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Facing a high-cost energy bill or a disconnection notice can be incredibly stressful. For residents in Port Lavaca, Point Comfort, and across the region, a calhoun county texas electric bill assistance program may be available to provide financial relief. Support is accessible through state and federal programs like CEAP, local community agencies, and specific utility provider options. This information details the exact agencies to contact, what you need to apply, and the immediate steps you can take to protect your service.
Before seeking external aid, your first call should be to the Retail Electric Provider (REP) listed on your bill. You have specific rights as a Texas utility customer that can prevent disconnection. Contacting your provider immediately is the most direct action you can take. By law, when you indicate an inability to pay, your REP must inform you of all applicable payment options and payment assistance programs that are available.
Understand Your Rights: Deferred Payment Plans
If you cannot pay your full amount, you have the right to request a Deferred Payment Plan. The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) requires REPs to offer this option to residential customers who have expressed an inability to pay. This is not a request for a favor; it is a formal payment arrangement.
A deferred payment plan allows you to pay an outstanding balance in installments that extend beyond the next bill. Your REP must inform you of this option. According to PUCT rules, the plan must allow you to pay the delinquent amount in equal installments lasting at least three to five billing cycles. It is critical to fulfill all terms of this plan, as failure to do so can lead to disconnection.
Disconnection Protections for Medical Needs or Weather
Your REP may not be able to disconnect your service under specific, critical conditions.
Medical Necessity: Disconnection can be postponed if a person in the home has a critical medical condition that requires electricity, but this is not automatic.
To obtain this exemption:
This protection from disconnection lasts for 63 days.
Extreme Weather: Protections are also in place during extreme weather events. This applies when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or a cold alert in your area.
The primary, government-funded program for energy bills is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the state of Texas's version of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
A key point of understanding is how this program is managed. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) oversees the funds, but you do not apply to them. TDHCA distributes the funds to local "subrecipients," which are community agencies that handle applications and distribute the aid across all 254 counties. Your application must go through the designated local agency for Calhoun County.
The Local Agency for CEAP Applications
This is the most critical contact for residents seeking the CEAP/LIHEAP program. The designated subrecipient and administrator for Calhoun County is the Community Action Committee of Port Lavaca.
When searching for assistance, you may see information for other agencies in Central Texas or surrounding areas. Be aware that those agencies serve other counties (like Hays or Caldwell). For CEAP in Calhoun County, the Community Action Committee of Port Lavaca is the correct office to contact.
How CEAP Provides Support
CEAP is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs.
Services include:
While all low-income households can apply, priority is given to the most vulnerable. This includes households with:
Eligibility is based on income. To qualify, your household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You will be required to provide proof of income for the past 30 days for your household.
In addition to the official CEAP program, local community-based organizations may offer emergency funds. These are often the quickest source of aid for a pending disconnection.
It is important to differentiate between two local organizations with similar names. The "Community Action Committee" (discussed above) is the official administrator for the government CEAP program. The "Calhoun County Community Ministries" is a separate, local charity providing its own emergency fund.
Calhoun County Community Ministries (CCCM)
The Calhoun County Community Ministries (CCCM) is a local organization that provides a "Food Pantry & Emergency Fund." This fund is specifically designated to provide emergency assistance with rent and utilities.
Contact Information:
www.calhouncountyministerialalliance.org Documents to Prepare for Local Aid
To apply for help from either the Community Action Committee or Calhoun County Community Ministries, you will need to provide documentation. Preparing these items in advance will speed up the process.
Be prepared with the following:
If you need further help or do not qualify for the programs above, several broader networks are available.
Applying for Salvation Army Assistance
The Salvation Army is a national organization that provides emergency rent and utility assistance. While the nearest major office is in Victoria , the most effective way for residents of any county to apply for financial aid is through their centralized online portal.
To apply, go to https://sahelp.org. This website allows you to enter your zip code, which will match you to the appropriate Salvation Army location that serves Calhoun County. You can then begin the confidential online application for assistance. This process is often more direct than trying to find a local service office.
2-1-1 Texas: A Statewide Resource
2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential information and referral service. You can contact them 24/7 to find resources in your area.
How to Contact:
TDHCA's "Help for Texans" Search Tool
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) maintains an official search tool to help you find local providers.
To use this tool, visit https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans. Select "Utility Bill Payment Help" from the menu, then enter "Calhoun County" or your city (like Port Lavaca) into the search field. This tool will provide you with the contact information for the designated providers in the area, confirming the agencies listed here.
As a resident of Calhoun County, your transmission and distribution utility is AEP Texas. AEP Texas offers its own set of programs, which are separate from the CEAP and local charity programs.
It is vital to understand the difference between these programs. Most AEP programs are focused on energy efficiency—helping you lower your bills over time—not on emergency bill payment for a current, overdue bill.
