(ALIEF) — Texas State Representative Hubert Vo said the state’s Public Utility Commission should act immediately to protect Texans from having their electricity disconnected for any reason during the rest of the summer, when temperatures are hitting record highs and soaring utility costs are making it difficult for increasing numbers of elderly, low-income, and medically vulnerable citizens to pay their bills.

“A moratorium will save lives and buy time for families to make financial arrangements when the weather is cooler and their safety is no longer on the line,” Vo said.

Vo’s call echoed an emergency petition filed this week by State Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa (D-McAllen) with the PUC to approve a moratorium on utility disconnects.

The state should quickly draft guidelines to determine who meets the criteria for deferred electric bills, Vo said, with the goal of preventing utilities from being disconnected for non-payment.

Vo said the PUC must implement strict procedures to make sure the deferred payments are eventually collected and that customers who do pay their bills in a timely fashion are not in any way asked to pick up the tab for those who don’t.

“While temperatures remain in triple digits, no one should be forced to choose between buying food or medicine for their families and paying a utility bill that can be taken care of in a few weeks, when the emergency has passed,” Vo said.

Utility rates have more than doubled since state leaders approved a controversial deregulation bill a decade ago, putting the elderly, children, low-income families, and citizens undergoing medical treatment at particular risk during times of extreme temperatures.

Vo urged Texans to let state leaders know they support Sen. Hinojosa’s proposed moratorium by contacting the PUC toll-free at 1-888-782-8477 or via email at customer@puc.state.tx.us