Lubbock tenant lawsuit over utility shutoff moves to new phase
Tenant sues Lubbock city and utilities after power shutoff, arguing constitutional rights; court now deciding jurisdiction.Summary
In January 2024, Lubbock tenant Maria Jesus Tucker had her electricity disconnected by Ambit Energy Texas because her landlord, Thunder Sun, failed to pay the bill. Tucker sued the mayor, city council, Lubbock Power & Light (LP&L), Ambit, and others, claiming the shutoff violated her constitutional rights. The case now hinges on whether the 99th District Court has jurisdiction or whether the matter belongs to the Texas Public Utility Commission.
LP&L argues the dispute involves regulatory rules that fall under the commission’s authority and calls Tucker’s claims against the company frivolous, while Tucker’s attorney Benjamin Gerzik insists the issue is a civil‑rights matter that must be heard in court. Judge Philip Hays, who previously ordered the power restored under dangerous winter conditions, has not yet ruled on the jurisdiction question but is expected to decide in the coming days.
(Source：Https://www.kcbd.com)