Find Assistance in North Texas for Electric Bills
Record Heat Generates Hefty Electricity Bills, Limited Assistance Available in North Texas
As temperatures continue to soar across the country, residents of North Texas are finding their air conditioners overworked and their pocketbooks stretched far too thin. With electric bills reaching several hundred dollars, working-class, low-income, and fixed-income individuals are finding the summer difficult.
Assistance in the North Texas area is limited, but there are a few programs and organizations available to assist.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Texas recently enacted a bill that does not allow electric companies to turn off the electricity to elderly individuals receiving public assistance. Senior citizens must provide their electric companies proof of their situation. Call the electric provider's costumer service number for more details on this legislation.
Any senior citizen unable to pay their electric bill can also call Adult Protective Services at (800) 252-5400. File a report with APS, stating any medical needs, and APS staff will assess the situation in a timely manner.
LOW-INCOME (any age)
Any person receiving public assistance can call LifeLine at (866) 454-8387 to register for discount telephone service and protect themselves against utility late fees.
Specific providers also maintain individual programs. TXU and Reliant Energy sponsor Peace of Mind Program to Aid Customers. For more information on this program TXU customers should call (866) 255-5898 and Reliant Energy customers should call (866) 735-4268.
ALL INDIVIDUALS
Local community service programs, which operate off of private and public donations, might also be able to assist. Dial 2-1-1 and select Option 1 for information in your area.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The best time to start exploring payment assistance options for your electric bill is when it arrives - not once you receive a cut-off notice. Call your electric company, explain that you will be unable to pay the full amount, and ask if they have any assistance available and/or if you can make a payment plan. If the electric company is unable to make arrangements, and you have TXU or Reliant, call the Peace of Mind Program directly. Finally, contact area agencies. 2-1-1 Texas, a free health and human services information hotline, can provide you with name and numbers of organizations in your area.
Ward off sky-high electric bills by exploring ways to decrease your electric consumption - use ceiling fans, seal drafts, close blinds, turn-off lights, etc. Contact your electric company for more tips.
In Texas, individuals can also switch providers - call all electric companies to compare prices by calling Power to Choose at (866) 797-4839.
Published by Melissa Ink
I am a freelance writer currently based in Louisiana. View profile
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- Your electric company can provide you with electricity-saving tips.
- Compare prices of competing electric companies by calling Power to Choose.
- Call 2-1-1 to learn about assistance programs in your area.
4 Comments
Post a CommentWarm Regards, I am puzzeled, It doesn't matter how I try to get through to CEAP, it does not happen, I am 71yrs of age, I am not feeble, it is that I do not get much for s.s. and from time to time I need help,It has been a long time since I have had 2mos, elec. bill go unpaid,is there any help? Thank You. Shirley
You hit the nail on the head!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Welcome to Texas. Everything is big in Texas except for helping people when they need it the most. You either to make too much but you still can't feed your family or you have a job and should be able to provide for your family even though your family is starving or without air, heat and food. Every thing is big in Texas
I have First Choice Power and right now I am on maternity leave living off of 65% of my income with 2 children. I've called every agency that 211 has given and no one seems to assist customers who have First Choice Power. I'm not on any public assistance and can't qualify because of my income WHILE I WAS WORKING, not while I'm on leave. Why is it that the state can help all except those who helps themselves? All I've asked for was for 2 months of assistance and that's it. WTH?