Texas Switch Hold: How to Remove It & Get Power Connected

A switch hold is a restriction on an electric meter that prevents anyone from starting new service. You can't get power until it's removed.

Think of it like a financial hold on a bank account. Someone owes money or has violated terms at that address. Until resolved, the meter stays locked.

Key facts:
- The hold follows the meter, not the person
- Doesn't matter that you're a new tenant or buyer
- No provider will activate service until the hold clears

Switch holds frustrate thousands of Texans every year. You find a great apartment, sign the lease, try to set up electricity—and discover the previous tenant left a mess.

The good news: Most clear within 72 hours once you take the right steps. Some clear same-day.

Switch holds exist to protect utilities and providers from losses.

Unpaid Bills (Most Common): Utilities place holds to prevent bill-dodging through address changes.

Meter Tampering: The TDU places hold until issue is resolved AND any stolen electricity is paid for.

Previous Tenant: Even if they moved out months ago, the hold remains until debt is settled.

Important: Switch holds are placed by either your TDU or the previous provider. Knowing which one matters for removal.

Removing a switch hold requires proving you're a new occupant or resolving the underlying issue.

Step 1: Identify Who Placed the Hold
Call your TDU and give them your address or ESI ID:

They'll tell you if the hold is from them or a REP.

Step 2: File a New Occupant Statement (NOS)
Documents needed:
- Government-issued ID
- Signed lease dated after previous occupant left
- Sometimes a utility bill from your prior address

Step 3: Submit Documentation
- Email is fastest
- Fax works too
- Keep copies of everything

Step 4: Wait for Processing
- Most clear within 24-72 hours
- Some clear same-day with early calls and clean paperwork

Meter tampering holds are trickier. The TDU placed them, and they require more proof.

If you inherited a tampered meter from a previous resident, you'll need to prove you weren't responsible.

Documentation TDU may require:
- New Occupant Statement
- A police report (in some cases)
- Proof of move-in date post-tampering
- Written statement that you didn't tamper with equipment

If TDU believes you're responsible:
- You may be liable for estimated stolen electricity
- Plus repair costs
- You can dispute with evidence of innocence

⚠️ Warning: Meter tampering is a felony in Texas. The costs far exceed any temporary savings.

If you're stuck in switch hold limbo, the PUC of Texas can help.

When to file a PUC complaint:
- Holding party won't respond to your New Occupant Statement
- You believe the hold is placed in error
- You've provided documentation but hold won't clear
- Being held responsible for someone else's debt despite proof

How to file:

What to provide:
- Your address and ESI ID
- Copies of your New Occupant Statement
- Timeline of communications with holding party

PUC investigators can often resolve disputes within 5-7 business days.

Prevention beats problem-solving. Before signing any lease or buying any home:

1. Check for Holds Before You Commit
Call the TDU serving your area and ask if there are any holds on the meter. Takes 5 minutes, saves days of headaches.

2. Require Switch Hold Disclosure
- Ask landlords about any utility issues
- Include a lease clause: "Property must be free of utility holds at move-in"

3. Get Previous Tenant's Move-Out Date in Writing
Keep your lease showing when the prior occupant's tenancy ended. Essential for filing a New Occupant Statement.

4. Set Up Service Before Moving In

Need power today? Even without a switch hold, here are your options:

Connection speed comparison:

Standard Service:
Order Monday morning with no holds = power by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Priority Connection:
Some providers offer same-day or next-day for an extra fee. Worth it if you can't wait.

Prepaid Electricity:
Payless Power, Pogo Energy, and Now Power specialize in quick service. Some advertise same-day power with no credit check or deposit.

⚠️ Important: Even priority service can't bypass a switch hold. Clear the hold first, then request expedited connection.