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Residents of Dickens County, Texas, facing high energy costs or struggling to pay electric bills have specific, local options for financial help. The primary resource for the Dickens county texas electric bill assistance program is a federal and state-funded initiative administered by a designated local agency.
This agency is the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA), which provides direct support to residents in the area, including the town of Spur. Help is available for immediate energy needs, disconnection notices, and long-term cost-saving solutions.
The main government-funded programs for energy assistance in Texas are the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides the federal funding. These programs are administered statewide by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).
To manage these funds, TDHCA contracts with local organizations, known as "subrecipients," to deliver these services in all 254 counties. For residents of Dickens County, the designated subrecipient organization is the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA). This is the official agency you must contact to apply for state and federal utility assistance.
The SPCAA Dickens County Center
SPCAA operates a local community service center in Dickens County. This is the physical office residents should contact to apply for help.
To apply for assistance, residents should call this number to schedule an appointment.
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
CEAP is the name of the primary utility assistance program administered by SPCAA. It is designed to assist low-income households, with a special priority for the elderly, disabled, and families with young children.
The program has two goals: first, to meet the immediate energy needs of families in crisis , and second, to encourage long-term self-sufficiency through services like energy education and budget counseling.
More information on the program is available from the state administrator, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA): https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/comprehensive-energy-assistance-program-ceap.
How CEAP Provides Support: Crisis and Utility Help
CEAP assistance is delivered in two distinct ways, depending on the household's situation.
Eligibility for CEAP is primarily based on a household's income, but it can also be determined by enrollment in other federal benefit programs.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify based on income, a household's total income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
This is calculated using the gross income (before taxes and other deductions) of all household members aged 18 and older. The agency will look at all income from the 30-day period right before the date of your application.
The income limits are:
Automatic (Categorical) Eligibility
In addition to the income guidelines, households may be "categorically eligible" for CEAP benefits. This means that if at least one person in the household receives assistance from one of the following programs, the household may automatically qualify for CEAP:
Priority for Vulnerable Households
While all qualifying low-income households can apply, program administrators give priority assistance to those with the highest energy burden or those who are most vulnerable. This includes households that contain:
The application process requires scheduling an appointment and gathering a specific set of documents to verify your eligibility. Arriving at your appointment with all the correct paperwork is the most important step to receiving help quickly.
Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment
The first step is to contact the South Plains Community Action Association to get an appointment.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
You must bring specific documents for all household members. Having this checklist prepared before your appointment is essential.
If you do not qualify for CEAP or if program funds are temporarily unavailable, other resources may be available from your electric provider or local charities.
South Plains Electric Cooperative (SPEC) Member Support
Dickens County, including the city of Spur, is served by the South Plains Electric Cooperative (SPEC). As a member of an electric cooperative, your first step should be to contact SPEC directly.
For more information on cooperative programs, visit the SPEC website: https://spec.coop/.
Local Charitable Assistance (Lubbock Regional Hubs)
For residents of rural areas like Dickens County, many major charitable services are centralized in the regional hub of Lubbock. These organizations provide emergency assistance to residents in Dickens and all surrounding counties.
While CEAP addresses the immediate bill, a second program offered by the same agency provides a free, long-term solution to high energy costs. If you are applying for CEAP, you should also ask about the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).
What is WAP?
WAP is a program designed to increase the energy efficiency of homes for low-income households, which permanently lowers utility bills. This program is also administered by the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA) and is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) and LIHEAP. All services and home improvements are provided at no cost to the participant.
Free Home Improvements Available Through WAP
After a whole-house energy assessment, WAP can provide free home improvements. These services may include:
WAP Eligibility and Application
WAP has requirements that are different from CEAP, which is a critical detail.
You can learn more about the SPCAA programs at their website: https://www.spcaa.org/community-services-energy-utility-assistance.
If you do not qualify for CEAP, if local program funds have been exhausted, or if you are facing multiple challenges such as food or housing insecurity, the 2-1-1 Texas helpline is your central point of contact.
A Free, Confidential Helpline
2-1-1 Texas is a free, confidential, 24/7 information and referral helpline operated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
Trained specialists can listen to your needs and connect you to a wide range of resources in your area , including:
You can reach them in two primary ways:
The primary resource is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered locally by the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA). This federally funded initiative helps low-income households in Dickens County pay for electricity, gas, and propane. It prioritizes elderly, disabled, and households with young children to ensure their utilities remain connected.
Eligibility is based on household income, which must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Applicants must be residents of Dickens County and provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. Priority is often given to vulnerable households, such as those with seniors (60+), individuals with disabilities, or children under the age of six.
You must contact the SPCAA Dickens County Center directly to schedule an appointment or request an application. The office is located at 500 Burlington Ave, Spur, TX 79370. You can reach them by phone at (806) 523-1317. It is recommended to call first to verify current office hours and funding availability.
Applicants typically need to submit proof of income for the last 30 days for all household members over 18, valid photo identification, and Social Security cards for every household member. You must also provide a current utility bill and a 12-month billing history from your electricity provider to demonstrate energy usage and need.
Yes, the CEAP includes a Crisis Component specifically designed for households facing immediate disconnection or extreme weather hazards. If you have received a disconnect notice, inform the SPCAA staff immediately when you apply. This component can provide faster financial relief to prevent service interruption or restore power in critical situations.
Yes, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is available through the SPCAA. This program helps reduce energy costs permanently by installing energy-efficiency upgrades like insulation, weather-stripping, and window repairs at no cost to the homeowner. Eligibility for WAP generally requires an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Many retail electric providers, such as TXU Energy and Reliant, offer their own bill payment assistance programs (like TXU Energy Aid) for customers in financial distress. You should call your specific electricity provider’s customer service line to inquire about deferred payment plans, bill extensions, or internal hardship grants available to Dickens County residents.
Under standard CEAP guidelines, eligible households usually receive assistance once per program year, although the specific amount depends on your household's energy consumption and income level. "Crisis" assistance may be available separately if you face a life-threatening energy emergency. Always verify specific frequency limits with the SPCAA caseworker during your application.
If you are ineligible for CEAP, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to find local non-profits and charities. Religious organizations, such as the Salvation Army or local churches in Spur and surrounding areas, occasionally have emergency benevolence funds to help residents with temporary financial hardships, including utility payments.
Processing times vary based on funding and application volume, but it generally takes two to four weeks after submitting a complete application. In crisis situations involving a disconnect notice, the agency aims to expedite the process. To avoid delays, ensure you bring all required documentation (income, ID, billing history) to your initial appointment.
Ensuring your children experience a joyful holiday is possible even when money is tight. Let's explore the essential programs and application strategies for securing free christmas gifts for low income families right in your community.
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