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Struggling with high electric bills in Clay County, Texas, can be a significant financial strain. A Clay County Texas electric bill assistance program exists to help residents manage these costs. Financial assistance is available through a network of local community agencies, statewide programs, and specific options from utility providers. Help is available for residents in Henrietta, Bellevue, Petrolia, and surrounding rural areas to find the light bill and utility assistance needed.
For most state and federal utility aid, all assistance for Clay County residents is channeled through one primary organization. While programs are funded by the state, applications and funds are managed at the local level by a designated community action agency, also known as a subrecipient. Individuals cannot apply directly to the state for this type of help.
Rolling Plains Management Corporation (RPMC)
The official community action agency and CEAP (Energy Assistance) subrecipient for Clay County is Rolling Plains Management Corporation (RPMC). This organization is contracted by the Texas state government to administer critical utility assistance programs to eligible low-income residents in the region.
The main office for RPMC is in Crowell , but the office that provides Community Services for Clay County is the Wichita Falls location. This is your primary point of contact.
RPMC Wichita Falls Office (Serves Clay County):
RPMC manages several key programs that can help, including Utility Assistance , Community Services (which provides emergency assistance) , and the Weatherization Assistance Program.
It is essential to call the RPMC Wichita Falls office immediately. Assistance is almost always dependent on available funding, which is limited and can run out. When you call, you should ask these specific questions:
How to Apply at Rolling Plains (When Applications are Open)
Based on the agency's process, applying for help typically involves two main steps: an intake interview (which may be done online or with a staff member) and the submission of required documents.
To ensure your application is processed quickly, you should begin gathering the necessary documents, which will likely include:
For more information, visit the Rolling Plains Management Corporation website, specifically their Utility Assistance page at https://rollingplains.org/rolling-plain-programs/utility-assistance/.
When you apply for help through Rolling Plains, you are applying for Texas's primary assistance programs, which are funded by the federal government. Understanding what these programs are called can help you navigate the process.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is the main utility assistance program for the state of Texas. Its purpose is to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs and reduce their energy costs.
Who is eligible: CEAP is designed for low-income households. It gives priority to "vulnerable" households, which include elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and families with young children (age 5 or under).
What it provides: CEAP can provide financial assistance for electricity, natural gas, and propane bills. This help can be in the form of crisis assistance (to prevent disconnection) or to help with ongoing bill payments. In some cases, it may also help with the repair or replacement of heating and cooling units in crisis situations.
How to apply: CEAP is managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). However, TDHCA does not accept applications directly from individuals. The only way to apply for CEAP in Clay County is by contacting your local administrator, Rolling Plains Management Corporation.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that provides funding to states to help families with energy costs.
In Texas, LIHEAP is the main funding source for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). The services offered by LIHEAP include bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization services.
You do not need to file a separate application for LIHEAP. Your single application to Rolling Plains Management Corporation for CEAP also accesses these federal funds.
If Rolling Plains Management Corporation is out of funds or you are waiting for an application to be processed, other community resources may be able to provide a "safety net" of emergency help.
2-1-1 Texas: Your First Call for Referrals
2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential information and referral service operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Action: You can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 from any phone. Why to call: The specialists at 2-1-1 maintain the most current database of all local resources, including smaller non-profits, churches, or programs that may have assistance funds when larger programs are at capacity. They can tell you who in or near Clay County has active funding for utility bills. Website: https://www.211texas.org/.
The Salvation Army (Wichita Falls Corps)
The Salvation Army is a primary provider of emergency assistance, including help with utility bills, rent, and food. The Wichita Falls location serves the surrounding region.
Local Service: The Wichita Falls Corps provides "Financial Assistance" for utilities, often in direct collaboration with energy providers like TXU Energy Aid. Key Detail: Assistance is strictly "when funding is available". It is critical to call first. Contact: 403 7th Street, Wichita Falls, Texas 76307.
Nortex Regional Planning Commission
The Nortex Regional Planning Commission is another key regional organization that provides resources and services to Clay County residents.
Services: Nortex is explicitly listed as a "Utility Assistance" resource for Clay County. It also operates the Area Agency on Aging , making it an especially important resource for residents 60 years of age or older who need assistance. Contact: (940) 322-5281.
Other Regional Support (Interfaith Ministries & Catholic Charities)
Some regional non-profits may also serve Clay County, though their primary service areas may be in neighboring counties. It is still recommended to call, as service areas and partnerships can change.
Interfaith Ministries: This organization provides utility bill assistance. While the Nortex resource list includes them for the area , other sources state their primary service area is for Wichita and Archer counties. It is best to call (940) 322-1365 to confirm if they are currently able to serve Clay County residents.
Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities is also listed as a regional resource and offers financial assistance for utility bills. You can call (940) 716-9669 to confirm eligibility and service for Clay County.
