Camp County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program: Local Resources and Help

Finding a Camp County Texas electric bill assistance program can feel overwhelming, especially when facing financial stress. Residents have several strong options for help. These resources include government-funded programs, local charities, and direct support from electric providers. This breakdown provides a clear path to every available source of assistance.

The Primary Source for Aid: Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT)

For residents of Camp County, the most important organization to know is Community Services of Northeast Texas, Inc. (CSNT). This is the designated local agency that administers the state's main utility assistance programs.

Key Contact for Camp County

The main outreach office for Camp County is located in Mt. Pleasant. All persons requesting assistance must first complete an application.

• Agency: Community Services of Northeast Texas – Camp County
• Contact: Amy Perales
• Phone: 903-717-7400
• Address: 1506 W. Ferguson Rd., Mt Pleasant, Texas 75455
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 427, Linden, TX 75563

Understanding CEAP (The Main Program)

CSNT administers the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the state-level program, funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs. Priority is given to households with elderly or disabled members and families with young children.

How to Apply for Assistance at CSNT

The application process is managed directly by CSNT and requires specific documentation from every person living in the household. Applications can be mailed to the Linden P.O. box.

Application Checklist (What You Need)

To apply, you will typically need to provide the following items:

• Photo ID or Driver's License for all household members 18 and older.
• Two forms of identification for children under 18 (like a birth certificate, Social Security card, or school records).
• Social Security Cards for each household member, regardless of age.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or legal resident status for all household members.
• Proof of gross income for the past 30 days for all household members 18 and older. This includes pay stubs, a Social Security award letter, or a benefits letter.
• A copy of your current, outstanding utility bill(s).

Income Eligibility Guidelines

To qualify for CEAP, your household's total gross income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The income limits for the 2025 program year are:

• 1 Person: $23,475
• 2 People: $31,725
• 3 People: $39,975
• 4 People: $48,225
• 5 People: $56,475
• 6 People: $64,725
• 7 People: $72,975
• 8 People: $81,225
• (For households with more than 8 people, add $8,250 for each additional person).

Support from Camp County Electric Providers

Before seeking charitable aid, always contact your electric provider first. They have programs and payment options to help customers avoid disconnection. The main providers in Camp County are Upshur Rural, SWEPCO, and Wood County Electric.

For Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative (URECC) Customers

URECC provides a list of local providers for members who need help. The primary agency they list for Camp County residents is Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT) at 903-717-7400.

URECC also offers a direct benefit for seniors. Members age 65 or older are not required to pay a deposit for their account, provided they have no outstanding balance. Call Member Services at 903-843-2536 to learn more.

For Southwestern Electric Power (SWEPCO) Customers

SWEPCO, an AEP company, offers several options. Customers can request payment extensions or payment arrangements to spread out a high balance.

SWEPCO also partners with Dollar Energy Fund to offer the Neighbor to Neighbor Program. This program provides grants paid directly to a customer's account. To apply, you must first call SWEPCO at 1-888-216-3523. They will provide information on local agencies that handle the application intake.

For Wood County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) Customers

WCEC encourages members who are struggling to call them. They can often set up payment arrangements or help members enroll in a pre-paid service. Like other providers, WCEC's primary referral for assistance in Camp County is Community Services of NE Texas Inc..

It is important to note that WCEC's "Operation Round Up" program is a charitable foundation. It awards grants to organizations and community projects, not for individual members' electric bills.

Other Local and Charitable Assistance

If you need more help, several other local and statewide organizations provide support.

2-1-1 Texas

This is the state's official and most comprehensive information and referral service. By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org, you can connect with a specialist who can provide information on many services and agencies in your area, including utility help.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance programs to help families struggling with rent or utility bills. For Camp County residents, these funds are administered by Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT). Applying at CSNT also screens you for these funds.

PATH (People Attempting To Help)

PATH is a non-profit that serves all of East Texas. They may provide utility assistance to individuals who have a past-due bill that is subject to disconnection. This service is available by appointment only and as funding allows. Call 903-617-7284 or 903-597-7284 to schedule an appointment.