Efficiency Programs (Not Direct Bill Payment)
Most AEP Texas programs for low-income residents are designed to lower your energy use and reduce your bills over time through home improvements.
These programs include:
You do not apply for these programs directly with AEP. They are delivered through a network of approved contractors. You can find a list of participating contractors and learn more at https://aeptxsaves.com/residential-programs/.
Neighbor to Neighbor Program (Direct Bill Payment)
AEP Texas does sponsor one program for direct bill payment, which is administered by the Dollar Energy Fund.
The Neighbor to Neighbor Program is a hardship fund. It is often considered a "fund of last resort," which may mean you need to apply for CEAP first. The program provides a grant that is applied directly to your SWEPCO/AEP bill.
To apply, the best way to start is by calling AEP's customer service (1-877-373-4858 ) and asking specifically about the "Neighbor to Neighbor Program." They can provide you with information on how to apply through the Dollar Energy Fund or its local partner agencies.
Facing financial hardship is difficult, but resources are available for Calhoun County residents. The most important action is the first one: contact your electric provider immediately to request a deferred payment plan. At the same time, gather your documents and call the Community Action Committee of Port Lavaca or Calhoun County Community Ministries to begin the application process for direct assistance.
The primary provider for Calhoun County Texas electric bill assistance is the Community Action Committee of Victoria (CACV), which now largely operates as Crossroads Community Action. They administer the federally funded Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and LIHEAP for Calhoun County residents. While their main headquarters is in Victoria, they serve Port Lavaca and surrounding areas directly.
Not necessarily. While the main processing center is in Victoria (4007 Halsey St), Crossroads Community Action typically maintains a satellite presence in Port Lavaca to assist locals.
Port Lavaca Contact: You can often reach their local Calhoun County outreach at (361) 575-0478 or visit their designated office space at 106 S. Commerce, Suite #A, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.
Tip: Always call first, as satellite office hours can change or move to appointment-only schedules.
To qualify for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), your household income must generally be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
1 Person: ~$23,475/year
2 People: ~$31,725/year
3 People: ~$39,975/year
4 People: ~$48,225/year
Note: These figures are estimates based on 2025 projections. Priority is strictly given to households with seniors (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children under 5.
Yes. If your financial crisis is related to domestic violence or sexual assault, The Harbor Children's Alliance & Victim Center in Port Lavaca may be able to assist or provide referrals.
Role: They focus on safety and crisis intervention, which can sometimes include emergency financial advocacy for victims fleeing abusive situations.
Location: 215 W Railroad St, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.
Crisis Hotline: (361) 552-HELP (4357).
The Salvation Army does not have a large standalone facility in Calhoun County like they do in major cities. Instead, they operate through Service Extension Units—often run by volunteers or partnered with local churches/civic groups.
How to Access: Do not look for a "Salvation Army" building. Instead, contact the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association or local churches (like First Baptist Church Port Lavaca) to ask who currently holds the Salvation Army service extension vouchers for the county.
Yes. Apart from the CEAP priority status mentioned above, seniors should contact the Calhoun County Senior Citizens Association.
Services: While they primarily offer meals and transportation, they are the central information hub for senior-specific emergency grants and can direct you to the correct local benevolence funds.
Phone: (361) 552-3350.
Several churches in Port Lavaca may have small "benevolence funds" for one-time emergencies, though funds are limited and often require an interview.
Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church: Often has a St. Vincent de Paul society or similar ministry for parish boundaries. Call the rectory at (361) 552-6140.
First Baptist Church Port Lavaca: Located at 902 Calhoun St. Call (361) 552-2931 to inquire about their application process for local aid.
Tip: Be prepared to show a disconnect notice; churches rarely assist before that stage.
The state-funded "Lite-Up Texas" program was discontinued in 2016. It no longer exists. Do not trust websites asking for an application for this program. You must now rely on CEAP (via Crossroads Community Action) or provider-specific aid (like TXU Energy Aid or Reliant CARE) for bill reductions.
If you are disconnected:
Call Crossroads Community Action (361-578-2989) immediately and state you have a "crisis" status. This may fast-track your application.
Contact your provider:
TXU Customers: Ask for "TXU Energy Aid" (800-242-9113).
Reliant Customers: Ask for the "CARE Program" (866-222-7100).
Visit 211 Texas: Dial 2-1-1 from your phone for the most current list of active local charities with remaining funds for the month.
To avoid denial, bring physical copies of the following to your appointment:
Proof of Income: Pay stubs for the last 30 days for all household members (18+).
ID: Driver’s license or state ID for the applicant.
Utility Bill: Your most recent electric bill (must show name and account number).
Consumption History: A 12-month usage history (you can request this printout from your electric provider, e.g., AEP Texas, TXU, Reliant).
Award Letters: If you receive Social Security, SNAP, or TANF, bring the current year's award letter.
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