Bailey County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Residents searching for a Balley County Texas electric bill assistance program have immediate options available. This is especially true for those facing high energy costs or disconnection notices.

The primary source of support is a federally-funded program administered directly by a local community action agency in Muleshoe, Texas. This program, along with other resources, provides a critical financial safety net.

It serves low-income individuals, families with young children, the elderly, and disabled residents in Bailey County. Understanding where to apply, what documents are required, and who qualifies is the first step toward securing help.

The Primary Source for Electric Bill Help in Bailey County

For residents of Bailey County, including Muleshoe, the main organization that processes and distributes funds for utility bill assistance is the South Plains Community Action Association, Inc. (SPCAA). This local agency manages the primary government assistance programs.

All applications and inquiries for electric bill help must be directed to their local neighborhood service center.

• Agency: South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA)
• Local Office: Bailey County Center
• Address: 804 West America Blvd, Muleshoe, Tx 79347
• Phone Number: (806) 224-2899

Interested clients must contact the Bailey County Center at this phone number to schedule an appointment to apply for assistance.

Understanding the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The South Plains Community Action Association administers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for Bailey County residents. CEAP is the primary utility assistance program in Texas designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs.

This program is the state of Texas's implementation of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees the program at the state level. It distributes federal funds to local "subrecipients," like SPCAA, which cover all 254 counties in the state.

It is important to note that individuals cannot apply for this assistance directly from the state (TDHCA). They must apply through their designated local provider, which is SPCAA for Bailey County.

What Services Does CEAP Provide?

CEAP is designed to address utility needs in two different ways: through general bill-paying support and through emergency intervention.   

• Utility Assistance Component: This component provides general financial assistance for electric and gas bills. It is intended to help vulnerable households manage the high cost of energy for home heating and cooling throughout the year.
• Household Crisis Component: This component is for emergency situations. It specifically assists households that have received a disconnection notice from their utility provider. This crisis fund can also be used for the purchase of portable heating or cooling units, or for the repair of existing heating and cooling systems, for households that are at risk without them.

In addition to direct financial aid, CEAP also works to promote long-term stability. The program provides clients with energy education, needs assessments, and budget counseling focused on energy needs.

Who is Eligible for CEAP in Bailey County?

Eligibility for CEAP is primarily based on household income and vulnerability.

• Income Eligibility: A household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To determine this, the SPCAA office will collect income documentation from all household members aged 18 and older for the 30-day period just before the application appointment. This 30-day income is then annualized to see if it falls within the guidelines.
• Priority Groups: The program is targeted to assist low-income households, but it gives priority to those most vulnerable to energy costs. These priority groups include:
• Elderly individuals
• Disabled individuals
• Families with children five years of age or younger

How to Apply for Assistance at the Muleshoe SPCAA Office: A Step-by-Step Process

Applying for utility assistance involves a clear, multi-step process. Following these steps can help ensure the application is processed efficiently.

Step 1: Call to Schedule an Appointment The first and most important step is to call the Bailey County Center at (806) 224-2899. An appointment is required to apply for services.

During this call, staff can provide a preliminary screening for eligibility and confirm the exact documents needed for the appointment.

Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents To complete the application, specific documentation must be provided for the entire household. Failure to bring all required items can delay assistance. Applicants must gather the following:

• Photo Identification: A valid photo ID for the person applying.
• Social Security Cards: Social Security cards or numbers for every member of the household, including all children.
• Proof of Residence: A copy of the most recent utility bill or a lease agreement to prove residency in Bailey County.
• Proof of Income: Documentation of all income sources for all household members aged 18 and older for the 30-day period prior to the appointment date. This includes:
• Recent paycheck stubs
• Social Security or SSI award letters
• Disability benefit statements
• Child support statements
• Any other proof of money received by the household

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment Applicants must bring all gathered documents to their scheduled appointment at the SPCAA Bailey County Center, located at 804 West America Blvd in Muleshoe. A specialist will review the documentation, verify the household's income, and determine eligibility for the CEAP program.

If approved, the agency will then coordinate payment with the electric utility provider.

Assistance Directly From Your Bailey County Utility Provider

In addition to community programs, electric providers in Bailey County offer options to help members manage their bills and avoid disconnection.

