Dimmit County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Facing a high electric bill or a disconnection notice in Dimmit County, Texas, can be overwhelming, but financial help is available. A primary source of support is the Dimmit county texas electric bill assistance program, which is chiefly administered through the state's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This program, along with direct support from specific electric providers and local community agencies, can provide the relief needed. This information provides a clear, step-by-step path to finding all available financial aid for utility bills, from immediate provider relief to state and local programs.

Immediate Steps for Electric Bill Help in Dimmit County

Before applying for any state or local program, the very first step is to contact the utility provider directly. Do not wait until service is disconnected. Utility providers are often required by the Public Utility Commission of Texas to offer payment options and can be the fastest path to a temporary solution.

• Call the customer service number located on the most recent bill.
• Clearly state that financial hardship is making it difficult to pay the bill in full.
• Ask specifically about "payment arrangements" or a "deferred payment plan".

Many providers will work to set up a plan, which can prevent a shutoff and provide time to apply for long-term assistance. This is not an admission of failure; it is a necessary first step to unlock formal assistance options.

Assistance from Your Dimmit County Electric Provider

The specific assistance available depends on the company that sends the bill. Dimmit County is served by several providers, including AEP Texas, Medina Electric Cooperative, and Rio Grande Electric Cooperative. Identify the provider on the bill and see the specific options below.

AEP Texas Customer Support

AEP Texas customers have several options available directly from the company. The customer service line is a key resource for accessing these plans. Contact AEP Texas at 877-373-4858  to discuss the following:

• Payment Extensions: This is a short-term solution for those who just need a few more days to pay their bill in full.
• Extended Payment Arrangements: This is a formal plan that allows a customer to pay an outstanding balance in installments over several months. This can help with catching up without paying a large lump sum.
• Average Monthly Payment (AMP) Plan: This program is designed to stabilize monthly bills. AEP Texas will average the last 12 months of bills to create a more predictable monthly payment, which helps avoid seasonal spikes in winter and summer.

Medina Electric Cooperative Members

Medina Electric Cooperative directs its members experiencing financial hardship to local community assistance programs rather than housing the programs internally.

• When contacting Medina Electric, they will likely provide referrals to the Community Councils or other agencies that administer programs like CEAP.
• Medina Electric lists the contact number for Dimmit County Community Councils as (830) 876-1212.
• Operation Round Up: Medina Electric offers a program called Operation Round Up, where members round up their bills to the next dollar to create a charitable fund. It is critical to know that these funds cannot be used to pay for electric bills. This program helps with other critical needs, but not for utility payments.

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (Carrizo Springs)

Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC), which has an office in Carrizo Springs , offers a Deferred Payment Plan to its members.

• To qualify, a member must not have been delinquent on more than two bills in the past 12 months. 
• This plan allows an outstanding balance to be paid in installments. The monthly payment will not exceed one-third of the outstanding balance.
• To request this plan, members must call or visit a Co-op office to discuss and sign a written agreement.

The Primary Program: Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The main source of significant financial help for utilities in Texas is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the program most agencies and providers will help residents apply for.

• CEAP is a federally funded program, originating from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and is administered at the state level by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
• The program is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs and also provides education on energy conservation.
• Assistance from CEAP can be used to pay for electric bills, as well as natural gas and propane.   
• If an application is approved, payments are made directly to the utility company.

CEAP Income Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CEAP, a household's gross income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

Income is calculated based on the gross income (before taxes) for all household members 18 years and older for the past 30 days. This "30-day" rule is important; a recent job loss may mean a household now qualifies, even if its income was higher earlier in the year.

This includes income from sources such as:

• Wages or self-employment
• Social Security, SSDI, SSI
• Unemployment benefits
• TANF, VA benefits, and pensions

Based on recent guidelines , the 150% income limits are:

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

Priority Households: While all qualifying households can receive aid, CEAP assigns priority to those with the least income and greatest energy costs. Priority is also given to households containing:

• A child aged 5 or under
• An individual with a disability
• An elderly individual
• Veterans 

How to Apply for CEAP in Dimmit County

This is the most critical step. CEAP is administered by local non-profit organizations called subrecipients. In Dimmit County, program information points to a few different agencies. Due to the rural nature of services, it is highly recommended to call first.

Option 1 (Primary): Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT)

The Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT) is the designated CEAP administrator for a large service area that explicitly includes Dimmit County.

• How to Apply: Dimmit County residents are directed to contact the CCSCT office located in Zavala County.
• Office Location: 118 E Dimmit, Crystal City, TX 78839.
• Phone Number: (830) 854-2110.
• Contact Person: Angela Santana.
• Email: Asantana@ccsct.org.

Option 2: Community Services Agency of South Texas (CSA of STX)

The Community Services Agency of South Texas (CSA of STX) is another local agency that provides services, including CEAP funds, to Dimmit County. This agency is listed as a resource by major utility companies.

• Office Location: This agency has a physical presence in Carrizo Springs. Addresses are listed as 910 S. 5th St, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834  and 1701 N. 9th Street, Carrizo Springs, TX 78834. It is best to call first to confirm the correct application location.
• Phone Number: (830) 876-5219.

Option 3: Medina Electric Cooperative Referral Number

Medina Electric Cooperative provides a third contact number for "Community Councils" in Dimmit County.

• Phone Number: (830) 876-1212.
• This number may direct to one of the two agencies listed above, but it is a valid contact to try.

Documents Needed for Your CEAP Application

To apply for CEAP, extensive documentation is required. An application will not be processed until all required documents are submitted. Gathering these items before an appointment will speed up the process.

• Proof of Identity: A valid photo ID (like a driver's license) for the applicant.
• Proof of Citizenship: Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent resident status for all household members.
• Examples include: U.S. Passport, birth certificate, Certificate of Naturalization, permanent resident card.
• Social Security Cards: Social security cards (or numbers) for all household members.
• Proof of Income: Proof of all gross income for the past 30 days for every household member 18 years and older.
• Examples include: Paycheck stubs, current award letters for Social Security/SSI/VA/pension/TANF, unemployment benefits letter.
• If a household member 18 or older has zero income, a "Declaration of Income Statement" must be completed.
• Utility Bills:
• The most current electric bill (and gas/propane bill, if applicable).
• A disconnection notice, if one has been received.
• A 12-month billing history from the energy providers. This must be requested from the utility company.
• Other Documents: SNAP benefits award letter, if applicable.

Additional Financial Aid and Local Support in Dimmit County

If CEAP is not an option, or if more help is needed, other local organizations may offer emergency assistance.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Laredo

Catholic Charities Diocese of Laredo (CCDOL) serves Dimmit County and offers an Emergency Assistance program that can help with utility payments.

• This program has a very specific application process:
• A person must call (956) 722-2443.
• Calls are only accepted on MONDAYS beginning at 8:00 AM.
• The list of applicants fills very quickly, often within 20 minutes. Be prepared to call exactly at 8:00 AM.

The Salvation Army (Laredo Corps)

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, including help with utility bills. The nearest major office is the Laredo Corps.

• Dimmit County residents must call to confirm eligibility and application procedures.
• Address: 408 Matamoros, Laredo, TX 78040.
• Phone Number: The national line is 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Local Churches and Benevolence Funds

Many local churches in Dimmit County and the surrounding area maintain benevolence funds to help residents in crisis. If an individual is a member of a local church, or even if not, it is worth contacting them to see if they have any discretionary funds or programs available for utility assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions