Atascosa County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Residents of Atascosa County seeking an atascosa county texas electric bill assistance program have several primary pathways for support during times of financial hardship. Assistance is available through a primary, government-funded program as well as a network of local community and faith-based organizations. It is critical for residents to know that the state-level portal, texasutilityhelp.com, is closed and no longer accepting applications.

Utility assistance has not ended. Instead, these funds are administered by local partner organizations. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) distributes all federal utility assistance funds to designated "subrecipients". The official, active agency designated for all Atascosa County residents is the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT).

The Primary Government Program for Electric Bill Assistance

The main source of federal and state financial aid for energy bills is managed locally, ensuring residents of Jourdanton, Pleasanton, Poteet, and surrounding areas have a direct point of contact.

Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT)

The Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) is the official non-profit community action agency designated to administer utility assistance for low-income households throughout Atascosa County. CCSCT's mission is to empower vulnerable families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency by eliminating barriers through these and other innovative programs.

About the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The primary program administered by CCSCT is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the official name for the program in Texas that is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

CEAP is designed to do more than just pay a bill; it combines financial assistance with education to help consumers control their energy costs for years to come. The program provides payment assistance for electric, natural gas, and propane bills.

Who is Eligible for CEAP?

Eligibility for CEAP is determined by household income and vulnerability status.

Income-Based Eligibility

The primary requirement for CEAP assistance is based on the household's income. To qualify, a household's total gross income for the past 30 days (before the application date) must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Based on the federal poverty guidelines, the income limits are as follows:

• Household of 1: $23,475
• Household of 2: $31,725
• Household of 3: $39,975
• Household of 4: $48,225
• Household of 5: $56,475
• Household of 6: $64,725
• Household of 7: $72,975
• Household of 8: $81,225
• For households with more than 8 persons: Add $8,250 for each additional person.

Priority Households

While all income-eligible households can apply, CCSCT assigns priority to those with the least amount of income and the greatest energy costs. Priority is specifically given to the most vulnerable individuals, including:

• Individuals 60 years of age and over.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Families with children five years of age or under.

Types of Assistance Available Through CEAP

CEAP is divided into components to address both long-term energy burdens and immediate crises.

1. Utility Assistance Component

This is the non-emergency component of CEAP. It provides payments to help low-income households reduce their home energy costs. Payments under this component are not just a flat rate; they are calculated based on the household's previous 12-month billing cycle to reflect actual energy usage and need.

2. Crisis Assistance Component

This emergency component is for households in more urgent situations. It provides assistance when a household has already lost service or is in imminent danger of losing service.

To qualify for crisis assistance, the household must meet the income requirements and one of the following three conditions:

• Extreme Weather Conditions: This is only applicable during designated summer months (June, July, August, September) and winter months (November, December, January, February).
• President or Governor Declared Disaster.
• A Life-Threatening Crisis.

Heating and Cooling Appliance Repair

In addition to bill payment, CEAP can also fund the service and repair of heating and cooling appliance components.

• Vulnerable households (those with elderly, disabled, or young children) may be eligible for appliance repair or replacement up to $5,000, depending on funding availability.
• Non-vulnerable households can only receive appliance repair assistance during one of the three crisis situations (Extreme Weather, Declared Disaster, or Life-Threatening Crisis) listed above.

Crucial Program Limitations: What CEAP Does Not Cover

Understanding what the program does not pay for is essential for applicants. CEAP payments are made directly to the utility company on behalf of the household.

However, these payments do not include many of the additional charges that can lead to disconnection. CEAP funds cannot be used to pay for:

• Deposits
• Disconnection fees
• Reconnect fees
• Late fees
• Collection recovery fees
• Membership fees
• Returned check fees
• Fees for water, sewer, or garbage services
• Security light fees

This is a critical gap: an applicant may be approved for assistance to cover their energy usage, but they will still be responsible for paying all associated fees to maintain or restore service.

How to Apply for CEAP in Atascosa County: A Step-by-Step Process

The application process for CEAP is detailed and requires precise documentation. Following these steps carefully is essential for a successful application.

Step 1: Check Funding Status and Manage Expectations

Before applying, residents should be aware that program funding is limited and fluctuates. Due to decreases in funding, CCSCT may only be able to assist "priority 1" households (the most vulnerable) with limited funds.