For Bailey County Electric Cooperative (BCEC) Customers

Bailey County Electric Cooperative (BCEC) works with its members and directs them to financial assistance programs like CEAP, which is administered by SPCAA. However, BCEC also provides two key programs directly to its members to help prevent disconnection.

1. Payment Arrangements Members who are delinquent on their account can make a written payment arrangement to avoid disconnection. This arrangement must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled disconnect date.

This option is limited to three (3) payment arrangements within any 12-month period. To request an arrangement, members should call the BCEC office directly at (806) 272-4504.

2. Critical Care Program This program is available for residential members who have a person living in their home who relies on life-sustaining, electricity-powered medical equipment.

This program does not provide financial assistance or relieve the member of the obligation to pay for electric service. Instead, it protects the account from disconnection for non-payment, provided the member works with BCEC on a payment solution.

To apply, members must contact the BCEC office to request an application and must also submit an official verification of electric necessity from a physician.

For Xcel Energy Customers

Xcel Energy, which also services parts of the region, encourages customers struggling to pay their bills to contact them immediately.

While their primary resource is referring customers to state programs like CEAP (LIHEAP) , they can often provide payment plans or other options. Xcel Energy also offers energy efficiency programs that can help customers lower their bills over the long term.

Additional Community and Charitable Resources in Bailey County

If federal CEAP funds are unavailable or an applicant is not eligible, local charitable organizations in Muleshoe may be able to provide emergency assistance.

Muleshoe Ministerial Alliance This is an association of local churches that provides various forms of help, including financial assistance for utilities like electricity and natural gas.

• Contact: The resource is associated with the First Baptist Church. 
• Phone: (806) 272-4224.

Muleshoe Cowboy Fellowship This fellowship is also listed as a local resource for residents needing assistance.

• Phone: (806) 272-5199.
• Address: 710 E American Blvd, Muleshoe, TX 79347.

The Salvation Army The Salvation Army offers emergency utility assistance programs throughout Texas. While there is not a physical office in Muleshoe, residents of Bailey County can apply for assistance online.

• How to Apply: Residents can visit https://sahelp.org/ and enter their zip code (e.g., 79347) to begin a confidential online application for assistance.

Statewide Assistance Programs and Disconnection Protections

If local resources are unable to provide help, several statewide safety nets and protections are available to Texas residents.

Texas 2-1-1

Texas 2-1-1 is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Residents can dial 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905) at any time to speak with an operator.

They can provide information on utility assistance and other services from local agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations in their area. This is an excellent resource if CEAP funds are temporarily depleted.

TDHCA "Help for Texans" Portal

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) provides an online search tool called "Help for Texans". Residents can use this portal to verify the official utility assistance provider for their county.

• How to Use: Visit https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans, select "Utility Bill Payment Help," and enter "Bailey County" in the county search field to find the contact information for the designated local provider.

Panhandle Community Services (PCS)

While SPCAA is the primary provider for Bailey County , some utility provider referral lists also mention Panhandle Community Services (PCS). PCS is the official CEAP provider for many neighboring counties (such as Parmer, Castro, and Deaf Smith).

Residents living near county lines or who are members of BCEC may find it helpful to contact PCS as a secondary resource if SPCAA is unable to assist.

• Contact (Hereford Office): 1011 E. Park, Hereford, Texas 79045
• Phone: (806) 364-5631

Special Protections from the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas

The PUC of Texas provides certain rights and protections that can help prevent disconnection.

• SNAP or Medicaid Benefits: Under Senate Bill 1976, electric providers may offer a bill-matching program or other benefits to low-income customers. To be eligible, a resident must be enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid, and the name on the electric bill must match the name of the program participant. Residents should call their provider (BCEC or Xcel) and ask if they participate in this program.
• Victims of Family Violence: State rules allow victims of family violence to have their electric service deposit waived.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

For a long-term solution to high electric bills, low-income households can apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

This federally funded program helps make homes more energy-efficient by installing insulation, sealing ducts, and making other improvements to lower utility bills. This program is also administered by the local community action agency, so Bailey County residents can ask about WAP when they call SPCAA for their CEAP appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions