Brown County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Options

Finding a brown county texas electric bill assistance program can feel overwhelming when you are facing financial stress or a disconnection notice. Help is available for residents of Brownwood, Early, Bangs, and all of Brown County. This resource provides a direct, clear path to the specific agencies, state programs, and local charities that can provide financial relief for your utility bills. We will outline the exact steps to take, who to call, and what you need to apply, starting with the most urgent actions you can take today.

Your First Steps: What to Do If You Cannot Pay Your Bill

Before you contact an agency, there are immediate actions you can take to protect your service and understand your options. Taking these steps first can provide immediate relief and make the assistance process smoother.

Action 1: Contact Your Electric Provider to Request a Deferred Payment Plan

Before seeking external help, your first call should be to the customer service number on your bill. You have a right to request a deferred payment plan.

A deferred payment plan is a formal agreement that allows you to pay an outstanding balance in installments that extend beyond your current due date. This is a crucial tool to prevent disconnection.

This right is protected by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). You are generally eligible to request a plan if you meet the following criteria:

• You have expressed an inability to pay.
• You have not been disconnected in the preceding 12 months.
• You have not had more than two payments returned for insufficient funds in the last 12 months.

Retail Electric Providers (REPs) like Reliant and TXU are required to make these plans available, especially during extreme weather emergencies or a state of disaster declared by the governor.

Be aware that your provider may place a "switch-hold" on your account. This prevents you from switching to a new electric provider until the deferred balance is paid in full.

Action 2: Understand Your Rights If You Have a Disconnection Notice

Receiving a disconnection notice is stressful, but it does not mean your power will be shut off immediately. You have specific rights and a 10-day window to act.

Your REP must provide you with a written Disconnection Notice. This notice must be sent no earlier than the first day after your bill is due. From the date the notice is issued, your provider must wait at least 10 days before ordering the disconnection. This 10-day period is your critical window to either pay the bill, set up a payment plan, or secure agency assistance.

It is also important to know when your service cannot be disconnected. Your REP is not allowed to disconnect you for any of the following reasons:

• For non-payment for electric service by a previous occupant of your home (if they are not part of your household).
• For non-payment of any charge that is unrelated to electric service.
• For non-payment of under-billed charges that occurred more than 6 months ago (unless it is related to theft of service).

However, your service can be disconnected without prior notice for immediate safety issues, evidence of meter tampering, or theft of service.

Action 3: Call 2-1-1 Texas for the Most Current Funding Information

If you need financial help, your single most effective call is to dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. Select your language and then choose Option 1.

2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential service that functions as the central referral network for the state. The 2-1-1 operators maintain the most up-to-date list of which agencies in the Brown County area have available utility assistance funds.

This is critical because funding for local charities can run out, often by the middle of the month or quarter. A call to 2-1-1 saves you time and frustration by directing you only to agencies that can currently help.

This is the universal referral system. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) directs residents to 2-1-1. Private utility companies like TXU Energy  and Reliant  also use 2-1-1 as their primary referral service for their own assistance programs.

The Main Federal Program: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) in Brown County

The primary government-funded program for utility help is CEAP. Understanding what it is and who runs it locally is the next step in securing help.

What is CEAP and Who Qualifies?

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is the program in Texas that distributes federal funds from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Its purpose is to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs.

CEAP can provide direct bill payment assistance, needs assessment, and budget counseling. It is also designed to help in a household crisis, such as needing a portable heating or cooling unit.

Eligibility is based on household income. To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. While these figures are updated annually, this typically means a 1-person household might qualify with an income at or below $23,475, and a 4-person household at or below $48,225. The local agency will verify your exact eligibility.

The Local Brown County CEAP Provider: Cornerstone Community Action Agency

This is the most important detail: The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) does not accept applications from individuals. It sends the CEAP funds to local subrecipients who manage the program.

The designated CEAP provider for Brown County is the Cornerstone Community Action Agency.

• Phone: 325-625-4167
• Mailing Address: 114 Needham Street, Coleman, TX 76834
• Email: mail@cornerstonecaa.org
• Website: https://www.cornerstonecaa.org

Cornerstone Community Action Agency has recently reported that its Utility Assistance program is ON HOLD. This often means that all allocated funds for the current period have been distributed.

You must call them first at 325-625-4167 to confirm the program's status and find out when new funds might become available. Do not mail an application until you have verified they are accepting them.

If Cornerstone confirms their funds are on hold, do not stop. Your next step is to contact the local Brown County charities.

Local Brown County Charities and Agencies with Utility Assistance

Because government funds are limited, local nonprofit agencies are an essential lifeline. These organizations often have different funding sources and rules.

Good Samaritan Ministries (Brownwood)

Good Samaritan Ministries in Brownwood provides limited financial assistance for both rent and utilities, but this is entirely dependent on the availability of funds in their budget.

