AUSTIN, Texas -- The Public Utility Commission rejected an emergency request to help keep the lights on for vulnerable Texans, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.

State Sen. Sylvester Turner asked the PUC to pass an emergency ban on service disconnects during the summertime.

"It is an emergency because people lives are hanging in balance right now," Turner said.

The emergency rule would have prevented electric companies from disconnecting service to low income, elderly and critical care consumers during summer months.

Instead, commissioners urged Texans worried about skyrocketing electric bills to shop around for a more affordable service.

"The fact that the temperature and with it, electric bills, increase in the summer months should come as no surprise to anyone," PUC Chairman Barry T. Smitherman said.

The decision was a blow to social service groups across the state.

"Agencies are seeing an onslaught of people really needing assistance with utility bills," Stella Rodriguez said.

Those needing help paying their electric bills can sign up for payment plans. Call TXU at 800-242-9113 or Reliant Energy at 866-RELIANT.

Sylvester Turner's Statement

"I am incensed at the attitude of the PUC Commissioners toward our citizens. We had a hearing scheduled today and the Commissioners' decision was announced before anyone had an opportunity to speak. I gave Chairman Smitherman a courtesy call to let him know I had filed the petition and he used that conversation as an excuse for saying a hearing had already been conducted. The Commissioners just made the electric companies' case for them. This regulatory agency is sympathetic to the industry and insensitive to the citizens of Texas. As for their claim that they will review the petition if conditions worsen, I told them that the only way things get worse is if people die and then it will be too late to help them."