StarTex Power | PUCT License #10089 RESIDENTIAL 36 Month Plan
July 30, 2008
Terms of Service Agreement
This Terms of Service Agreement (“Agreement”), which shall also be inclusive of the attachments entitled: “Electricity Facts Label”, “Your Rights as a Customer” and “Residential Electricity Authorization Addendum”, sets forth the terms and conditions under which a residential customer (“Customer”) will receive electric service from StarTex Power, (“STARTEX”) a certified Retail Electric Provider (REP) in the state of Texas, Public Utility Commission of Texas (“PUCT”) Certificate No. 10089. By executing this Agreement, Customer hereby: 1) appoints STARTEX to arrange for purchase and delivery of electricity (including volume balancing, and billing) from any source on Customer’s behalf for the term defined in this Agreement; and 2) Customer requests that all electric service associated with Customer’s name and/or address or electric service identifiers (“ESI-IDs”) be transferred to STARTEX under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. STARTEX and Customer may be referred to herein individually as Party or together as Parties. A copy of this Agreement is available to Customer upon written request. Please retain this Agreement for your records. For questions about this Agreement or other electric service needs, please contact STARTEX customer service at:
INTERNET ADDRESS: www.StarTexPower.com
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 4802 Houston, TX 77210-4802 TELEPHONE NUMBER: 713-357-2800 or Toll-Free 1-866-917-8271 FAX NUMBER Toll-Free 1-866-477-8576
HOURS OF OPERATION: Monday-Friday 8:00am-8:00pm CST
Saturday 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Customer Information: By entering into this Agreement, Customer authorizes its local Transmission Distribution Service Provider (“TDSP”) to release to STARTEX certain information required to provide Customer with electric service, including, but not limited to: Customer’s address, account numbers, and historical usage information.
1. Term & Renewal: The Initial Term of this Agreement shall be defined as
the period of time beginning on the Customer’s normal meter read date (per the TDSP) following the Effective Date as defined in the Residential Electricity Authorization and ending after THIRTY-SIX (36) months thereafter. Immediately following the Initial Term, the terms and conditions of this Agreement will automatically revert to reflect a month to month variable rate pricing plan, as defined by STARTEX, with a Minimum Usage Fee of $0.00 per ESI-ID for ESI-IDs with energy consumption values greater than 499 kWh per billing period. For ESI-IDs with energy consumption values less than or equal to 499 kWh per billing period a Minimum Usage Fee of $4.99 per ESI-ID shall apply.
2. Contract Pricing: STARTEX’s Rate (cents/kWh) during the Initial Term is
defined on the Electricity Facts Label located on page 4 of this Agreement. The Rate includes all costs of electricity generation and delivery (including Ancillary Services and Transmission and Distribution Losses as defined by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (“ERCOT”) protocols), kWh usage and TDSP charges for the delivery and infrastructure of electricity to Customer at the locations identified in this Agreement. The Rate is exclusive of taxes and any applicable regulatory charges and/or other assessments and a Minimum Usage Fee of $0.00 per ESI-ID for ESI-IDs with an energy consumption value greater than 499 kWh per billing period. For ESI-IDs with energy consumption values less than or equal to 499 kWh per billing period, a Minimum Usage Fee of $4.99 per ESI-ID shall apply.
The Rate shall only be subject to change during the Initial Term of this Agreement if: 1) there is a change in fees imposed by ERCOT and/or a change in the PUCT authorized charges imposed by the Customer’s TDSP; or 2) the Customer’s Load Profile, as defined by ERCOT protocols, originally designated by ERCOT or the Customer is determined to be incorrect or is modified any time after the Effective Date. STARTEX will invoice Customer for all locations and ESI-IDs under this Agreement on a monthly basis, or as mutually agreed upon by both STARTEX and Customer, which shall not be less frequent than monthly. The invoice shall consist of the following components:
a. Rate billed per kWh, as defined in this Agreement, multiplied by the energy consumption at the Customer’s service location(s) as provided to STARTEX by the TDSP measured in kWh and billed in US dollars. This Rate includes all charges except those identified in b through e of this Section which will be billed as separate line items;
b. Non recurring service fees that are attributable to Customer’s ESI-IDs as received by the TDSP;
c. Minimum Usage Fee, if applicable, as outlined in the Agreement, d. Regulatory charges/assessments and taxes;
e. Late fees, NSF fees or any additional charges that are authorized in this Agreement.
Customer’s average electricity rate will be calculated as follows: Rate per kWh x total kWh energy consumption + Minimum Usage Fees (if applicable) ÷ total kWh energy consumption.
3. Low-Income Rate: The discounted rates through the LITE-UP program
were discontinued August 31, 2005 then reinstated by the Texas Legislature effective July 1, 2007. Please contact a LITE-UP Texas Representative toll free at 1-866-454-8387 (866-4-LITEUP) to learn how to qualify for this program or with any questions you may have.
4. Material Changes by STARTEX: STARTEX reserves the right to modify
or terminate this Agreement, without penalty, in response to new or changed law, rule, tariff, regulation, procedure or protocol, or interpretation thereof. Should STARTEX make a material change or modification to this Agreement, you shall be notified forty-five (45) calendar days in advance of the effective date of such change or modification. Upon receiving this notice, you have the right to choose another REP without any penalty. If you do not choose another REP before the effective date of the change, STARTEX will continue to serve you under the modified terms and conditions of this Agreement. Changes in wholesale natural gas and/or electricity prices shall not constitute a Material Change under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
5. Early Terminations: In the event that STARTEX, or its activities
hereunder, become subject to regulations of any kind whatsoever under any law to a greater or materially different extent than that existing on the Effective Date then such regulation renders this Agreement unenforceable or illegal.
6. Early Termination Liquidated Damages: In the event that Customer
terminates this Agreement or Customer defaults as described in Section 12 of this Agreement, a Liquidated Damages amount may be assessed. Liquidated Damages shall be defined as a one time flat fee of $350.00 per ESI-ID.
7. Invoicing, Payment, Interest, and Credit Requirements: Customer will
receive a monthly invoice from STARTEX. All bills are due and payable 16 (sixteen) calendar days from the billing date on the invoice. Invoices shall be deemed past due and delinquent at the close of business on the day the invoice is due. Late payments, delinquent or past due balances will result in a penalty equal to 5% of the month’s past due amount. STARTEX reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to terminate this Agreement and place the Customer on a variable rate pricing plan if Customer has any past due balance at any time. Customer must provide to STARTEX written notice setting forth in particular detail any disputed amount, including the calculations with respect to any errors or inaccuracies claimed. If it is subsequently determined that Customer owes STARTEX any portion of the disputed amount, Customer shall remit to STARTEX within 5 (five) business days following such resolution the outstanding balance. Any amounts that may have been overpaid or underpaid shall be applied to the next monthly invoice. Customer is responsible for all applicable federal, state and local taxes and charges. If Customer is tax exempt, it is Customer’s responsibility to provide STARTEX with the necessary tax exemption certificate. STARTEX reserves the right to include in any subsequent invoice, adjustments related to previous invoices, previous invoicing errors, meter read errors, miscalculation of taxes or other errors or omissions. STARTEX reserves the right to automatically charge a Customer’s credit/debit card and/or checking account for any un-paid balances that are deemed past due and/or in collection status. If the account is referred to a collection company, STARTEX reserves the right to bill a fee not to exceed 33% of the amount being collected. If the account is referred for legal actions, any and all attorney fees and court costs will be billed to the Customer. Customer shall be responsible for any and all fees associated with collecting on any amounts owed to STARTEX, including but not limited to any fees charged by a collection agency or other entity. STARTEX offers a Levelized Payment Plan (Budget Billing) which allows Customer to pay a calculated average amount for electric service each month. The program is available to any Customer whose STARTEX account has no unpaid balance, regardless of credit history. Any STARTEX Customer may enroll in this plan during the period of August 2nd to March 30th. During the months of April 1st and August 1st, any Customer may enroll after two months of actual usage is billed by STARTEX on Customer’s current premise. After one full year, STARTEX will perform an account review to determine whether there is an over billing or under billing on the account based on Customer’s actual usage during the previous 12-month period. STARTEX will credit Customer’s account for any over billed amount and will bill Customer for any under billed amount. Additionally, as part of the plan’s annual review process, STARTEX will recalculate Customer’s monthly Budget Billing amount to reflect actual usage from the previous twelve-month period. STARTEX reserves the right to terminate the Levelized Payment Plan on any Customer who has had more than one late payment on the account and/or if the account is disconnected for nonpayment within a 12 month period. If STARTEX terminates the Levelized Payment Plan for the above reasons, the plan cannot be reinstated for an additional six months of timely payments.
STARTEX will notify Customer upon any termination of the Levelized Payment Plan.
Invoice Payment Assistance: An energy assistance program is available to
Customers who have severe financial hardships and temporarily may be unable to pay their bills. The program is funded in part by contributions from STARTEX customers. Please call for additional information. If Customer has special needs that require Customer to be dependent on electrical equipment or power medical equipment it is Customer’s responsibility to advise STARTEX in writing upon application for service.
8. Application of Payments: If either principal or late fee is due, any
payment thereafter received shall be applied in the following order of priority: a. to the late fee due,
b. the previously outstanding principal due, and c. to the most current principal due.
In the event of a returned payment because of insufficient funds as a result of the Customer attempting to remit payment, Customer shall pay a $40.00 (forty dollars) returned payment fee per incident. Non payment of Customer’s STARTEX invoice may result in the above listed late payments as well as termination of Customer’s STARTEX service. STARTEX will notify Customer 10 (ten) calendar days prior to termination of this Agreement for non payment.
9. Disconnection of Service: The PUC has provided that, under certain
dangerous circumstances (such as unsafe electric line situations), any REP may authorize your TDSP to disconnect your electric service without prior notice to you. Additionally, STARTEX may seek to have your electric service disconnected for any of the reasons listed below: (1) failure to pay a bill owed to STARTEX, or to make a deferred payment arrangement by the date of disconnection; (2) failure to comply with the terms of a deferred payment agreement made with STARTEX; (3) using service in a manner that interferes with the service of others or the operations of non-standard equipment; (4) failure to pay a deposit required by STARTEX; or (5) failure of the guarantor to pay the amount guaranteed when STARTEX a written agreement, signed by the guarantor, which allows for disconnection of the guarantor’s service. Prior to disconnecting your service, STARTEX must provide you a Disconnection Notice. This notice must be mailed to you separately no earlier than the first day after the date your bill is due. The disconnection date must be 10 days from the date the notice is issued and may not fall on a holiday or weekend or the day preceding unless their personnel are available to take payments and service can be reconnected. Additionally, STARTEX may not disconnect your electric service: if it receives notification by the disconnection date that an energy assistance provider will be forwarding sufficient payment on your account; for non-payment during an extreme weather emergency and must offer you a deferred payment plan for bills due during the emergency; or for non-payment if you inform STARTEX, prior to the disconnection date stated on the notice, that you or another resident on the premises has a critical need for electric service. However, to obtain this exemption, you must enter into a deferred payment plan with STARTEX and have the ill-person’s attending physician contact STARTEX and submit a written statement attesting to the necessity of electric service to support life. This exemption from disconnection due to illness or disability shall be in effect for 63 days and may be applied for again after the 63 days has expired and the deferred payment plan has been fulfilled. STARTEX shall charge Customer a fee of $20.00 (twenty dollars) for each disconnection request sent to the TDSP.
Payment Terms for Restoration of Service: If your service has been
disconnected by STARTEX for non-payment, full payment for the disconnect amount plus any applicable reconnect fees are due payable prior to issuance of any and all reconnect orders. Payments may be made in person at any Ace Cash Express location; by phone to STARTEX during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) or on-line at www.startexpower.com. SERVICE MAY BE DISCONNECTED AGAIN WITHOUT NOTICE FOR ANY RETURNED PAYMENTS. A security deposit or additional deposits may be required on accounts that have been disconnected. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for completion of reconnect orders.
Restoration of Service: If your service has been disconnected by STARTEX
for non-payment, STARTEX will, upon satisfactory correction of the reasons for the disconnection, notify your TDSP to reconnect your service. STARTEX will continue to serve you under the Terms of Service in effect prior to issuance of the Disconnection Notice. If your service was disconnected due to a dangerous situation, your service will be reconnected once you notify your REP that you have corrected and satisfactorily resolved the dangerous situation. STARTEX shall charge Customer a fee of $20.00 (twenty dollars) for each request to reconnect your service.
10. Customer Acknowledgements: Customer acknowledges that
STARTEX’s ability to invoice Customer depends on the TDSP’s ability to furnish STARTEX with all necessary information including meter readings or recorded data, as applicable. In the absence of such information from the TDSP, STARTEX may invoice Customer based on estimated meter reading according to the Customer’s historical usage. As soon as practicable, and
after receipt of actual Customer’s energy consumption from the TDSP, STARTEX will reconcile on the next invoice any difference(s) between estimated and actual consumption charges.
11. Credit Requirements & Deposit: STARTEX may investigate the
Customer’s credit history (risk management). At the discretion of STARTEX and to the extent allowed by law, STARTEX may request a deposit based on credit history. Upon 12 (twelve) months satisfactory payment history, or upon termination of this Agreement without default, Customer shall be refunded any remaining deposit to which it is due in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. STARTEX may refuse service to anyone who does not meet the Company’s risk standards or if Customer cannot demonstrate satisfactory credit. STARTEX may refuse to provide service to a Customer for one or more of the reasons specified in Section 25.477 of the PUCT rules and regulations.
Deposits: For new residential Customers under the age of 65 (sixty-five)
years, STARTEX may require a deposit, which sum shall not exceed an amount equal to the greater of one-fifth of the estimated annual billing or; the sum of the estimated billings for the next 2 (two) months. Applicants 65 (sixty-five) years of age or older who are not currently delinquent in payment of any electric service account are deemed as having established satisfactory credit. A residential customer or applicant may be deemed as having established satisfactory credit if the customer or applicant has been determined to be a victim of family violence as defined in the Texas Family Code §71.004, by a family violence center or by treating medical personnel. This determination shall be evidenced by submission of a certification letter developed by the Texas Council of Family Violence. A residential customer or applicant seeking to establish service may be deemed as having established satisfactory credit if the Customer is medically indigent. In order for a Customer or applicant to be considered medically indigent, the Customer or applicant must make a demonstration that the following criteria are met. Such demonstration must be made annually: (i) the Customer’s or applicant’s household income must be at or below 150% of the poverty guidelines as certified by a governmental entity or government funded energy assistance program provider; and (ii) the Customer or applicant or the spouse of the Customer or applicant must have been certified by that person’s physician as being unable to perform three or more activities of daily living as defined in 22 TAC §224.4, or the Customer’s or applicant’s monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeds 20% of the household’s gross income. If a Customer or applicant qualifies for the rate reduction program under §25.454 of the PUCT guidelines, then such Customer or applicant shall be eligible to pay any deposit that exceeds $50.00 (fifty) in two equal installments. The first installment shall be due no sooner than ten (10) days, and the second installment no sooner than forty (40) days, after the issuance of written notification to the applicant of the deposit requirement. Deposits may be waived or refunded with a valid letter of credit for electric services received at the address and account name supplied on this application. Deposits held more than thirty (30) days will accrue interest from the date of receipt at the annual rate established by the PUCT. Accrued interest will be applied annually to Customer’s account. Upon termination of service or after twelve (12) months of service with no late payments, STARTEX will apply the deposit plus accrued interest, if any, against Customer’s account or outstanding balance on Customer’s final bill. Any credit balance remaining on an inactive account after the final bill will be refunded in the form of a company check and will be mailed within thirty (30) calendar days.
