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Finding a Brooks County Texas electric bill assistance program can be overwhelming, especially when facing high energy costs or a disconnection notice. For residents of Falfurrias and surrounding areas, direct financial assistance is available through specific local agencies. These programs are designed to help low-income households, seniors, and families in crisis. The primary path to receiving help involves contacting the designated community action agency for the area, which manages federal and state utility relief funds. Other non-profits and even your own electric provider may also offer payment arrangements and support.
What is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)?
The primary source of federal funding for utility help is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In Texas, these federal funds are integrated into the state's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). CEAP is a utility assistance program, not a loan, designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs.
What Does CEAP Provide?
The program provides financial assistance for electricity, natural gas, and propane costs. In addition to helping pay bills, CEAP also aims to encourage long-term self-sufficiency through energy education. In crisis situations, such as extreme weather, the program can also help repair or replace essential heating and cooling systems.
Who Has Priority for CEAP?
The program gives priority to households with the most vulnerable members. This includes elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and families with children aged five or under.
It is essential to know that the statewide Texas Utility Help (TUH) website is CLOSED and no longer accepting applications. Assistance is administered locally, not through that portal.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) manages CEAP funds. These funds are distributed through local subrecipient organizations, which collectively cover all 254 counties in the state.
For residents of Brooks County, the designated local provider is the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST). It is important to contact this specific agency; other community action groups with similar names, such as the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT), serve different counties and will not be able to process a Brooks County application.
CACOST Contact and Application Steps
The most direct way to begin the application is by telephone.
Staff at these numbers can provide the most current application procedures, including information on any local application-intake events that may be scheduled in Falfurrias. Be aware that incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed, so it is vital to have all required documents ready.
Eligibility Rules for CEAP
Eligibility for CEAP is primarily based on two factors: household income and citizenship status.
Household Income
Your household's total gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Based on the income limits, the maximum annual gross income for CEAP is:
Citizenship or Legal Residency
Applicants must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency. A critical part of the application is that this proof is required for every member of the household, including children.
Required Documents for Your CACOST Application
To avoid delays, gather these items before you apply. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. All documentation is required for every household member.
CEAP funds can be limited and may run out during the year. If you are ineligible or need further help, several other non-profit organizations provide emergency utility assistance to Brooks County residents.
Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi
The Emergency Aid Program at Catholic Charities of Corpus Christi is a key resource and explicitly serves residents of Brooks County.
This program has a very specific application process due to high demand. Assistance is offered to the first ten callers who phone (361) 884-0651 on Monday mornings beginning at 7:30 a.m..
If you are one of the first ten callers, you will be asked to provide documents, including:
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance, including utility help, to families in crisis and individuals on fixed incomes. For rural areas like Brooks County, this assistance is often managed through the main Corpus Christi office or its Service Extension program, which uses local volunteers.
The best starting point is to call the Corpus Christi regional office at (361) 884-9497 to inquire about utility assistance for Brooks County residents.
2-1-1 Texas: The Statewide Referral Hotline
Dialing 2-1-1 (or visiting 211texas.org) connects you to a free, confidential information and referral service. A specialist can search for local agencies or churches in your area that may offer utility payment help.
In addition to referring you to local charities, 2-1-1 is the only way to access certain private assistance funds. For example, TXU Energy directs customers to call 2-1-1 to apply for its "TXU Energy Aid" program. This makes 2-1-1 a critical call for unlocking both public and private assistance.
Separate from charitable aid, you can secure payment options directly from your power company. Understanding who to call in Texas's deregulated market is key.
In Brooks County, your power is delivered by the utility, AEP Texas Central. Your bill, however, comes from your Retail Electric Provider (REP)—the company you chose, such as TXU, Gexa, or BKV. You may need to contact both.
Your Utility (TDSP): AEP Texas Central
AEP Texas Central is responsible for the poles, wires, and power outages. If your power is out, call their 24/7 outage line at 1-866-223-8508.
AEP also offers programs to help reduce your usage, which can provide long-term relief. Call their customer service line at 1-877-373-4858 to ask about:
Your Retail Electric Provider (REP)
If you have a disconnection notice, your most urgent call is to the Retail Electric Provider (REP) listed on your bill. Most providers will work with you if you call them before your service is shut off.
Call your provider's customer service number (found on your bill) and ask for:
Some providers have formal programs. For example, BKV Energy offers a "Save Now, Pay Later" 0% interest deferred payment option. Others, like TXU Energy, fund their "TXU Energy Aid" program, which you access by calling 2-1-1.
Securing emergency payment is the first step. The next is reducing future bills to prevent a new crisis. Brooks County residents have access to programs specifically for this purpose.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal program that provides free, permanent energy-efficiency upgrades to your home. These upgrades, such as insulation, air sealing, and heating/cooling system checks, are designed to permanently lower your utility bills.
In Brooks County, WAP is administered by the same agency as CEAP: the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST). This means you can—and should—ask about both programs when you call (361) 661-1300.
WAP has a different income requirement. You may qualify for WAP even if your income is too high for CEAP. Eligibility is based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The maximum annual gross income for WAP is:
Provider-Based Energy Efficiency
Finally, do not forget to contact AEP Texas Central at 1-877-373-4858 to see if you qualify for their energy-saving incentives, like the Cool Saver A/C Tune-up or the Targeted Low-Income program. These can provide additional home upgrades to lower your monthly energy consumption.
The primary resource is the Brooks County Texas electric bill assistance program administered through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). This includes federal programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).
Residents of Brooks County, including Falfurrias, should contact the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACoST). This is the local agency that manages and processes applications for utility assistance programs like LIHEAP and CEAP for your area.
Eligibility is primarily based on household income, which must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Priority for the Brooks County Texas electric bill assistance program is often given to households with elderly members, persons with disabilities, or young children.
You will typically need proof of identity and citizenship for all household members (like a valid ID and Social Security cards), proof of all household income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefit letters), and your most recent, complete electric bill.
Yes. Crisis assistance is a key part of the Brooks County Texas electric bill assistance program. If you have a disconnection notice, contact the Community Action Corporation of South Texas immediately, as you may qualify for expedited emergency financial aid.
Yes. All residents of Brooks County, including those in the county seat of Falfurrias, are eligible to apply for these statewide programs through the designated local agency. The services are intended to cover all households within the county who meet the eligibility criteria.
The Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACoST) office that serves Brooks County residents is located at 601 East Main Street in Alice, Texas, 78332. It is best to call them first to confirm hours and application procedures.
Besides LIHEAP and CEAP, you can also dial 2-1-1 Texas from any phone. This free service can connect you with other local non-profits or faith-based organizations in or near Brooks County that may offer limited financial assistance for utility bills.
Not always. The assistance is designed to provide relief and may not cover the full amount of your bill. It could be a one-time payment or partial assistance, depending on your household's need, available funding, and program guidelines.
While some state programs are moving online, the most direct way to apply for the Brooks County Texas electric bill assistance program is by contacting the Community Action Corporation of South Texas. They will provide the official application and instructions.
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