How to Remove a Switch Hold
Remove it in 4 Easy Steps
Switch Hold & ESI ID
Switch Hold
A switch hold is placed by an electric company and is a restriction on a Texas electricity meter’s Electric Service Identifier (ESI ID) that blocks you from switching to a new electric company or opening a new account at that address.
ESI ID
An ESI ID (Electric Service Identifier) is a unique 17-to-22 digit number used to identify a specific electricity meter and service address on the Texas power grid.
Why Do I Have a Hold?
There are two common reasons you may have a hold:
The outstanding balance is yours
If you have an unpaid balance at the address and it is yours, you will need to pay it in full to remove the switch hold before you can change electric providers. If you are a current Pogo customer and have a negative balance on your account, contact customer support to learn about options to keep the power on.
The outstanding balance belongs to a previous tenant
Sometimes a switch hold remains on a meter because the previous resident left an unpaid electricity balance. If you are a new tenant or new property owner, you do not have to pay someone else’s balance. Instead, you’ll need to provide documentation showing that you are the new occupant.
Is the Hold From a Previous Tenant?
Remove it in 4 easy steps
- 1
Locate Your ESI ID
ESI ID stands for “Electric Service Identifier ID”. The ESI ID is a unique 17 or 22 digit number that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) assigns to every electricity meter in Texas. An ESI ID identifies your electric service location, customer accounts, and tracks energy usage.
- 2
Complete a New Occupant Statement Form
Download and then sign a New Occupant Statement form. Make sure that you include your ESI ID!
Note: You must hand-sign the New Occupant Statement because an electronic signature will not pass approval.
- 3
Provide Documentation
You must provide ONE of the following documents to verify your New Occupant Statement:
- A copy of your current lease, which must be in your name.
- A notarized Affidavit of Landlord.
- A utility bill (in your name) dated within the last 2 months from a different address.
- Closing documents that indicate a transfer of ownership of property into your name.
- Certificate of occupancy for the purpose of showing that the residents at a location have changed.
- 4
Email Your Form and Documentation to Pogo
Once you have the required documents for a switch hold to be removed, please email Pogo at [email protected] with your signed New Occupant Statement form, along with ONE of the required documents listed in Step Three.
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Switch Hold?
The time it takes to remove a switch hold or release an ESI ID is out of Pogo’s control; however, we will let you know the outcome as soon as we have an update.