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Residents of Angelina County facing difficulties with high energy costs or a pending utility disconnection have access to a network of support. An Angelina County Texas electric bill assistance program exists through several local, state, and federal channels. Navigating these options can be challenging.
The primary starting point for most federally-funded and state-managed assistance is a designated local organization. Understanding which agency to contact, what programs are available, and how assistance differs based on electricity provider is essential to securing help.
The central organization for energy assistance in the region is the Greater East Texas Community Action Program, widely known as GETCAP. This non-profit organization is the official "subrecipient" tasked by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to administer critical energy support funds to local residents.
What is GETCAP?
GETCAP is the community action agency for a multi-county area that includes Angelina County. When residents seek help through major state or federal programs, they do not apply directly to the state government.
Instead, federal and state funds are allocated to subrecipients like GETCAP, which then handle the local application intake, eligibility verification, and payment processing for clients. GETCAP manages energy assistance, case management, weatherization services, and other support programs for low-income households in the Lufkin area and surrounding communities.
How to Contact GETCAP and Apply for Help
GETCAP has established a specific system for residents to request assistance, relying heavily on text messaging to manage the high volume of requests. This unique process is the first step for most applicants.
To begin the application process, residents can use the following methods:
Important: Program Demand and Priority Groups
It is important to understand that assistance from GETCAP is subject to funding availability and overwhelming demand. The agency has stated that due to this high demand, it must prioritize applications.
Households in the following categories receive first priority for energy assistance:
At certain times of the year, GETCAP may temporarily pause the acceptance of applications from non-priority households to manage its caseload and focus on the most vulnerable residents.
Residents who do not fall into these priority groups may need to check back with the agency at a later date or, more immediately, pursue the alternative charitable and provider-specific options detailed later. This prioritization system indicates that while GETCAP is the primary official channel, it is often at capacity, making community-based crisis support essential.
The funds distributed by GETCAP primarily come from two interconnected programs: one federal and one state. These are the largest, most consistent sources of utility assistance available to low-income Texans.
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is the main utility assistance program in Texas. It is specifically designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and to help them control energy costs over the long term, often through energy education components.
CEAP is not limited to electricity. It provides financial assistance for electricity, natural gas, and propane, making it a vital resource for total home energy security.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the federal program that funds CEAP. LIHEAP is a block grant from the federal government, and the TDHCA integrates these funds with other sources to create the CEAP.
When residents apply for help through GETCAP, they are, in effect, applying for assistance from this federal funding stream. LIHEAP funds are also intended to help with home energy costs, including bill payment assistance and energy crisis assistance.
Income Eligibility for CEAP and LIHEAP
Eligibility for these programs is not discretionary; it is strictly determined by household income and size relative to the Federal Poverty Income Limits. To qualify for CEAP, a household's total income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Limits.
Based on the income guidelines, eligibility is set as follows (these figures are based on federal guidelines and are subject to change):
Residents must provide proof of income for all household members to verify eligibility during the application process.
Beyond the government-funded programs administered by GETCAP, the type of assistance available to an Angelina County resident depends entirely on their electric provider.
The county's electrical market is split: many residents in Lufkin are in the deregulated market, while many in rural areas are served by an electric cooperative. The paths to assistance are fundamentally different.
First, Identify Your Provider
To find the right help, residents must first look at their monthly electric bill.
Path A: For Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHEC) Customers
Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHEC) serves members across ten counties, including parts of Angelina County. As a member-owned organization, it offers dedicated assistance programs exclusively for its members.
The most direct action for a SHEC member is to call 1-800-458-0381. They can inquire about the Helping Hands program and be connected with the local agencies that distribute its funds.
Path B: For Oncor Customers in Lufkin (Deregulated Market)
Residents in the deregulated areas of Angelina County, such as Lufkin, have a different structure. Their bill comes from a Retail Electric Provider (REP), but their utility is Oncor. This creates two separate avenues for potential help, neither of which is typically direct bill payment.
Oncor's Efficiency Programs (Future Savings, Not Current Debt)
Oncor, as the transmission and distribution utility (TDU), maintains the poles and lines. Oncor does not sell electricity and does not offer financial assistance for paying past-due bills.
However, Oncor offers critical programs to lower future bills for low-income households.
These programs are a long-term solution for high energy burdens. Residents can contact Oncor's general inquiries line at 888.313.6862 for more information.
Assistance from Your Retail Electric Provider (REP)
The company that sends the monthly bill (e.g., Gexa, Just Energy, Ambit) is the REP. This is the company residents must contact about an immediate bill. The primary options available from an REP are:
When government programs are at capacity or a resident faces an immediate crisis, such as a disconnection notice, the local charitable network is the most critical resource. These organizations are designed to provide fast, emergency, one-time assistance to prevent a crisis.
The Salvation Army of Lufkin
The Salvation Army is a primary source of emergency financial assistance in Angelina County. The Lufkin Corps explicitly lists utility and rent assistance as key services for families and individuals facing financial hardship.