12. Event of Default: An Event of Default occurs upon:
a. Failure of Customer to pay amounts due under this Agreement; b. Failure of either Party to perform a material term of this Agreement; c. Determination that any material representation upon which this
Agreement is based is false; or
d. Immediately after filing of bankruptcy by either Party.
13. Remedies upon an Event of Default: If Customer defaults and fails to
cure within five (5) business days of written notice or it terminates early, STARTEX may terminate this Agreement. If STARTEX defaults and fails to cure within five (5) business days of written notice, Customer may terminate this Agreement. Thereafter, the non-defaulting Party may in good faith calculate the amounts due under this Agreement and the defaulting Party will pay those amounts within five (5) business days from the date of invoice.
14. Representations and Warranties: As a material inducement to entering
into this Agreement, each Party, with respect to itself, hereby represents and warrants to the other Party as follows:
a. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid, and binding obligation of such Party enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, and other laws affecting creditor’s rights generally, and with regard to equitable remedies, subject to the discretion of the court before which proceedings to obtain same may be pending;
b. It has knowledge and experience in business matters that enable it to evaluate the merits and risks of entering into this Agreement;
15. Forward Contract: STARTEX and Customer acknowledge and agree
that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement constitute “forward contracts” within the meaning of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
16. Assignment: Customer shall not assign this Agreement or any of its
rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of STARTEX, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld. Notwithstanding the foregoing, STARTEX may, without the consent of Customer:
a. Transfer, sell, pledge, encumber or assign this Agreement or the accounts, revenues or proceeds hereof in connection with any financing or other financial arrangements;
b. Transfer or assign this Agreement to its affiliate; or
c. Transfer or assign this Agreement to any person or entity succeeding to all or substantially all of its assets.
17. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be
binding upon, STARTEX and Customer and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
18. Force Majeure: Neither Party shall be liable in damages for any act or
event that is beyond such party’s control and which could not be reasonably anticipated and prevented through the use of reasonable measures, including, but not limited to, an act of God, act of the public enemy, war, terrorism, insurrection, riot, fire, explosion, labor disturbance or strike, wildlife, unavoidable accident, equipment or material shortage, breakdown or accident to machinery or equipment, or good faith compliance with a then valid curtailment, order, regulation or restriction imposed by governmental, military, or lawfully established civilian authorities, including any order or directive of the Independent Organization.
Excuse: If an event occurs which makes it impossible for STARTEX to
perform under this Agreement, such as an act of God, extraordinary weather occurrence, war, civil disturbance, terrorism, or other national emergency, our performance under this Agreement shall be excused for the duration of such event. This could be an event affecting Customer’s TDSP, such as a facility outage on their electric distribution lines.
19. LIMITATION OF REMEDIES, LIABILITY AND DAMAGES: STARTEX
and CUSTOMER CONFIRM THAT THE EXPRESS REMEDIES AND MEASURES OF DAMAGES PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT SATISFY THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSES HEREOF, FOR BREACH OF ANY PROVISION FOR WHICH AN EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, SUCH EXPRESS REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY, THE OBLIGOR’S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED AS SET FORTH IN SUCH PROVISION AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. IF NO REMEDY OR MEASURE OF DAMAGES IS EXPRESSLY HEREIN PROVIDED, THE OBLIGOR’S LIABILITY SHALL BE LIMITED TO DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES ONLY. SUCH DIRECT ACTUAL DAMAGES SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AND ALL OTHER REMEDIES OR DAMAGES AT LAW OR IN EQUITY ARE WAIVED. UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY SHALL BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS OR OTHER BUSINESS INTERRUPTION DAMAGES, BY STATUTE, IN TORT OR CONTRACT, UNDER ANY INDEMNITY PROVISION OR OTHERWISE. IT IS THE INTENT OF STARTEX AND THE CUSTOMER THAT THE LIMITATIONS HEREIN IMPOSED ON REMEDIES AND THE MEASURE OF DAMAGES BE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CAUSE OR CAUSES RELATED THERETO, INCLUDING THE NEGLIGENCE OF ANY PARTY, WHETHER SUCH NEGLIGENCE BE SOLE, JOINT OR CONCURRENT, OR ACTIVE OR PASSIVE. TO THE EXTENT ANY DAMAGES REQUIRED TO BE PAID HEREUNDER ARE LIQUIDATED, STAR AND CUSTOMER ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE DAMAGES ARE DIFFICULT OR IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE. OTHERWISE OBTAINING AN ADEQUATE REMEDY IS
INCONVENIENT AND THE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE APPROXIMATION OF THE HARM OR LOSS.
20. Dispute Resolution: STARTEX and Customer agree in good faith to
attempt to resolve any contractual disputes within 30 (thirty) calendar days of written notice of the dispute from either party.
21. UCC: Except as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the provisions
of the Uniform Commercial Code (“UCC”) of Texas, whose laws shall govern this Agreement, shall be deemed to apply to this Agreement and Energy shall be deemed a “good” for purposes of the UCC.
22. Warranty Disclaimer: EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS
AGREEMENT STARTEX EXPRESSLY NEGATES ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY WITH RESPECT TO CONFORMITY TO MODELS OR SAMPLES, MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
23. Notices: Notices shall be furnished in writing and shall be delivered by
certified mail, overnight carrier, or hand delivery. Notice by hand delivery shall be deemed to be received by the close of the business day on which it was hand delivered (unless hand delivered after the close of business in which case it shall be deemed received at the close of the next business day). Notice by overnight mail or courier shall be deemed to have been received 2 (two) business days after it was sent.
24. Governing Law: THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES
OF STARTEX AND CUSTOMER HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED, ENFORCED AND PERFORMED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE OF TEXAS, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICTS OF LAWS. VENUE SHALL BE IN HOUSTON, HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS.
25. Non-Waiver: No waiver by any Party hereto of any one or more defaults,
by the other Party in the performance of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other default or defaults whether of a like kind or different nature.
26. Severability: Except as otherwise stated herein, any provision or
article declared or rendered unlawful by a court of law or regulatory agency with jurisdiction over STARTEX or Customer, or deemed unlawful because of a statutory change, will not otherwise affect the lawful obligations that arise under this Agreement.
27. No Third Party Beneficiaries: Subject to the provisions above under
“Assignment,” nothing in this Agreement shall provide any benefit to any third party nor shall it provide any third party any claim, cause of action, remedy or right of any kind.
28. Right of Rescission: Switch of Service - Customer has the right to
rescind Customer’s service request with STARTEX without any exit fee or penalty of any kind within 3 (three) federal business days of receiving this Agreement. To rescind this Agreement, Customer may call, email or fax STARTEX at the contact information provided above. New Service (move-in) – The right to rescind is not applicable for New Service (move-in) orders. Rescissions requests received after three federal business days are not guaranteed rescissions however Customer has the right to select another REP and Customer may do so by contacting that REP. Regardless of the method or reason for termination or cancellation of the Agreement, Customer is responsible for the payment of all services provided and billed by STARTEX until Customer switches to another REP. If Customer requests an early meter read will be charged a fee as set by the TDSP.
