How Can I Get Help Paying My Electric Bill in Texas?
During the summer and winter months, your Texas electric bill can skyrocket due to the high costs of energy. You can easily find yourself worrying about how to pay the bill. There are numerous Texas organizations that will help you maintain your electricity. To get help paying your electric bill, you must first meet the financial qualifications that are established by each organization.
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Instructions
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Apply for assistance through CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program). The CEAP program will help you to develop goals to meet the energy needs for your household. The program also provides financial assistance for utility bill payments. CEAP is intended for low income familes, the elderly and the disabled. The income threshold for low income families varies depending upon family size. For instance, a family of one must have an income of $21,660 or less to qualify. A family of five must have an income less than $51,580. In order to be approved for CEAP participation, you must visit a local partnership agency to complete an application. Call 877-399-8939 or visit the Texas Department Of Housing & Community Affairs website to locate a CEAP agency near you.
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Apply for assistance through the Lite Up Texas program if you need help during the summer months, May through September. The Lite Up Texas program does not provide you with money to pay your electric bill. Instead, the program offers a discount on your bill. As of October 2010, the discount gives you 17 percent off your bill, excluding taxes and fees. In order to qualify for Lite Up Texas, you must meet the income guidelines. For instance, a one-person household must make $13,538 or less. A family of three must have a household income of $22,888 or less. To apply, fax an enrollment application to 877-215-8018. You can request an enrollment application by calling 866-454-8387 or by downloading one from the Lite Up Texas website.
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Contact the United Way Of Texas. This organization will provide you with a list of charities and organizations in your area that can assist with your electric bill. To contact United Way Of Texas, dial 211 from your mobile phone. If you don't have a mobile phone, get a direct telephone number for your nearest United Way by using the "Locate A United Way" look-up tool located on the agency website.
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References
- Texas Department Of Housing & Community Affairs: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program
- Public Utility Commission Of Texas: Lite Up Texas Program
- Electricity Service Guide: Lite Up Texas Program For Low Income Electricity Customers
- United Ways Of Texas
- Texas Department Of Housing & Community Affairs: Energy Assistance Eligibility
Resources
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