By Bill Zeeble
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-701679.mp3
Dallas, TX – Dallas County's Health and Human Services director Zachary Thompson says once the weather turns hot, he gets up to 300 calls a day from residents who can barely pay their electric bills.
Thompson: "People think they're Texas tough and can deal with this summer heat. We've found those individuals with medical conditions, those elderly, with small kids cannot survive the tough summers that we experience."
So TXU, Reliant Energy and other power providers will offer either deferred or reduced payment plans for qualified customers. Thompson says Dallas County will also provide air conditioners to its highest-risk residents in need, beginning June 2nd. Both services require customers to call to sign up for the programs. Bill Zeeble KERA news.