It is important to understand that submitting an application is not a guarantee of assistance. Applicants should continue to pay their bills on time if possible or contact their utility provider to arrange a payment plan while awaiting a determination.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents (Mandatory)

This is the most critical part of the process. The application will not be processed if any required documents are missing. Applicants must gather the following items for all household members.

• Proof of Identity: A valid, government-issued photo ID for the applicant (such as a Driver's License or State ID).
• Proof of Citizenship (for ALL household members): This is a strict federal requirement. Acceptable documents include a U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Permanent Resident Card ("Green Card").
• Social Security Cards (for ALL household members): Copies of the physical cards or documentation of the social security numbers for every person living in the home are required.
• Proof of ALL Income (for the PAST 30 DAYS): This is required for every household member 18 years of age or older.
• Accepted forms of income proof include: Paycheck stubs from the last 30 days; a current award letter from Social Security, SSI, SSDC, or Veterans Affairs (VA) (must be for the current year); unemployment benefits letter; TANF letter; child support letter; or a pension letter.
• NOT Accepted: Bank statements, copies of checks, or food stamp (SNAP) letters are not acceptable as proof of income.
• Declaration of Income Statement: If any household member 18 years or older has zero income, they must complete and sign a "Declaration of Income Statement," which is a form provided by CCSCT. 
• Utility Bills:
• The current electric bill, any past-due bills, and any disconnection notice received.
• A 12-month billing history from the electric provider. If the household also uses natural gas or propane, a 12-month history from those providers is also required.
• Other Documents:
• A SNAP benefits award letter, if the household receives them.

Step 3: Complete and Submit the Application

Applicants have two options for submitting their application:

1. Printable Application: Applicants can download and print the application forms (available in English and Spanish ), fill them out completely, and bring them to the scheduled appointment.
2. Electronic Application: Applicants can apply through the CCSCT online portal. When using this method, it is mandatory to upload all required documents for the application to be processed.

A current, working telephone number is mandatory on all applications.

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment and Contact the Atascosa County Office

After the application is completed and all documents are gathered, the applicant must contact the local CCSCT office to schedule an appointment.

Applicants must arrive on time for their appointment and bring all required documents. Failure to do so will result in the appointment being rescheduled.

Atascosa County CCSCT Office Contact Information:

• Agency: Community Council of South Central Texas
• Address: 1220 Simmons, Jourdanton, TX 78026    
• Phone Number: (830) 767-2019    
• Fax: (830) 767-2021    
• County Coordinator: Stephanie Cannon    
• Email: scannon@ccsct.org    
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Additional Community and Faith-Based Assistance Resources

The government CEAP program is thorough but can be slow and has funding gaps. For more immediate needs or to help cover fees that CEAP does not pay, Atascosa County residents can turn to several local, faith-based, and non-profit organizations.

Atascosa Christian Assistance Ministry (ACAM)

ACAM is a Poteet-based ministry that provides a range of emergency services to Atascosa County residents, funded by local churches and private donations.

• Services: ACAM offers assistance with utility bills (electric and water), a food bank, clothing and bedding, and limited medications.
• Application Process: Assistance is provided by appointment only. Residents must call to schedule an appointment, which typically takes about 30 minutes to determine eligibility. If an applicant brings all required documentation, services can begin as soon as eligibility is determined.
• Eligibility and Required Documents:
• Must be a resident of Atascosa County.
• Must bring Social Security cards and IDs for all household members.
• Must bring proof of income for the past 30 days.
• Must bring the current bills for the current residence.
• Critical Limitations: Similar to CEAP, ACAM cannot pay for deposits, reconnect fees, or late fees. This confirms a significant gap in local assistance, meaning residents will likely need to find a way to cover these specific fees themselves.
• Contact Information:
• Address: 500 Avenue H, Poteet, TX 78065
• Phone: 210-632-6341  or 210-632-6431
• Contact: Dan Minnich, Executive Director
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Note: The office is closed to the public on Fridays). 

The Salvation Army (Pleasanton)

The Salvation Army offers a variety of emergency assistance programs to help individuals and families maintain housing stability, which can include help with utility bills, food, and clothing.