29. Discrimination: STARTEX does not discriminate, deny service, or
require a prepayment or deposit for service based on a Customer’s race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, lawful source of income, level of income, disability, familial status, location in an economically distressed geographic area, or qualification for low income or energy efficiency services.
Electricity Facts Label
StarTex Power
July 30, 2008
RESIDENTIAL 36 Month Plan
Average monthly energy consumption: 500 kWh 1,000 kWh 1,500 kWh StarTex Power average price per kWh (Rate) by TDSP:
Electricity Price CenterPoint Energy 14.6¢ 14.6¢ 14.6¢ Oncor 13.5¢ 13.5¢ 13.5¢ TNMP 14.1¢ 14.1¢ 14.1¢
AEP Texas Central 14.9¢ 14.9¢ 14.9¢
AEP Texas North 12.4¢ 12.4¢ 12.4¢
Sharyland 16.5¢ 16.5¢ 16.5¢
Sesco 13.5¢ 13.5¢ 13.5¢
This price disclosure is an example and is shown for representative purposes only. These price examples are calculated using the following Rates for the Customer’s respective TDSP: CenterPoint 14.6¢/kWh, Oncor 13.5¢/kWh, TNMP 14.1¢/kWh, AEP Central 14.9¢/kWh, AEP North 12.4¢/kWh, Sharyland 16.5¢/kWh, Sesco 13.5¢/kWh as well as a Minimum Usage Fee per ESI-ID of $0.00 for ESI-IDs with energy consumption values greater than 499 kWh per billing period. The Rate includes all costs of electricity generation (including Ancillary Services and Transmission and Distribution Losses as defined by ERCOT) and delivery, kWh usage and TDSP charges for the delivery and infrastructure of electricity to Customer’s ESI-ID(s) as identified in this Agreement. A Minimum Usage Fee of $4.99 per ESI-ID shall be added for any ESI-ID with energy consumption of 499 kWh or less per billing period. The Rate is subject to change during or after the Initial Term of this Agreement if there are any changes in fees imposed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and/or Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) authorized changes in standard Transmission and Distribution Service Provider (TDSP) charges. The current TDSP charges based on 1000 kWh are:
CenterPoint Energy = 3.32¢ per kWh Oncor = 2.77¢ per kWh AEP/TCC = 3.37¢ per kWh AEP/TNC = 3.51¢ per kWh TNMP = 2.96¢ per kWh SharyLand = 3.50¢ per kWh Sesco = 2.70¢ per kWh
Your average price for electricity may vary according to your exact monthly usage. See Terms of Service Agreement to calculate your actual price.
Your average electricity rate will be calculated as follows: (Rate per kWh x total kWh energy consumption + Minimum Usage Fees) ÷ total kWh energy consumption.
Contract
Initial Term: 36 consecutive TDSP meter reads.
Liquidated Damages Amount for Early Cancellation: $350.00. Switching Fees: $0.00
See Terms of Service Agreement for a full listing of fees, deposit policy and other terms.
This Product Texas
(for comparison)
Coal and Lignite 27% 26.82%
Natural Gas 59% 58.91% Nuclear 9% 9.14% Renewable Energy* 3% 2.09% Other 2% 3.04% 100% 100% Sources of Power Generation
*State law requires electric retailers to purchase a certain amount of their electricity from renewable generation sources.
Emissions and Waste per 1,000 kWh Generated
Your Rights as a Customer
StarTex Power provides electricity service without discrimination as to a customer’s race, nationality, color, religion, sex or marital status. As a retail customer in the State of Texas, you are entitled to the following Customer Protection Rights pursuant to the Rules of the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). These Rights apply to all residential and small commercial customers served by StarTex Power as a certified Retail Electric Provider (REP) in Texas. A complete copy of the PUCT’s Customer Protection rules is available on the PUCT’s Web site at http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric Reporting Outages:
In the event of an outage in your area please call your Transmission Distribution Service Provider (TDSP): Oncor Electric Delivery (888) 313-4747
CenterPoint (800) 332-7143 or (713) 207-2222 AEP (WTU & CP&L) (866) 223-8508
TNMP (Texas New Mexico Power) (888) 866-7456 StarTex Power is not liable for any service interruptions or outages and any questions relating to your distribution lines or meters should be directed to your Transmission
Distribution Service Provider (TDSP). Obtaining and Canceling Service
Discounts for Low-Income Customers: The discounted rates through the LITE-UP program were discontinued August 31, 2005 then reinstated by the Texas Legislature effective July 1, 2007. Please contact a LITE-UP Texas Representative toll free at 1-866-454-8387 (866-4-LITEUP) to learn how to qualify for this program or with any questions you may have. A REP may waive the deposit if the customer is medically indigent. Eligibility for medically indigent status must be established annually. In order to be considered medically indigent, the customer must meet the following guidelines: (1) the customer’s household income must be at or below 150% of the poverty guidelines, as certified by a governmental entity or government-funded energy assistance program provider; (2) the customer or customer’s spouse must be certified by the person’s attending physician (medical doctor, doctor of osteopathy, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, state-licensed social worker, state-licensed physical or occupational therapist, or employee of an agency certified to provide home health services pursuant to 42 U.S.C.§1395 et seq.) as being unable to perform three or more activities of daily living, as defined in 22 T.A.C.§218.2,OR the customer’s monthly out-of-pocket medical expenses exceed 20% of the household’s gross income.
Unauthorized Change of Service Provider or “Slamming”: A REP must obtain your verifiable
authorization before switching your electric service. If you believe your service was switched without your
authorization, request that the REP provide a copy of your authorization and verification. The REP must submit this to you within 5 business days of your request. You may also file a complaint with the PUC. Upon receipt of a complaint filed with the PUC and determination that service was switched without proper authorization, the REP must attempt to return you to your original REP within 3 days and
cease any collections activities related to the switch until the complaint has been resolved by the PUC. If the PUC determines your service was switched without authorization, the REP must cancel all unpaid charges. Within 5 business days of your request, the REP must pay all charges associated with returning you to your original REP. Within 30 days of your request, the REP must refund to you any amounts paid in
excess of the charges that would have been imposed by your original REP.
Cancellation of Service Without Penalty: You may cancel your contract with your REP without penalty within 3 federal business days (includes Saturday) after you receive your Terms of Service. For details on how to cancel your service, see your Terms of Service. You may also terminate your agreement with your REP without penalty if you move or your REP notifies you of a material change in the terms and conditions of service as stipulated in the Terms of Service. Notice will not be issued for changes that benefit a
customer (i.e. price decreases) or changes that are mandated by a regulatory agency.
Billing Issues
Unauthorized Charges or “Cramming”: Before any new charges are included on your electric bill, your REP must inform you of the product or service, all associated charges, and how these charges will be billed before they appear on your electric bill and obtain your consent for the product or service. If you believe your bill includes unauthorized charges, you may contact your REP to dispute such charges and may file a complaint with the PUC. Your REP will not seek to terminate or disconnect your electric service for non-payment of an unauthorized charge or file an unfavorable credit report against you for disputed unpaid charges that are alleged to be unauthorized, unless the dispute is ultimately resolved against you. If the charges are determined to be unauthorized, your REP will cease
charging you for the unauthorized service or product remove the unauthorized charge from your bill, and refund or credit all money you paid for any unauthorized charge within 45 days. If charges are not refunded or credited within three billing cycles, interest shall be paid to you at an annual rate established by the PUC on the amount of any unauthorized charge until it is refunded or credited. You may request all billing records under the REP's control related to any unauthorized charge within 15 business days after the date the unauthorized charge is removed from your bill. Your REP will not re-bill you for any charges determined to be unauthorized.