Local Ministerial Alliances

Some local, faith-based groups offer limited, one-time financial assistance. These funds are often small and can be depleted quickly.

• Ministerial Alliance – Ore City: 903-968-3050 or 903-968-4114 (Hours are limited)
• Ministerial Alliance – Harleton Area: 903-935-0626 or 903-932-7383
• Ministerial Alliance – Gladewater: 903-845-2565

Specialized Aid: SAFE-T

SAFE-T (Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas) is listed as a resource in the area. It is critical to know that SAFE-T is a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center. While they do offer housing assistance, it is a specialized service for victims and survivors of abuse, not a general public utility fund. Their 24/7 crisis hotline is 903-575-9999.

Long-Term Solution: The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

For a long-term fix to high bills, residents should apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).

What is WAP?

WAP is a free program that helps make homes more energy-efficient to lower utility bills. Services are administered by CSNT and can include:

• Adding ceiling, wall, and floor insulation.
• Caulking and weather-stripping.
• Patching holes in the building envelope.
• Duct work and tune-ups or replacement of inefficient heating and cooling systems.

WAP Income Limits

A household that applies for CEAP may also be eligible for WAP. Crucially, WAP has higher income limits. A household may qualify for WAP even if its income is too high for CEAP.

WAP eligibility is set at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The income limits for the 2025 program year are:

• 1 Person: $31,300
• 2 People: $42,300
• 3 People: $53,300
• 4 People: $64,300
• 5 People: $75,300
• 6 People: $86,300
• 7 People: $97,300
• 8 People: $108,300
• (For households with more than 8 people, add $11,000 for each additional person).

CRITICAL UPDATE: Texas Utility Help Program is CLOSED

Many online resources still mention the "Texas Utility Help" website. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) confirms this temporary emergency program is CLOSED and no longer accepting applications.

The state's permanent resource for finding assistance is the "Help for Texans" website. This portal will guide you to the designated local provider for your county. For Camp County, this will direct you to Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT).

In a Crisis? Know Your Rights

If you have a disconnection notice, you must act fast.

If You Receive a Disconnection Notice

1. Call Your Provider Immediately: Do not ignore the notice. Call your electric company and ask for a payment arrangement or a deferred payment plan. Most will work with you if you communicate.
2. Know Your Rights: A provider must give you a written notice at least 10 days before the disconnection date.
3. Know Your Protections: Your power cannot be disconnected for non-payment during an extreme weather emergency. It can also be delayed for 63 days if you have a critical medical condition, but this requires your doctor to contact the provider and submit a written statement.

For Renters: When Your Landlord Doesn't Pay

You have specific rights as a tenant in Texas.

• Illegal Shutoff: A landlord cannot legally interrupt your utilities to force you to move or in retaliation (Texas Property Code § 92.008).
• "All Bills Paid" Lease: If your lease states the landlord pays for utilities but they fail to do so, you have powerful remedies under Texas Property Code § 92.301.
• Your Remedies: If your landlord fails to pay a bill in their name, you may have the right to:
• Pay the utility company directly to avoid shutoff and deduct the amount from your rent.
• Terminate the lease in writing.
• Sue the landlord for damages, including moving costs and new utility connection fees.

Quick Contact List

Here are the most important numbers for seeking help in Camp County.

• Community Services of Northeast Texas (CSNT)
• Phone: 903-717-7400
• Texas 2-1-1
• Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905    
• Website: 211texas.org
• SWEPCO (Provider)
• Phone: 1-888-216-3523
• Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative (URECC) (Provider)
• Phone: 903-843-2536
• Wood County Electric Cooperative (WCEC) (Provider)
• Phone: 903-763-2203
• PATH (By Appointment)
• Phone: 903-617-7284 or 903-597-7284
• SAFE-T (Domestic Violence Crisis Hotline)
• Phone: 903-575-9999

Frequently Asked Questions