• Address: 305 Clark Street, Brownwood, TX 76804
• Phone: 325-643-2273

The application process at Good Samaritan is very specific and must be followed:

• You must call the office to apply.
• The Financial Aid office is only open on Tuesday and Thursday, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.
• Crucial Eligibility Rule: You must have already paid your portion of the bill. Good Samaritan can only provide help after the client has paid their part.
• Assistance is limited to one bill every 24 months.

The Salvation Army of Brownwood

The Salvation Army is a well-known resource for emergency assistance, including help with utility bills when a family is facing a financial crisis.

• Address: 403 Lakeway Drive, Brownwood, TX 76801
• Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY  (the national number) or contact the local office directly to inquire about assistance.

The Brownwood location provides limited financial assistance for electric, gas, and water bills to eligible residents when funds are available. They also provide other crisis services, such as a soup kitchen.

You must contact the local office directly. A caseworker will work with you to assess your specific needs and connect you with available resources.

Brown County Home Solutions

Brown County Home Solutions is a local nonprofit organization focused on preventing homelessness and maintaining housing stability. They have a specific program for utility assistance.

• Phone: 325-998-1713
• Email: connect@bchstx.org
• Mailing Address: PO Box 952, Brownwood, TX 76804
• Website: https://www.bchstx.org

This agency provides utility assistance specifically for households that have a disconnect notice or a late notice. This makes them a key resource if you are in an immediate crisis. They may also help with security deposits or applications for other government programs.

You must call or email to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide an application, your valid ID, Social Security cards, and your disconnect notice.

Assistance from Your Specific Electric Provider

In addition to government and charity programs, your own Retail Electric Provider (REP) likely has a charitable fund. These are separate from payment plans.

For TXU Energy Customers: TXU Energy AidSM

TXU Energy provides financial assistance to Texas families through its TXU Energy AidSM program. This program is funded by donations from TXU employees and customers.

These funds are not given as a direct bill credit from TXU. Instead, TXU distributes the money to selected social service agencies across Texas, which then administer the aid. Cornerstone Community Action Agency lists "Energy Aide: Assists TXU Customers" as one of its programs, though it is subject to the same funding holds.

The only way to access these funds is to call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org. The 2-1-1 operator will identify the local partner agency in or near Brown County that currently has TXU Energy Aid funds to distribute.

The program also offers specific assistance for military veterans injured in combat who are unable to regulate their body temperature.

For Reliant Energy Customers: CARE Program

Reliant Energy assists customers facing financial hardship through its Community Assistance by Reliant Energy (CARE) program. This program has provided millions in assistance statewide.

Like TXU's program, CARE funds are given to partner agencies. Cornerstone is also listed as an administrator for "CARE Assist" for Reliant customers.

Call 2-1-1. When you speak to the operator, be sure to inform them that you are a Reliant customer and ask specifically for agencies that have "CARE program" funding. You will likely need to show your electricity bill and a disconnection notice to the partner agency.

A Note for Oncor Customers

It is common to see Oncor trucks in Brown County. This has led to a major point of confusion for many residents.

Oncor Electric Delivery is not your electric provider. Oncor is a Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU), also called a utility company. They maintain the power lines, poles, and meters, and they handle outages.

Your bill comes from a separate Retail Electric Provider (REP), such as TXU, Reliant, Gexa, Just Energy, or another company you chose. Therefore, Oncor does not offer direct bill payment assistance.

Oncor's programs are focused on long-term savings through energy efficiency. These programs include the Home Energy Efficiency Program  and the Low-Income Weatherization Program. These programs provide incentives or no-cost upgrades like insulation, HVAC upgrades, and other repairs to help lower your future bills. You can ask your REP about these programs or visit Oncor's "Take A Load Off, Texas" website.

Additional State Programs and Consumer Protections

Finally, there are state-level protections and programs that can provide financial relief, either by lowering future bills or by waiving upfront costs.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

If you are in a cycle of high bills because your home is drafty or has old appliances, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is designed to provide a long-term solution.

Managed by the TDHCA, WAP uses federal funds to provide free energy-efficiency upgrades to low-income households. This can include adding insulation, sealing ducts, or repairing/replacing heating and cooling systems to permanently lower your energy costs.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Priority is given to households with children, elderly residents, or disabled individuals.

This program is also administered by local providers. You should contact the Cornerstone Community Action Agency (325-625-4167), which is the designated provider for Brown County, or call 2-1-1 to be directed to the correct application.

Special Deposit Waivers (Seniors and Victims of Family Violence)

Beyond bill payments, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) mandates two important deposit waivers that can save you money when starting or transferring service.

• Seniors 65+: If you are 65 years of age or older, and you are not currently past due on any other electric service account, you are eligible to have the residential customer deposit waived. You must simply notify your REP that you are over 65.
• Victims of Family Violence: If you are a victim of family violence, you are also eligible to have your electric service deposit waived. To qualify, you must provide a "Texas Council on Family Violence deposit waiver certification letter". This letter can be completed by family violence center personnel, law enforcement, medical personnel, or a district attorney, among others. The letter is then submitted directly to your REP.

Frequently Asked Questions