Provider of Last Resort Customers
Switch to PogoWhat is Provider of Last Resort (POLR)
In areas of Texas open to electric choice, also known as deregulated areas of Texas, the PUCT designates certain retail electric providers to serve as POLRs. These providers step in when a customer’s current retail electric provider exits the market (closes) or can no longer provide service.
POLR service helps prevent an interruption in electric service, but it is generally intended to be temporary, giving you time to choose your next electricity plan.
Do I have to stay with a POLR provider?
No. If you are placed on POLR service, you can usually:
- stay on that service for the time being,
- enroll in a contract with that provider, or
- switch to another retail electric provider.
Why can POLR service cost more?
According to the PUCT, POLR service is relatively high-priced because providers must plan for uncertainty and take on the risk of serving an unknown number of customers with uncertain usage.
How will I know if I’ve been placed on POLR service?
If your provider stops serving customers, you should receive notice about your new POLR service and your options. The key point is that the program is meant to keep your electricity on while you decide whether to stay or switch.
Why switch to Pogo Energy?
If you’re currently on POLR service, you may prefer a plan that better fits your needs. With Pogo Energy you can enjoy the freedom attached to:
- no deposit
- no long-term contract
- Pogo Perks
- a seamless process to switch
- and more…
When you sign up, your new enrollment will replace your POLR service, so you do not need to stay on that temporary arrangement longer than necessary.
Frequently asked questions about POLR
Can I ask to be switched to POLR?
That’s not really a thing. POLR is not a plan customers request; it’s the backup service the state uses when a retail electric provider can no longer serve its customers. In other words: POLR is the safety net, not the goal.
So POLR is not an “upgrade” or special customer option?
Correct. POLR is a safety net, not a premium plan, loyalty program, or alternate service tier. It exists to prevent service interruption when a provider exits the market or can no longer provide service.
Why would someone want POLR if they already have service?
Usually, they wouldn’t. POLR is designed for emergency continuity of service, not as a destination plan. If you already have active electric service with a provider you chose, asking to be “moved to POLR” generally is not how the program works. That’s because the PUCT designates POLR as a back-up option when a REP cannot continue serving customers.
Is POLR really my last resort?
No. If you are placed on POLR service, you are still free to choose another retail electric provider. POLR is meant to keep your lights on temporarily while you either enroll with that provider or switch to another plan.
Why can POLR service cost more?
The PUCT says POLR service is relatively high-priced because providers must prepare for uncertainty, including not knowing how many customers they may need to serve or how much electricity those customers will use.
Will my electricity be disconnected if my provider goes out of business?
POLR is designed to help prevent interruption of electric service due to an electric company closing. If your retail electric provider stops operating, another provider steps in so your service can continue while you choose your next plan.
Can I leave POLR and switch to Pogo Energy?
Yes. Customers placed on POLR service can choose another retail electric provider. If you want a different option, you can enroll with Pogo Energy instead of staying on temporary POLR service.
What’s the simplest way to explain POLR?
Think of it as the electric market’s emergency backup plan: it helps keep your power on if your current provider can’t continue service, but it is usually not where you want to stay long term.