A crucial, specific program is also available for veterans. The Salvation Army of Lufkin provides assistance with utilities and rent for veterans, a program supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance. Veterans in Angelina County needing help should state their veteran status when calling.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul (St. Patrick Catholic Church, Lufkin)
This volunteer-based Catholic lay organization operates on a "neighbor-helping-neighbor" model, providing compassionate, direct assistance to those in need. The local conference, based at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Lufkin, is a confirmed and significant source of direct financial aid for utilities.
Recent data from the organization highlights the impact of this support, showing that in a single six-month period, over $17,236 was distributed to pay for utilities and rent for local residents in need. This demonstrates a substantial, dedicated budget for the exact crisis Angelina County residents face.
Deep East Texas Resource Center (DETRC)
The Deep East Texas Resource Center in Lufkin, operated by the East Texas Food Bank, serves as a hub for multiple social services. In addition to its food pantry, the center lists "utility assistance" under its "Other Support Services" category.
It is important to note that this assistance is provided "as available". This means it is dependent on grant funding and may not be available at all times. It is a valuable resource to check, but not a guaranteed source of funds.
Two final points are essential for all Texas residents: a universal referral service and a clarification on programs that are often sources of confusion.
2-1-1 Texas: The Universal Referral Service
If all other options are exhausted or at capacity, the next call to make is to 2-1-1. This is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
By dialing 2-1-1, residents can connect with operators who have a comprehensive database of local social services. They can often identify smaller, local churches, non-profits, or municipal programs in Angelina County that may have utility assistance funds available.
Program Status: The LITE-UP Texas Program is No Longer Active
Many outdated websites still reference the LITE-UP Texas discount program. It is critical to know that this program is no longer active.
The LITE-UP program, which provided a discount on summer electric bills, was funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) on all electric bills. The Texas legislature voted to end this charge, and the program was phased out.
This program was replaced, in part, by Texas Senate Bill 1976. This bill allows Retail Electric Providers (REPs) in the deregulated market to offer their own low-income benefits, as mentioned in Section 3. Residents should not waste time trying to find an application for LITE-UP, as the program is defunct.
Program Clarification: Lifeline Program
Another common point of confusion is the Lifeline program. The Lifeline program is a federal benefit that provides a discount on monthly telephone service (landline or wireless) or broadband, not electricity.
The confusion often arises because the application for the old LITE-UP program was frequently bundled with the Lifeline application. They are separate programs for different utilities.
For residents in Angelina County facing a utility crisis, a multi-pronged approach is the most effective. Action should be taken immediately and on multiple fronts, as some processes are slow (government) while others are fast but limited (charitable).
Step 1: Gather Information
Before making calls, residents should locate their most recent electric bill (to identify the provider and account number) and have basic information on household size and monthly income.
Step 2: Make Primary Calls (Government & Utility)
These calls should be made first to start the formal processes.
Step 3: Make Secondary Calls (Community & Crisis)
These calls should be made at the same time as Step 2. Do not wait for a response from the primary calls, as these agencies provide immediate crisis intervention.
Step 4: The Safety Net Call
If the agencies in Step 3 are out of funds, the final call is to dial 2-1-1. Inform the operator of which agencies have already been contacted (GETCAP, Salvation Army, SVDP) and ask if there are any other local churches or smaller agencies in Angelina County with available utility assistance funds.
The primary resource is the Angelina County Texas electric bill assistance program administered through the federal Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), also known as LIHEAP. This program provides financial aid to help low-income households cover their energy costs.
You should contact the Greater East Texas Community Action Program (GETCAP). This is the local agency that manages CEAP/LIHEAP funds for Angelina County residents. Their main office can provide applications and guide you through the process.
Eligibility is primarily based on your household's total gross income, which must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Priority is often given to households with elderly members (60+), persons with disabilities, or young children (age 5 or under).
When applying, you will generally need:
Photo ID for all adult household members.
Proof of U.S. citizenship (like a Social Security card or birth certificate).
Proof of all household income for the last 30 days.
A copy of your most recent electric bill.
Yes. CEAP offers a crisis assistance component. If you have received a disconnection notice, contact GETCAP immediately. They may be able to expedite your application to prevent a loss of service, provided you meet the program's eligibility requirements.
Yes, The Salvation Army of Angelina County, located in Lufkin, offers utility assistance. This program typically provides partial payment on a utility bill once per year. You must call their office on Wednesday mornings to schedule an appointment.
The United Way of Angelina County supports various local agencies that provide a "basic needs" safety net. You can call them directly or dial 2-1-1 to be connected to their partner agencies that may have funds available for utility assistance.
Yes. GETCAP also manages the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). This program, available to qualifying low-income households, provides free home upgrades—such as insulation and air sealing—to reduce your energy consumption and lower your monthly electric bills.
To apply for help from The Salvation Army in Angelina County, you must call their Lufkin office at 936-634-5132. Appointments are typically set on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 AM, so it is crucial to call at that specific time.
The fastest way to find an Angelina County Texas electric bill assistance program is to call 2-1-1. This free service connects you to local social service agencies, including GETCAP and The Salvation Army, and can provide the most up-to-date information on available funds.
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