electric rates to low-income customers. The two basic qualifications are 1) a family income at or below 125 percent of federal poverty level guidelines, or $22,063 annually for a family of four; and 2) a qualifying household must have an electric account in an area where retail customer choice has begun. Residents of master or sub-metered apartments cannot get the discount.
Texans also qualify if they receive Department of Human Services (DHS) benefits such as Medicaid, Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy families (TANF). The PUC has set up an electronic enrollment system for these customers and their discount should be included in their bills by the end of March.
In addition, to make sure all qualified Texans receive the discount, next month the PUC will mail applications to DHS benefit recipients who are not electronically enrolled. Eligible customers will need to complete and sign the form and return it to LITE-UP Texas for processing.
Customers who qualify solely on the basis of income may call their retail electric provider (REP) for a self-certification form. Customers also can get the form by calling the Low Income Discount Administrator (LIDA) toll-free at 1-866-4-LITE-UP (454-8387).
ATTN MEDIA: Please be sure to publish the correct number. 866 is the correct toll-free prefix. At times the toll-free prefix has been published as 888 or 800 and customers have not been able to contact LIDA.
Forms also are available at DHS offices, energy efficiency services providers, or the PUC Website at www.puc.state.tx.us/electric/forms/liteup/UDSCform.pdf.
Through February the LIDA call center received more than 16,000 calls and mailed 8,250 applications. To meet this demand the call center has increased its staff by 50 percent.
All PUC News Releases are available at www.puc.state.tx.us
Last Updated: 01/22/04
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