It's no secret -- Texans are feeling the heat, and not just from the summer sun. Power bills skyrocket during the summer in the Lone Star state, leaving residents wondering how long they can keep the lights on. For many, it's more than just a seasonal inconvenience; it's a constant financial worry.
"For Texas low-income households, they are forced to decide between things like air conditioning, food, medicine and other basic necessities," said Sandra Haverlah, president of the Texas Consumer Association. "Texas is hot everywhere in the summer and that's the biggest challenge for those trying to balance their budget and decide what temperature to run the air conditioner."
Texas has long struggled with high energy bills and the state offers little help or funding for energy assistance. Texas has both regulated and deregulated areas, making it hard to handle rising electricity rates and high bills. For many Texans, the challenge is not just about how to stay cool but how to make ends meet.
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The rising cost of electric bills in Texas
Deregulation in Texas was supposed to lower prices by creating competition among providers. For many, deregulation has led to confusion, higher costs and unpredictable bills. Even with rising rates, instead of reinstating financial aid programs, "a lot of the focus is on generation and electricity for consumers, not helping them pay the tab." Haverlah said.
In addition to deregulation, extreme weather events in Texas impact electric bills. "When winter storm Uri hit, the focus turned to electricity and its impact. Our system is aging and there's never really been a focus on how to help residential customers pay the tab," said Haverlah. Because of the storm, Texans now have extra charges on their energy bills. "Fuel costs from Uri will be paid by Texas consumers for 10 to 15 years through surcharges on their bill." These weather events and the rising costs of maintaining an outdated energy system make it difficult to manage energy expenses in Texas.
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This advertisement widget will direct you to www.chooseenergy.com. You will not be charged for engaging with this advertisement. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, this advertising widget may not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information from this advertisement widget is up to date. It is possible that the offer terms from this advertising widget and the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser which will be presented to you prior to making a purchase. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.
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How to get help with your energy bill in Texas
While there's not much statewide support, your power company and local organizations may offer energy help.
"The first step is to talk to whoever is providing your electricity. Whoever sends you the bill understands what's going on in Texas at this point and you can work out a payment plan," said Haverlah. This payment plan is also known as budget billing, where your energy company will review your average energy usage and charge you an equal amount per month. At the end of the billing cycle, if there's any additional usage, you will pay for the difference. Budget payment plans do not save you money but offer predictable monthly bills.
You may find additional programs based on where you live. "Regulated cities, like San Antonio and Austin, have residential assistance programs that go beyond what the state does. Since municipalities and co-ops are community-owned nonprofits, they tend to have additional programs," said Haverlah.
If you need help with your electricity bill, contact your utility or energy company to ask about available energy assistance programs, especially if you do not qualify for federal aid.
Energy assistance programs in Texas
Here's a list of federal and local Texas energy assistance programs.
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program
The CEAP program helps eligible low-income households manage their energy costs. The program pays for up to eight of the highest energy bills annually and provides additional support during energy crises or severe weather. Eligibility requires residents to be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines. You are automatically eligible if you already receive benefits from other assistance programs, like SNAP. Find more details and apply online.
Texas Weatherization Assistance Program
Texas WAP helps low-income elderly, disabled adults and families improve home energy efficiency through insulation and sealing services. The program prioritizes those over age 60, families with disabilities or young children. You are automatically qualified if you participate in other assistance programs. Check the details, find contact information and learn how to apply on the government benefits website.
CPS Energy payment programs
If you live in San Antonio or are a CPS Energy customer, contact CPS to ask about payment assistance programs. Eligible households can get a discount on electricity with the Affordable Discount Program and up to $400 for utility bills with the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership. You can call CPS Energy for payment plan options when you need extra time or want to pay consistent energy bills.
Austin Energy customer assistance programs
If you live in Austin, your utility company provides energy bill discounts to low or fixed-income residents through the CAP program. In addition, the Plus 1 fund offers emergency financial aid to those temporarily needing help with utility bills. Learn more about each program and how to apply online.
Retail electricity payment assistance
In deregulated areas of Texas, call your electricity provider or check its website for bill payment assistance or programs. Many providers offer options to extend or defer payments, waive deposits or fees and other financial energy help programs.