• Application Process: The Salvation Army has largely centralized its financial assistance applications through an online portal.
• Residents should visit SAHelp.org.
• On the website, the applicant must enter their home zip code to be matched with the correct service unit.
• This will begin the confidential online application process.
• A case manager may contact the applicant for additional information. If assistance is approved, the applicant and the utility company will be notified by email.
• Local Contact Information: For residents who may not be able to use the online portal or are seeking other services like the food pantry, the local office can be contacted directly.
• Address: 2132 Second St, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Phone: (830) 569-5498

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Pleasanton)

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides direct, person-to-person assistance to those in need, including utility assistance, rent help, and food.

• Application Process: Assistance is not provided by a central office. It is run by local, volunteer-run chapters called "Conferences," which are based in local Catholic churches. Applicants must call the specific conference that serves their neighborhood.
• Contact Information (St. Andrew Conference): For residents in and around Pleasanton, the local chapter is the St. Andrew Conference.
• Address: 626 Market Street, Pleasanton, TX 78064
• Phone: 830-569-0873
• Email: svdp@standrewspleasonton.org
• Hours: Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• Applicants must be aware of these very limited hours and are advised to call first.

Contacting Your Electric Provider for Help

One of the most important first steps for any resident facing a high bill or disconnection notice is to contact their utility provider directly. Many providers offer payment plans or deferred billing options and are more willing to work with customers who communicate with them proactively.

For Karnes Electric Cooperative (KEC) Members

Karnes Electric Cooperative (KEC) is a locally owned, not-for-profit electric utility that serves 12 counties, including parts of Atascosa County.

KEC does not offer its own direct financial assistance program. Instead, KEC officially refers its members who need help to the same primary agencies identified in this report. This referral validates the authority of these organizations.

KEC directs its Atascosa County members to contact:

• Community Council of South Central Texas: (830) 767-2019
• Atascosa Christian Assistance Ministry: (830) 742-4901
• Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG): 1-866-231-4922

For AEP Texas Customers

AEP Texas is an energy delivery company. This means that while a resident's bill comes from a separate Retail Electric Provider (REP), AEP maintains the power lines and responds to service issues.

For billing issues, payment arrangements, or to stop, start, or transfer service, customers should call AEP Customer Service at 1-877-373-4858. For power outages, the correct number is 1-866-223-8508. AEP customers are also eligible to apply for the CEAP program through the Community Council of South Central Texas.

For CPS Energy Customers

Some residents living on the border of Atascosa County may be serviced by San Antonio's CPS Energy. CPS Energy offers its own assistance program called the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP).

Critically, REAP applications are not processed by CPS Energy itself. They are administered by the City of San Antonio and Bexar County.

State and Regional Referral Services

If the local agencies are unable to provide help, several state and regional referral services can connect residents with other potential resources.

Local City Programs (Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet)

It is important for residents to understand the distinction between different utility bills. Assistance programs offered by city governments, like the City of Pleasanton, are typically for city-run utilities only, such as water, sewer, and garbage collection. These programs do not apply to private electric bills from providers like KEC or AEP.   

The City of Pleasanton does have a Utility Discount Program for water and sewer bills, though applications are currently closed. The city also offers a "Senior Citizen Discount on Water Utility Service" for residents age 65 and older. For electric bill help, residents must contact the agencies listed above.   

State and National Resource Locators

Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA)

The TDHCA is the state agency that manages and distributes federal LIHEAP funds to subrecipients like CCSCT. TDHCA does not provide assistance or accept applications from individuals directly.

As previously stated, the texasutilityhelp.com (TUH) website is CLOSED.

The correct state-level tool for finding help is the "Help for Texans" resource locator on the official TDHCA website.

• Official URL: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans
• How to Use: Residents select "Utility Bill Payment Help" from the menu, then enter "Atascosa County" or their city to find the contact information for the official, designated local provider (CCSCT).

2-1-1 Texas (United Way)

For general information on a wide variety of emergency assistance resources, residents can dial 2-1-1. This 24/7 hotline, also recommended by TDHCA, can provide information on other local programs that may be able to help.

Authoritative Legal Resources

Residents who have questions about their rights regarding utility disconnections, payment plans, or protections during disasters can consult TexasLawHelp.org. This organization provides free, reliable legal information to low-income Texans.

Frequently Asked Questions