POLR service, or Provider of Last Resort, serves as a safety net for you when your preferred retail electric provider (REP) is unable to maintain service.  Instead of utilities providing backup electric service to customers, the POLR structure requires competitive REPs to fill the service gap if any REP exits the market. This service is intended to be temporary and should be used only in exceptional circumstances, such as when a REP goes out of business. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) appoints certified REPs to provide POLR service in each service region every two years. POLR must be served by the large service providers (LSPs), and smaller providers may volunteer to participate.