From our December 14, 2000, edition.

Gas company won't cut services this winter 

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

VERNON – TXU Electric & Gas announced Tuesday that customers having difficulty paying their bills during winter’s toughest and coldest times can rest a little easier.

TXU will not disconnect gas customers on days when the previous day’s temperature was below 40°F and the National Weather Service predicts temperatures in that county will fall below that level the next 24 hours.

TXU Area Manager Doug Hill said his company remains committed to safeguarding the health and welfare of its customers.

“We want our customers to know that we value them, and we want them to be warm and safe this winter,” Hill said. “If a customer is worried that they will not be able to pay a bill, they should contact our office, and we’ll be glad to work with them on a deferred payment plan.

This new standard in helping customers will be implemented across the breadth of the TXU service area. Prior to this year, TXU (formerly Lone Star Gas) has not disconnected gas service for customers when temperatures were below 32°F.

The company is working with the Texas Railroad Commission and its recent ruling to ensure the health and welfare of Texas citizens with a potential colder-than-average winter on the horizon.

“We’re very proud of our history in working with our customers,” Hill said. “We have established innovative programs to help our financially strapped customers during the summer heat waves and winter weather watches.

“As always, we want our customers to know that we value them, and we want them to be healthy and happy during these sometimes trying times.”

TXU Electric & Gas customers needing more information on this program can call (800) 460-3030. The company delivers energy to 11 million customers primarily in Texas, the United Kingdom, continental Europe, and Austrailia.