Deferred Payment Plans and Other Payment
Arrangements: If you cannot pay your bill, call your REP immediately. Your REP may offer a short-term payment arrangement that allows you to pay after your due date, but before your next bill is due. A deferred payment plan allows a customer to pay and outstanding bill in installments beyond the due date of the next bill. If you receive service from a POLR, it must offer you a deferred payment plan unless you have received more than 2
termination/disconnection notices during the past 12 months or you have been their customer for less than 3 months and do not have sufficient credit or payment history with another REP. REPs must offer deferred payment plans for bills that are due during an extreme weather emergency and to underbilled customers. A deferred payment plan may include a 5% penalty for late payment but, the POLR may
not charge a late fee. If you do not fulfill the terms of the payment arrangement or deferred payment plan, a REP may terminate service and a POLR may disconnect service. For details on these programs, see your Terms of Service or contact your REP. REPs must also offer level or average payment plans.
Meter Testing: You may request from your REP 1 meter test every 4 years at no cost to you. If you request more than 1 test every 4 years, and the meter is functioning properly, then you may be charged for the additional meter test(s) at the rate approved for your Local Distribution Company (TDSP). The TDSP or REP will advise you of the test results, including the test date, testing person and, if applicable, the removal date of the meter.
Contract Termination
Termination of Service: Customers receiving service from REPs other than POLR are subject to having their contract terminated for non-payment. If your REP is a POLR, please see the “Disconnection of Electric Service” section of this booklet. Otherwise, your REP may terminate your contract if your payment for electric service is not received by the due date on your bill. If you do not obtain service from another REP, you will be transferred to the POLR in your area. Your current REP will mail you a separate Termination Notice no earlier than the first day after the date your bill is due. The termination date will be 10 days from the date the notice is issued and may not fall on a holiday or weekend. If payment is received, or satisfactory payment arrangements are made, prior to the date of termination on the Termination Notice, your current REP will continue to serve you under the Terms and Conditions of service in effect prior to issuance of the Termination Notice. Your REP cannot terminate your contract for any of the following reasons: (1) failure to pay for electric service by a previous occupant of the premise if that occupant is not of the same household; (2 )failure to pay any charge unrelated to electric service; (3) failure to pay a different type or class of electric service not included on the account’s bill when service was initiated; (4) failure to pay under-billed charges that occurred for more than six months (except theft of service); (5) failure to pay any disputed charges until your REP or the PUC determines the accuracy of the charges and you have been notified of this determination; (6) failure to pay charges arising from an under-billing due to faulty metering (unless the meter was tampered with); or (7) failure to pay an estimated bill unless the estimated bill is part of a pre-approved meter-reading program or in the event the local distribution company is unable to read the meter due to circumstances beyond its control. Additionally, your REP may not terminate your contract: if your REP receives notification by the termination date that an energy
assistance provider will be forwarding sufficient payment on your account; or for non-payment during an extreme weather emergency and must offer you a deferred payment plan for bills due during the emergency. Availability of Provider of Last Resort (POLR): If your electric service is terminated, you may obtain services from another REP or the POLR. If your service is terminated for non-payment of electric service charges, and you do not obtain service from another REP, your electric service will be transferred to the POLR in your service area. If your REP terminates your service for any other reason, you may request service from the POLR in your service area. The POLR offers a basic, standard retail service package at a fixed, non-discountable
rate. Information about the POLR and other REPs can be obtained from the PUC or the POLR.
Disconnection of Electric Service
Disconnection of Service: The PUC has provided that, under certain dangerous circumstances (such as unsafe electric line situations), any REP may authorize your TDSP to disconnect your electric service without prior notice to you. Additionally, the POLR may seek to have your electric service disconnected for any of the reasons listed below: (1) failure to pay a bill owed to the POLR, or to make a deferred payment arrangement by the date of disconnection; (2) failure to comply with the terms of a deferred payment agreement made with the POLR; (3) using service in a manner that interferes with the service of others or the operations of non-standard equipment; (4) failure to pay a deposit required by the POLR; or (5) failure of the guarantor to pay the amount guaranteed when the POLR has a written agreement, signed by the guarantor, which allows for disconnection of the guarantor’s service .Prior to
disconnecting your service, the POLR must provide you a Disconnection Notice. This notice must be mailed to you separately no earlier than the first day after the date your bill is due. The disconnection date must be 10 days from the date the notice is issued and may not fall on a holiday or weekend or the day preceding unless their personnel are available to take payments and service can be reconnected. The POLR may not seek to have your electric service disconnected by your TDSP for any of the reasons listed under the Termination of Service portion of this document. Additionally, the POLR may not disconnect your electric service: if it receives notification by the disconnection date that an energy assistance provider will be forwarding sufficient payment on your account; for non-payment during an extreme weather emergency and must offer you a deferred payment plan for bills due during the emergency; or for non-payment if you inform the POLR, prior to the disconnection date stated on the notice, that you or another resident on the premises has a critical need for electric service. However, to obtain this exemption, you must enter into a deferred payment plan with the POLR and have the ill-person’s attending physician contact the POLR and submit a written statement attesting to the necessity of electric service to support life. This exemption from
disconnection due to illness or disability shall be in effect for 63 days and may be applied for again after the 63 days has expired and the deferred payment plan has been fulfilled. Restoration of Service: If your service has been
disconnected by the POLR for non-payment, the POLR will, upon satisfactory correction of the reasons for the
disconnection, notify your TDSP to reconnect your service. The POLR will continue to serve you under the Terms of Service in effect prior to issuance of the Disconnection Notice. If your service was disconnected due to a
dangerous situation, your service will be reconnected once you notify your REP or the POLR that you have corrected and satisfactorily resolved the dangerous situation. Disputes With Your Provider
Complaint Resolution: Contact your REP if you have comments, questions or complaints. Upon receipt of a complaint, your REP must investigate and notify you of the results within 21 days. If you are dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, you may request a supervisory review, if available. Your REP must advise you of the results of the
supervisory review within 10 business days of your request. If you are dissatisfied with the results of the investigation or supervisory review, you may file a complaint with the PUC and the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer
Protection Division. For a complaint involving a disputed bill, your REP may not initiate collection activities or
termination/disconnection activities or report the
delinquency to a credit reporting agency with respect to the disputed portion of the bill. However, after appropriate notice, your REP may send a termination/disconnection notice for non-payment of any undisputed portion of the bill.
Public Utility Commission of Texas Customer Protection Division
PO Box 13326 Austin, Texas 78711-3326 (512) 936-7120 or (888) 782-8477 Fax (512) 936-7003 Website: www.puc.state.tx.us TTY (512) 936-7136 Other Protections
Do Not Call List: Consumers may register their name, address, and telephone number to the statewide “Do Not Call List,” which will help limit telemarketing calls to your home or business. You may register for the “Do Not Call List” in three ways: online at www.texasnocall.com, call toll-free 1-866-TXNOCAL(L) (1-866-896-6225), or write Texas No Call, P.O. Box 313, E. Walpole, MA 02032.
Language Availability: You may request to receive information from your REP in Spanish, or any language in which you were solicited. This includes the Terms of Service Agreement, Your Rights as a Customer, bills and
bill notices, termination and disconnection notices, information on new electric
services, discount programs, promotions, and access to customer assistance.