The type of help available also depends on your specific electric company. Clay County is served by both regulated electric cooperatives and deregulated Retail Electric Providers (REPs). The rules and programs are different for each.
For Electric Cooperative Members (J-A-C, Tri-County)
If your electricity provider is a cooperative, such as J-A-C Electric Cooperative or Tri-County Electric Cooperative , you are a member-owner, not just a customer. J-A-C Electric is a primary rural provider for Jack, Archer, and Clay counties.
A critical distinction for cooperative members is that electric cooperatives are not regulated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT). This means all payment arrangements, disconnection policies, and assistance programs are set by the cooperative itself.
Your first and most important call should be directly to your cooperative's local office. They often work with members on payment arrangements. Some cooperatives, like Tri-County, offer specific programs like the Brazos Ratepayer Hardship Fund or a "Round-Up" bill donation program to help neighbors. Always ask J-A-C or your co-op what options are available.
For Retail Electric Provider (REP) Customers (TXU, Reliant, BKV, etc.)
If you live in a deregulated part of the county (like Henrietta ) and you chose your provider, you are a customer of a Retail Electric Provider (REP). Many of these companies have their own corporate-funded assistance programs.
TXU Energy Aid:
Reliant Energy CARE Program:
BKV Energy:
All REPs are generally required to offer Deferred Payment Plans, which allow you to pay an outstanding balance in installments. This is especially true during state-declared disasters or extreme weather.
While the programs above provide immediate crisis relief, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a long-term solution designed to lower your energy bills permanently.
What is Weatherization?
WAP is a free program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, to help low-income households make their homes more energy-efficient. This is not a cash-payment program. Instead, trained auditors review your home and may install upgrades.
Services can include:
How to Apply for WAP in Clay County
Eligibility for WAP is similar to LIHEAP and CEAP: households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or those receiving benefits like SNAP or SSI, are typically eligible.
The application for WAP in Clay County is also handled by Rolling Plains Management Corporation.
When you call RPMC about paying your current bill, you should also ask to be screened for the Weatherization Assistance Program. This allows you to apply for both immediate crisis help and a long-term solution at the same time.
Receiving a disconnection notice is stressful, but you have specific rights under Texas law. These rights are different depending on whether you have an REP or a cooperative.
For Customers of Retail Electric Providers (TXU, Reliant, etc.)
If you have a Retail Electric Provider, your rights are protected by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).
How to File a Complaint (PUCT)
If you believe your REP is not following these rules, contact the provider first to resolve the issue. If they do not, you can file a complaint with the PUCT's Consumer Protection Division.
For Members of Electric Cooperatives (J-A-C, etc.)
This is a critical distinction: electric cooperatives like J-A-C Electric are not regulated by the PUCT.
This means your rights, disconnection timeline, and payment options are determined by your cooperative's specific bylaws and board of directors. The PUCT cannot intervene in a dispute.
You must contact J-A-C Electric Cooperative or your specific co-op provider directly to discuss your account, their disconnection policies, and any available payment arrangements.
Eligibility is primarily based on income, typically at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Priority for the Clay County Texas electric bill assistance program is often given to households with seniors (age 60+), individuals with disabilities, or families with children five years or younger.
To apply, you should contact the Rolling Plains Management Corporation (RPMC). This is the local community action agency that administers state and federal energy assistance funds for Clay County residents. You can also dial 2-1-1 Texas for a direct referral to the correct office.
The primary program is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is the name for the federal LIHEAP in Texas. This program is managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and distributed locally by agencies like RPMC.
You will generally need:
Proof of identity (like a photo ID) for all adult household members.
Social Security cards for everyone in the household.
Proof of all household income for the last 30 days.
A copy of your most recent electric bill (and any disconnect notice).
Most government-funded programs, like CEAP, provide assistance once per program year. If you have a different emergency, local non-profits like The Salvation Army or local churches may offer separate, one-time crisis assistance if funds are available.
The CEAP program is designed to help with the highest energy bill, especially in a crisis (like summer heat or winter cold) or to prevent disconnection. It generally does not cover new service deposits, but you should confirm this with the Rolling Plains Management Corporation.
Yes. While Clay County is rural, agencies serving the wider region, like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities based in nearby Wichita Falls or Fort Worth, may offer emergency financial aid. Always call 2-1-1 first to check for local partners.
If you don't meet the income limits for the Clay County Texas electric bill assistance program, contact your electricity provider directly. Many companies (like Oncor or local co-ops) offer deferred payment plans, budget billing, or temporary extensions to help you avoid disconnection.
The best time to apply is before you receive a disconnect notice. Programs operate on annual budgets, and funds can run out. Apply as soon as you anticipate a problem, especially during the high-use summer (cooling) and winter (heating) seasons.
Dialing 2-1-1 (or visiting 211texas.org) connects you to a free, confidential referral service. They maintain the most up-to-date database of all state and local assistance programs. They can confirm eligibility, hours, and the direct phone number for the agency serving Clay County.
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