Reliant Energy™ is partnering with the City of Houston Multi-Service Centers (MSCs) again this summer to support eight community locations where Houstonians can go when the temperature climbs.

The eight Reliant Energy™ Beat the Heat Centers will operate 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 21 through Sept. 28. The centers are created to provide a cool place for energy-conscious Houstonians who want to positively impact their electricity bill by minimizing their homes' air-conditioning usage and visiting the cooling centers during the heat of the day.

Reliant Energy™ Beat the Heat Center locations:

Acres Homes MSC 6719 W. Montgomery Road
Fifth Ward MSC 4014 Market St.
Kashmere MSC 4802 Lockwood St.
Magnolia MSC 7037 Capitol St.
Southwest MSC 6400 High Star Drive
Sunnyside MSC 4605 Wilmington St.
Third Ward MSC 3611 Ennis St.
West End MSC 170 Heights Blvd.

Each Reliant Energy™ Beat the Center will include adult and youth games, movies, snacks and water. Once a month, through its PowerHouse Program, Reliant Energy™ will provide Beat the Heat Center participants with a brief home energy efficiency workshop, as well as the opportunity for Reliant Energy™ customers to visit with Reliant™ customer care advisors to better understand how to read their Reliant Energy™ bills. For specific information on these sessions or to schedule free rides to and from the Beat the Heat Centers, interested participants can call 713-497-2711.

"Our customers are looking for ways to maximize their energy dollar," said Tracy Carmen-Jones, vice president, Reliant Energy™ Community Marketing. "The Reliant Energy™ Beat the Heat Centers allow energy-conscious Houstonians, as well as the elderly and residents on a fixed income, to conserve energy during the hottest times of the day by visiting the centers. We believe providing customers with options like the Beat the Heat Centers is what retail competition is all about."

For more details, check out the Reliant Energy™ press release.

Last week, TXU Energy announced new customer protections, including a summer moratorium on disconnects for critical care, low-income, and customers that are at least 62 years of age. TXU Energy will also waive deposit requirements for low-income residential customers that are at least 62 years of age and for all customers with a good record of timely payments. Additionally, TXU Energy will not charge customers penalties for canceling month-to-month electric service.

"In this competitive market, being responsive to customer needs and providing innovative solutions is essential, and TXU Energy is proud to be offering these protections for our customers," said Jim Burke, chief executive officer of TXU Energy. "We will continue our efforts to provide excellence in customer service, innovation and value."

For more information on all the customer protection programs, check out the TXU press release.