Privacy Rights: REPs may not disclose or sell any confidential customer information, including: your name, address, account number, type or classification of service, historical electricity usage, expected patterns of use, types of facilities used in providing service, individual contract terms and conditions, price, current charges or billing records. This prohibition does not apply to the release of your information under certain circumstances as required by law, including release to the PUC, an agent of your REP, credit reporting agencies, law enforcement agencies or TDSP. Your information will be shared with other retail REPs or aggregators only with your consent.
Special Services: Your REP may offer special services for hearing-impaired customers and customers with disabilities. If you have a disability or require special assistance
regarding your electric account, contact your REP about these special services.
StarTex Power P.O. Box 4802 Houston, TX 77210-4802 PUCT License #10089 www.StarTexPower.com [email protected] REP Customer Service
Customer Assistance Toll Free 1-866-917-8271
Toll Free Fax 1-866-927-8271
Sus Derechos Como Cliente
StarTex Power provee servicio eléctrico sin discriminación de raza, nacionalidad, color, religión, sexo o estado civil del cliente.
Como cliente en el Estado de Tejas, usted está cubierto por los siguientes Derechos de Protección al Cliente de
acuerdo a las Reglas de la Comisión de Servicios Públicos de Tejas (PUCT, por sus siglas en inglés). Estos Derechos aplican a todos los clientes residenciales y pequeños clientes comerciales para los que StarTex Power sirve como Proveedor de Energía Eléctrica (REP) certificado en Tejas. Una copia completa de las reglas de Protección al Cliente de la PUCT está disponible en la página de internet de la PUCT
http://www.puc.state.tx.us/rules/subrules/electric Notificación de Apagones:
En caso de tener un apagón en su área, por favor llame al Proveedor de Servicio de Transmisión y Distribución (TDSP):
Oncor Electric Delivery: (888) 313-4747 AEP North and AEP Central:(866) 223-8508 CenterPoint:: (800) 332-7143 OR (713) 207-2222 TNMP (Texas New Mexico Power): (888) 866-7456 StarTex Power no es responsable por alguna interrupción en el servicio o apagones y las preguntas con relación a las líneas de distribución o medidores deben ser dirigidas a su Proveedor de Servicio de Transmisión y Distribución (TDSP).
Cómo obtener y cancelar el servicio
Descuentos para clientes de bajos ingresos: Las tarifas de descuento obtenidas a través del programa LITE UP fueron descontinuadas en agosto 31 del 2005 por la Legislatura de Tejas. Si tiene preguntas, contacte LITE UP de Tejas a la línea gratuita (866) 4-LITE-UP o (866) 454-8387.
Un REP puede eliminar el depósito si el cliente está
médicamente indigente. La elegibilidad para la condición de médicamente indigente debe establecerse anualmente. Para ser considerado médicamente indigente, el cliente debe cumplir con los siguientes lineamientos: (1) El ingreso familiar del cliente debe ser igual o menor al 150% de los lineamientos de pobreza, certificado por una entidad gubernamental o por un proveedor del programa de
asistencia energética de fondos gubernamentales; y (2a) El cliente o el cónyuge del cliente debe estar certificado por su propio médico (doctor en medicina, doctor de osteopatía, enfermera, trabajador social autorizado por el estado, terapeuta físico u ocupacional autorizado por el estado, o empleado de una agencia certificada para proveer servicios de salud en el hogar, referentes a la sección 42 del U.S.C.§ 1395 et seq) como incapaz de desarrollar tres o más actividades de la vida diaria, como se definen en la sección 22 T.A.C.§218.2, o
(2b). Los gastos médicos mensuales del cliente exceden 20% del ingreso bruto familiar.
Cambio no autorizado de Proveedor de Servicio o “slamming”: Todo REP debe obtener su autorización verificable antes de cambiar su servicio eléctrico. Si cree que le han cambiado el servicio eléctrico sin su
autorización, debe solicitar al REP que le entregue una copia de
su autorización y verificación. El REP debe suministrársela dentro de los 5 días hábiles de haberla solicitado. También
puede presentar una queja ante la PUC para que sea examinada. Al recibir una queja presentada ante la PUC y una vez se determine que el servicio fue cambiado sin la apropiada autorización, el REP debe tomar todas las medidas bajo su control para facilitarle el retorno a su REP original en menos de tres días y cesar toda actividad de cobro relacionada con su cambio hasta que la queja haya sido resuelta por la PUC. Si la PUC determina que su servicio eléctrico se cambió sin su autorización, dicho REP deberá cancelar todos los cargos no pagados. Dentro de los cinco días hábiles de su solicitud, el REP debe pagar todos los cargos relacionados con su retorno a su REP original. Dentro de los 30 días de su solicitud, el REP debe devolverle cualquier cantidad pagada que supere los cargos que le hubiera cobrado su REP original.
Cancelación de servicio sin sanciones: Puede cancelar su contrato con su REP sin ningún tipo de sanciones ni cargos dentro de los tres días hábiles federales (incluye sábados) después de recibir los Términos del Servicio. Para más detalles sobre cómo cancelar su servicio, vea los Términos del
Servicio. El derecho de cancelación del cliente no rige cuando un cliente es transferido al POLR por falta de pago. Usted también puede dar por terminado su acuerdo con el REP sin sanciones si usted se muda o su REP le notifica sobre un cambio material en los términos y condiciones de servicio estipuladas en los Términos de Servicio. La notificación no será emitida para cambios que beneficien al cliente (Ej.: reducciones de precio) o cambios ordenados por una agencia reguladora.
Asuntos relacionados con la facturación
Cargos no autorizados o “cramming”: Antes de que se incluyan nuevos cargos en su factura eléctrica, su REP debe informarle acerca del producto o servicio, todos los cargos relacionados, cómo se facturarán estos cargos antes de que aparezcan en su factura eléctrica y obtener su consentimiento para dicho producto o servicio. Si cree que su factura incluye cargos no autorizados, puede
comunicarse con su REP para refutar dichos cargos. Si no está satisfecho(a) con dicha revisión, puede presentar una queja ante la PUC. Su REP no procurará dar por terminado ni desconectará su servicio eléctrico por falta de pago de un cargo no autorizado, ni presentará un informe de crédito desfavorable sobre usted por los cargos no pagados y refutados que usted alega no fueron autorizados, a menos que la disputa se resuelva finalmente en su contra. Si se determina que los cargos no fueron autorizados, su REP dejará de cobrarle por el servicio o producto no autorizado, retirará el cargo no autorizado de su factura y le devolverá o le acreditará todo el dinero pagado por el cargo no autorizado dentro de los 45 días siguientes. Si no se reembolsan o acreditan los cargos dentro de los tres ciclos de facturación siguientes, se le pagará interés sobre el monto de los cargos no autorizados hasta que se le
reembolsen o acrediten, a una tasa anual establecida por la PUC. Usted puede solicitar todos los registros de
facturación bajo control del REP relacionados con todo cargo no autorizado dentro de los 15 días después de la fecha en que el cargo no autorizado sea eliminado de su factura. Su REP no le facturará nuevamente por aquellos cargos que se haya determinado no estaban autorizados. Arreglos de pago y planes de pago diferido: Si no puede pagar su factura, por favor llame a su REP inmediatamente.
Es posible que su REP le ofrezca un arreglo de pago a corto plazo que le permita pagar su factura después que ésta haya vencido, pero antes de que venza su factura siguiente.
