E-Government Privacy Policy

Garland Power & Light (“GP&L”) is committed to providing web users with convenient and secure e-government services. Thus, we value the privacy of our visitors. This policy describes the privacy practices of GP&L regarding information collected from visitors to this website. It contains information about what data is collected and how that information is used. This privacy policy only applies to www.gpltexas.org, www.garlandpower-light.org and www.garlandutilities.org, so if you follow a link to a different site, even the site of another governmental entity, this policy will no longer apply. GP&L reserves the right to modify this policy at any time without notice.

General Disclaimer

Information presented on the Site is collected, maintained, and provided for the convenience of the visitor. While every effort is make to keep such information accurate and up to date, GP&L does not certify the authenticity of information that originates from third parties. Under no circumstances shall this policy or any reliance on any information contained on the Site or from whatever source be deemed to waive GP&L’s governmental immunity.

Data Collection and Online Transactions

GP&L does not collect personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers or e-mail addresses, unless you choose to provide such information. For example, you may fill in a form of a complaint, a request for information, a class registration, a ticket purchase, a request for service, or another transaction that requests such information. For online transactions involving the Site, you may be asked to enter certain information about yourself and/or the organization with which you are affiliated. The specifics of this information will vary as required by the type of transaction involved. In each case, the information requested will include the same information that would be requested if you performed the transaction in person rather than online.

Additionally, in order to improve the content and usability of the Site, GP&L may automatically collect information such as the apparent Internet Protocol address of your Internet Service Provider and/or your computer, the apparent Domain Name of your Internet Service Provider and/or your computer, the type of browser used and the operating system resident on a visitor’s computer, the date and time the Site was visited, the web pages accessed, the Uniform Resource Locator of sites linking to the Site and any other information to assist in identifying performance needs, to ensure compatibility with the technology used by visitors to the Site and to generally aid and improve services offered on the Site. In order to accomplish these goals, GP&L regularly conducts analysis of the data it collects.

Except for the purposes listed herein or in connection with authorized law enforcement investigations or as otherwise provided by law, the City does not attempt to identify individual visitors or their usage habits.

Cookies

To better serve you, GP&L uses “cookies” to customize your browsing experience. Cookies provide a method of distinguishing among visitors to the Site and do not compromise your privacy or security. Your acceptance of the cookie will serve to provide you with additional functionality in choosing information you wish to view on a regular basis. You can disable cookies on your browser, but you may not be able to perform some of the online transactions available on the Site.

Sending of E-mail

If you send GP&L an e-mail, either through your e-mail program or through one of the online contact forms, GP&L will only use the personally identifying information to initiate a suitable action and response (if warranted). GP&L may redirect the message to another person or governmental entity who or which is more qualified to resolve the issue. GP&L treats e-mail requests the same as faxes or letters sent through the postal service.

Sale of Data from the Site

GP&L will not rent, sell, or provide any personally identifiable information entered into the Site to third parties for marketing or mailing list purposes without your permission.

Security

To prevent unauthorized access or disclosure, maintain data accuracy, and ensure the proper use of information, appropriate physical, electronic, and managerial procedures have been put into place to safeguard and secure the information collected online. The Site uses a secure server for conducting online transactions. Specifically, GP&L uses SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) Certificates for data encryption. SSL is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client. SSL allows sensitive information such as social security numbers, driver license numbers, login credentials, and other personal information to be transmitted securely. Normally, data sent between browsers and web servers is sent in plain text—leaving you vulnerable to eavesdropping. If an attacker is able to intercept all data being sent between a browser and a web server they can see and use that information. More specifically, SSL is a security protocol. Protocols describe how algorithms should be used; in this case, the SSL protocol determines variables of the encryption for both the link and the data being transmitted. Please note that most payment transactions are finalized on the website of a third-party vendor and GP&L does not control the websites of third parties. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information collected through the Site are strictly prohibited and may be punishable by law.

Children

GP&L believes in protecting children and their privacy. The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Acts (“COPPA”), which applies in the United States is an important piece of legislation. Children under the age of 13 are not eligible to use services that require the submission of personal information and should not submit personal information to GP&L. If you are a child under the age of 13, you can use GP&L services only if used together with your parents or guardians. No application on the Site specifically solicits information from minors or seeks to determine whether the visitor is a minor. Consequently, visitors should be aware that personal information volunteered by children online or by e-mail will be treated in the same manner as information given by an adult.

Third Parties

The Site provides information. Any reference to a third party whether by hyperlink, image, application, or other reference on the Site does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by GP&L. The reference is simply to provide relevant information and resources for information. GP&L does not control any third-party website nor is GP&L responsible for their content or privacy policies. Hence, you should review the privacy policies of each website.

Texas Public Information Act

The Texas Public Information Act governs GP&L’s activities. Please be aware that any information received through use of the Site is subject to the Texas Public Information Act. Information about the Texas Public Information Act is available from the Open Government portion of the Texas Attorney General’s website, http://texasattorneygeneral.gov.

Intellectual Property

Content on the Site, including the GP&L logo, images, and graphics, is copyrighted by GP&L or a third-party provider. Before reproducing or otherwise using any content from the Site, including images and graphics, users must obtain permission from the appropriate copyright holder.

Contact Information

If at any time you are concerned that your information is incorrect and you are unsure how to correct or update it, please contact GP&L at 972-205-2671 or contact the appropriate governmental entity directly.