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Residents searching for the Coryell County Texas electric bill assistance program often face a confusing mix of providers, regulations, and deadlines. This article cuts through the noise to provide a direct, actionable roadmap for securing financial aid during energy crises. Whether you live in the urban center of Copperas Cove or the rural expanses near Gatesville, understanding the specific safety nets available to you is the first step toward stabilizing your household finances.
The primary source of funding for electricity aid in Central Texas is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is not a loan; it is a federal grant administered by the state and distributed locally. In Coryell County, the Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA) manages these funds.
Two Types of CEAP Assistance
The program is divided into two distinct components to address different levels of need. It is vital to know which one matches your current situation.
Who Qualifies for CEAP?
Eligibility is based on your household income relative to the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). For the current program year, households earning up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible.
2025 Income Limits (150% FPG):
Note: Income limits increase for larger households. The program prioritizes vulnerable populations, including the elderly (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children aged five or younger.
How to Apply Through HCCAA
The Hill Country Community Action Association has modernized its intake process. While you can still apply in person, digital methods are often faster and provide a timestamped record of your request.
Required Documents Checklist:
If you live in rural Coryell County, you likely receive power from a member-owned cooperative like Heart of Texas Electric Cooperative (HOTEC) or Hamilton County Electric Cooperative. These organizations operate differently than for-profit companies.
Operation Round Up
This is a unique charitable trust funded by members rounding up their bills to the next dollar. The accumulated "change" funds grants for members in crisis.
Budget Billing and Payment Plans
Cooperatives often offer "Average Billing" to smooth out the spikes caused by Texas summers.
Residents in Copperas Cove and parts of Gatesville served by Oncor choose their Retail Electric Provider (REP). This choice impacts your assistance options.
The "Switch-Hold" Danger
If you set up a Deferred Payment Plan (DPP) and fail to pay, your provider may place a "switch-hold" on your meter.
Provider-Specific Aid Funds
Large providers often have their own charitable funds, usually administered by third parties like the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities.
When federal funds are exhausted or you are on a waitlist, local charities provide the critical "bridge" funding to keep the lights on.
St. Vincent de Paul Society (Copperas Cove)
Located at the Holy Family Catholic Church, this organization is highly active in providing financial aid and food.
Baptist Benevolence Ministry
This ministry in Copperas Cove offers limited financial help to residents.
The Salvation Army Service Units
Coryell County does not have a large Salvation Army Corps center, but relies on "Service Units" geared toward immediate crisis response.
Gatesville Care Center
This center serves as a hub for the Gatesville Ministerial Alliance, pooling resources from local churches.
Texas law provides specific protections that can delay disconnection, buying you time to secure funding.
Critical Care Registry
If someone in your home requires an electric medical device (like a ventilator) or has a chronic condition that requires temperature control, you must apply for this status.
Extreme Weather Moratoriums
Utilities cannot disconnect your service during extreme weather events.
Solving the immediate crisis is step one. Step two is lowering future bills permanently. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income families make their homes more energy-efficient.
If you are facing disconnection, follow this sequence immediately:
The main resource is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). In Coryell County, this program is administered by the Hill Country Community Action Association (HCCAA). CEAP provides financial aid to low-income households to help pay for electricity, gas, and propane, with a focus on achieving long-term energy self-sufficiency.
To qualify for CEAP, your household income must typically be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this generally equates to an annual income limit of approximately $22,590 for an individual or $46,800 for a family of four. Priority is often given to households with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and children under the age of five.
You can apply online through the HCCAA official website, which is the fastest method. Alternatively, you can download an application and mail it to their central office in San Saba or visit a local partner site. For residents in Copperas Cove, there is a local HCCAA presence at 1012 North Drive (often shared with Senior Center services), but calling (325) 372-5167 first is recommended to confirm hours and appointment availability.
You must provide the following documentation to complete your application:
Proof of Identity: Driver’s license or state ID for all adult household members.
Proof of Citizenship/Legal Residency: Birth certificates, US passports, or permanent resident cards.
Income Verification: Pay stubs for the last 30 days, award letters (Social Security, SNAP, TANF), or a pension statement.
Utility Bills: Your most recent electric (and gas/propane) bill showing your name, address, and account number.
Yes. The Crisis Assistance component of CEAP is designed specifically for households facing an immediate weather-related crisis, such as a disconnect notice or a non-functioning heating/cooling unit during extreme weather. If you have received a disconnection notice, contact HCCAA immediately and state that you are in a crisis situation to potentially expedite your application.
No. The Lite-Up Texas program was discontinued in 2016 and is no longer active. Be cautious of any third-party websites claiming to offer Lite-Up Texas applications, as they may be scams. You should rely on CEAP and local charitable organizations for current assistance.
Yes, renters are fully eligible for assistance as long as they are responsible for paying their own electric bill directly to the utility company. If utilities are included in your rent, you likely will not qualify for direct electric bill assistance, though you may qualify for other forms of rental relief.
Several local non-profits may offer emergency funds:
The Salvation Army: Has a presence in Copperas Cove (2116 Phil Ave) and often helps with utility disconnects on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
My Brother’s House Food Pantry: Located in Copperas Cove, they occasionally provide financial assistance for utilities when funds allow.
St. Vincent de Paul: Local chapters often assist with one-time emergency bills.
Yes. TXU Energy Aid, Atmos Energy’s "Sharing the Warmth," and other provider-specific funds are available for customers of those specific companies. These are separate from government aid and are funded by customer donations. You generally need to contact your electricity provider directly or call 2-1-1 to be referred to the agency managing these funds in your area.
Processing times vary based on demand but typically range from 4 to 8 weeks. Applications are prioritized by need (elderly, disabled, young children) rather than "first-come, first-served." During peak seasons (extreme summer heat or winter freeze), wait times may increase, so it is crucial to apply before your service is in danger of being disconnected if possible.
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