Un plan de pago diferido permite al cliente pagar una factura pendiente, en cuotas que se extienden más allá de la fecha de vencimiento de la siguiente factura. Si recibe servicio de un POLR, éste debe ofrecerle un plan de pago diferido a menos que usted haya recibido más de dos avisos de cancelación de contrato/desconexión durante los últimos 12 meses, o que usted haya sido su cliente por menos de 3 meses y no tenga suficiente historial de crédito o de pagos con otro REP. Todos los REPs deben ofrecer a sus clientes planes de pago diferido para las facturas que se
adeudan por motivo de emergencias por clima extremo y a los clientes a quienes se ha subfacturado. Un plan de pago diferido puede incluir un recargo de 5% por pago retrasado; sin embargo, el POLR no puede cobrar un recargo por pago retrasado. Si no cumple los términos de los arreglos de
pago o del plan de pago diferido, el REP puede interrumpir el servicio y el POLR puede desconectar el servicio. Para más detalles sobre estos programas, sírvase leer los Términos del Servicio o comunicarse con su REP. Los REPs tienen que ofrecer planes de pago promedio. Prueba del medidor: Usted tiene derecho a solicitar que prueben el funcionamiento de su medidor una vez cada cuatro años sin costo alguno para usted .Si solicita que prueben su medidor más de una vez cada cuatro años y se determina que el medidor funciona correctamente, es posible que se le cobre un cargo por las pruebas
adicionales que se hayan efectuado al medidor, a la tarifa aprobada por su Compañía de Distribución Local. La Compañía de Distribución Local le avisará sobre los resultados de la prueba, inclusive la fecha en que se realizó, la persona que efectuó la prueba y la fecha en que se retiró el medidor.
Cancelación del Contrato
Terminación del Servicio: Los clientes que reciben servicio de REPs diferentes a POLR están sujetos a terminación de contrato por falta de pago. Si su REP es un el POLR, por favor lea la sección “Desconexión del Servicio Eléctrico” de este documento, de lo contrario su contrato podrá darse por terminado si no se recibe el pago por su servicio eléctrico a la fecha de vencimiento indicada en la factura. Si no obtiene servicio de otro REP, usted será transferido al POLR en su área. Su REP actual le enviará por correo un Aviso de Cancelación por separado no antes del primer día siguiente a la fecha en que vence su factura. La fecha de cancelación de contrato será 10 días a partir de la fecha en que el aviso es emitido y no podrá caer en un feriado o fin de semana. Si se recibe el pago o se efectúan arreglos de pago satisfactorios
antes de la fecha de cancelación indicada en el Aviso de Cancelación, su REP actual continuará suministrándole el servicio conforme a los Términos y Condiciones de servicio vigentes antes de la emisión del Aviso de Cancelación. Su REP no puede dar por terminado su contrato de servicio eléctrico por ninguna de las siguientes razones: (1) no haber pagado el servicio eléctrico un ocupante previo de la vivienda si dicho ocupante no pertenece a la casa; (2) no haber pagado un cargo no relacionado con el servicio eléctrico; (3) no haber pagado un tipo o clase diferente de
servicio eléctrico no incluido en la factura de la cuenta cuando se inició dicho servicio; (4) no haber pagado cargos subfacturados que ocurrieron durante más de seis meses (excepto robo del servicio); (5) no haber pagado cualquier cargo disputado hasta que su REP o la PUC determine la exactitud de los cargos y usted haya sido notificado de esta determinación; (6) falta de pago por subfacturación debido a un error del medidor (a menos que el medidor hubiera sido alterado); (7) no haber pagado una factura estimada a menos que dicha factura estimada sea parte de un
programa pre0aprobado de lectura de medidor o en el caso de que la compañía de distribución local no pueda leer el medidor debido a circunstancias fuera de su control. Asimismo, su REP no puede dar por terminado su contrato: (8) si su REP recibe notificación antes de la fecha de cancelación en la que el proveedor de asistencia energética remitirá suficiente pago sobre su cuenta; o (9) por falta de pago durante una emergencia por clima extremo y debe ofrecerle un plan de pago diferido por facturas que vencían durante la emergencia.
Disponibilidad del POLR: Si su servicio eléctrico es interrumpido, usted puede obtener servicios de otro REP o del POLR. Si su servicio es interrumpido por falta de pago de cargos de servicio de electricidad y usted no obtiene servicio de otro REP, su servicio eléctrico será transferido al POLR en su área de servicio. Si su REP interrumpe su servicio por cualquier otra razón, usted podría solicitar servicio del POLR en su área de servicio, quien ofrece un paquete de servicio minorista estándar a una tarifa fija que no tiene descuentos. Puede solicitar información sobre el POLR y otros REPs a la PUC o al POLR.
Desconexión del servicio eléctrico
Desconexión del servicio: La PUC ha estipulado que bajo determinadas circunstancias peligrosas (como situaciones en que las líneas eléctricas presentan un peligro) cualquier REP puede autorizar a su Compañía de Distribución Local a que desconecte el servicio sin avisarle previamente al cliente. Además, el POLR en su área de servicio puede procurar desconectar su servicio eléctrico por cualquiera de las razones indicadas a continuación: (1) no haber pagado una factura adeudada al POLR o no haber efectuado un arreglo de pago diferido antes de la fecha de la
desconexión; (2) no haber cumplido con los términos de un acuerdo de pago diferido efectuado con el POLR; (3) usar el servicio de manera que interfiera con el servicio de otras personas o usar equipo no estándar; (4) no haber pagado el depósito requerido por el POLR; o(5) no haber pagado el aval la cantidad garantizada cuando el POLR tenga un acuerdo escrito, firmado por el aval, que permita la desconexión del servicio del aval. Antes de desconectarle el servicio, el POLR debe enviarle un aviso de desconexión de servicio. Dicho aviso debe enviársele por separado no antes del primer día siguiente a la fecha en que vence su factura. La fecha de desconexión será 10 días a partir de la fecha en que el aviso es emitido y no podrá caer en un feriado o fin de semana, ni el día anterior a éstos, a menos que cuente con personal disponible para recibir los pagos y el servicio se pueda reconectar. El POLR no puede pedir que su compañía de distribución local le desconecte el servicio por ninguna de las razones indicadas bajo el segmento “Cancelación de servicio” de este documento. Asimismo, el POLR no puede desconectar su servicio eléctrico: Si este recibe notificación antes de la fecha de desconexión de que un proveedor de asistencia energética
remitirá un pago suficiente a su cuenta; por falta de pago durante una emergencia por clima extremo y debe ofrecerle un plan de pago diferido para facturas que vencían durante la emergencia; o por falta de pago si usted informa al REP o al POLR, antes de la fecha de desconexión indicada en el aviso, que usted u otro residente de esa dirección tiene una necesidad crucial de servicio eléctrico. Sin embargo, para obtener esta exención, debe inscribirse en un plan de pago diferido con el POLR y hacer que el médico que atiende al enfermo se comunique con el POLR y envíe una
declaración escrita certificando la necesidad de servicio eléctrico para mantener al paciente con vida. Esta exención de desconexión debida a enfermedad o incapacidad regirá por 63 días y puede solicitarse nuevamente pasados los 63 días iniciales y una vez saldado el plan de pago diferido. Restauración del servicio: Si su servicio ha sido
desconectado por el POLR por falta de pago, cualquiera de estos dos proveedores, una vez corregidas
satisfactoriamente las razones de la desconexión, notificará a su compañía de distribución local que le reconecte el servicio. El POLR continuará brindándole servicio bajo los Términos y Condiciones de Servicio vigentes antes de la emisión del aviso de desconexión. Si se le desconectó el servicio debido a una situación peligrosa, se le reconectará el servicio una vez que notifique a su REP o al
POLR que ha corregido satisfactoriamente la situación peligrosa.
Disputas con su proveedor
Resolución de queja: Sírvase comunicarse con su REP si tiene alguna queja, pregunta o comentario específico. Al recibir una queja, su REP debe investigar y notificarle sobre los resultados dentro de los 21 días siguientes. Si no está satisfecho(a) con los resultados de su investigación, puede solicitar una revisión de un supervisor. Su REP debe avisarle sobre los resultados de la revisión del supervisor dentro de los 10 días hábiles de su solicitud. Si no está satisfecho con los resultados de la investigación o de la revisión del supervisor, puede presentar una queja ante la PUC y la División de Protección al Consumidor de la Oficina del Fiscal General. En el caso de una queja sobre una factura disputada, su REP no podrá iniciar actividades de cobro o de cancelación ni denunciar la falta de pago a una agencia de informes de crédito con respecto a la porción en disputa de la factura. No obstante, una vez enviado el aviso correspondiente, su REP podrá enviarle un aviso de cancelación de servicio por falta de pago de la porción no disputada de la factura.
Public Utility Commission of Texas Customer Protection Division
PO Box 13326 Austin, TX 78711-3326
(512) 936-7120 (888) 782-8477 FAX (512) 936-7003
Página de Internet: www.puc.state.tx.us
TTY (51) 936-7136 Otras protecciones
Lista para Evitar Llamadas: Los clientes pueden anotar su nombre, dirección y número de teléfono en la “Lista para Evitar Llamadas” de todo el estado que ayudará a limitar las llamadas de mercadeo telefónico para servicio eléctrico a su casa u oficina. Usted puede anotarse en la “Lista para Evitar
Llamadas” de tres maneras diferentes: Por Internet en la Página www.texasnocall.com, llamando gratis al 1-866-TXNOCAL(L) (1-866-896-6225), o escribiendo a Texas No Call, P.O.Box 313, E.Walpole,MA 02032.
Disponibilidad de idiomas: Puede solicitar recibir
información de su REP en español o en cualquier idioma en el cual le ofrecieron el servicio inicialmente. Esto incluye el Acuerdo de Términos de Servicio, Sus Derechos como Cliente, facturas y avisos de factura, avisos de cancelación y de desconexión, información sobre nuevos servicios eléctricos, programas de descuento, promociones y acceso a Servicio al Cliente.
Derecho a la privacidad: Todos los REPs tienen prohibido revelar o vender cualquier tipo de información confidencial sobre los clientes, la cual incluye su nombre, dirección, número de cuenta, tipo o clasificación del servicio, historial del consumo de la electricidad, patrones de consumo esperados, tipos de instalaciones usadas para proveer el servicio, términos y condiciones del contrato individual, precio, cargos actuales o registros de facturación. Esta prohibición no rige en cuanto a la divulgación de su
información bajo ciertas circunstancias según lo requiera la ley, entre ellas, la divulgación de su información a la PUC, un agente de su REP, agencias de informes de crédito, organismos de autoridad judicial o policial o el proveedor de distribución de servicio local. Su información se compartirá con otros REPs o agregadotes sólo con su consentimiento. Servicios especiales: Su REP puede ofrecer servicios especiales para los clientes con discapacidad auditiva y clientes con impedimentos físicos. Si usted tiene un impedimento físico o requiere asistencia especial con respecto a su cuenta de electricidad, comuníquese con su REP para
preguntar acerca de estos servicios especiales. StarTex Power
P.O. Box 4802
Houston, TX 77210-4802 Licencia del PUCT # 10089 www.StarTexPower.com
[email protected] Servicio al Cliente del REP
Asistencia al Cliente
Línea Gratuita 1-866-917-8271 Línea Gratuita de Fax 1-866-927-8271
Línea Gratuita para Clientes con Problemas Auditivos y del Habla
StarTex Power
PUCT LICENSE #10089
RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICITY AUTHORIZATION ADDENDUM July 30, 2008
If there are any changes or cancellation to this order, it is the responsibility of the Customer to contact StarTex Power immediately. Please refer to the Terms of Service Agreement for all applicable terms and conditions.
Are you interested in Budget Billing: YES NO
Check One: Switching Service or New Service Move In Date____/___/_____ (required for Move In)
Applicant Name:
________________________________Applicant Service Address:
Apt/Unit #: _______ City: _____________ State: TX Zip Code: __________________
Contact Phone: (________) ___________ - _______________ Email Address: _______________@________________
Additional Contact Phone: _____________________ Applicant Billing Address: (if different than service address)
Billing Address:___________________________________________________________
Suite/Unit #: _______ City: _____________________ State: _____________ Zip Code:________________
Contact Phone: (______)___________________Fax: ___________________Email Address: ___________________@_____________ ESI-ID, if available: ____________________________________________________
(Please indicate if additional locations are attached to this document and incorporated herein)
Tax Id or SS#: _________________________________ Drivers License #: ________________________ State ________ Email Address: ___________________________________ Date of Birth: ______________________________________
DRIVERS LICENSE AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING
If applicable, name of individual legally authorized to act for applicant: ____________________________________________________________ Relationship to applicant: _______________________________
Telephone number of individual authorized to act for applicant: __________________________________________________________________
_____By initialing here, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Terms of Service Agreement for the product for which I am enrolling.
_____By initialing here, I acknowledge that I understand that the Rate (cents per kWh) I am agreeing to is: CenterPoint 14.6¢/kWh, Oncor 13.5¢/kWh, TNMP
14.1¢/kWh, AEP Central 14.9¢/kWh, AEP North 12.4¢/kWh, Sharyland 16.5¢/kWh, Sesco 13.5¢/kWh, based on my TDSP. There is a $0.00 Minimum
Usage Fee per ESI-ID for ESI-IDs with energy consumption greater than 499 kWh per billing period and $4.99 Minimum Usage Fee per ESI-ID with energy consumption less than or equal to 499 kWh per billing period, plus any non-recurring charges from the TDSP; the Initial Term of service that I am agreeing to is 36 Consecutive Meter Reads (Thirty-six Months), that I may be required to pay a deposit in order to enroll, that I prefer to receive information from my REP in English/Spanish (circle one), and there may be a Liquidated Damages amount assessed in the event that I cancel this Agreement during the Initial Term.
If I selected a payment option other than check, I authorize my financial institution to pay from my checking account to StarTex Power, or to debit transactions to my account at my financial institution or to charge my credit card the amount of my initial deposit, if any, and pay all monthly charges for my electric service.
_____By initialing here and signing below, I am authorizing StarTex Power to become my new retail electric provider and to act as my agent to perform the necessary tasks to establish my electric service account with StarTex Power. This authorization to establish or switch my provider of electric service extends to all locations listed on this Residential Electricity Authorization Addendum.
I have read and understand this entire Terms of Service Agreement and agree with all of the terms and conditions described for the service I will be receiving. I am at least eighteen years of age and legally authorized to select or change retail electric providers for the service address(s) listed above and am fully able to enter into a binding agreement with StarTex Power.
You have the right to review and, in the case of a switch request, rescind the terms of service within three federal business days, after receiving the terms of service, without penalty. There are no rescissions on New Service (Move-In) orders. You will receive a written copy of the terms of service document that will explain all the terms of the Agreement and how to exercise the right of rescission before your electric service is switched to the REP.
Authorized Signature: ______________________________ Date (“Effective Date”): ___________/____________/______________
Print Name: ___________________________ Sales Associate: ___________________ Aggregate: ________________________
