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Navigating the colorado county texas electric bill assistance program options can be overwhelming, but finding the right help starts with knowing your electric provider. Colorado County is split between member-owned cooperatives and deregulated areas. This guide outlines specific agencies, eligibility requirements, and application steps for residents in Columbus, Eagle Lake, Weimar, and surrounding communities.
Step 1: Identify Your Electric Provider
Your eligibility for grants depends entirely on which company sends your bill. You cannot apply for cooperative funds if you use a retail provider, and vice versa. Check your bill header to confirm your provider type.
The primary source of government funding is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This federal grant is managed locally by Combined Community Action, Inc. (CCA).
Program Overview CEAP is designed to stabilize low-income households by managing their energy burden. It is not just for emergencies; it can cover multiple months of utility payments.
Income Guidelines (2025 Estimates) Households must typically earn at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify.
How to Apply
Electric cooperatives often have internal charitable trusts. These funds are distinct from federal aid and can sometimes provide faster relief for smaller emergencies.
San Bernard Electric Cooperative (SBEC) SBEC operates the "Operation Round-Up" program for members in financial distress.
Fayette Electric Cooperative (FEC) FEC maintains a "Sharing Success" charitable fund and offers member support.
If you have the "Power to Choose" your provider, you cannot access cooperative Round-Up trusts. Instead, you should utilize corporate aid funds.
When government grants are pending, local ministerial alliances often provide "gap funding." These groups help cover the final portion of a bill to prevent disconnection.
Columbus Ministerial Alliance
Eagle Lake Ministerial Alliance
Weimar Area Support
The Colorado County Indigent Health Care Program serves the most financially vulnerable residents.
State regulations provide specific safeguards for seniors and residents with medical needs. These do not waive the bill but offer critical time to secure funding.
Critical Care Registry
Area Agency on Aging (H-GAC)
5-Step Action Plan for Immediate Relief
The Combined Community Action (CCA) is the designated agency administering the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for Colorado County residents. While their central office is in Giddings, they serve Colorado County households directly. You can contact them at (979) 540-2980 or visit their website to access the online application portal.
To qualify for assistance in 2025, your household income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a single-person household, the limit is approximately $23,475 annually, and for a family of four, it is roughly $48,225. These figures are subject to slight annual adjustments, so verify the latest "CEAP Income Limits" on the CCA website before applying.
No, the Lite-Up Texas program is discontinued and is no longer active for 2025. Funding for this specific discount ended several years ago. Do not rely on outdated websites claiming to offer "Lite-Up Texas" applications. Instead, focus your efforts on applying for CEAP or LIHEAP through Combined Community Action or Texas Utility Help.
Yes, but you must act immediately. The CEAP program has a "Crisis" component specifically for households facing service disconnection or extreme weather conditions. When applying through Combined Community Action, clearly mark your application as "Crisis" and include a copy of your disconnection notice. Additionally, residents in Eagle Lake can contact the city's utility department at (979) 234-2640 to inquire about payment extensions or local benevolence funds.
Yes. St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus operates a "Ministry of the Poor" that may provide limited utility assistance to locals in need (call 979-732-2562 for availability). Additionally, the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake has a benevolence fund that occasionally assists residents. These funds are often limited and discretionary, so calling the parish or church office early in the week is recommended.
To avoid delays, submit a complete packet including:
Proof of Income: Pay stubs for the last 30 days for all household members 18+.
Identification: Valid driver’s license or state ID for the applicant.
Utility Bills: A copy of your most recent electric bill (and gas/propane bill if applicable).
Proof of Citizenship/Residency: Birth certificates or U.S. passports for household members.
Yes. The CEAP grant requires that priority be given to vulnerable households, defined as those with members who are elderly (60+), disabled, or have children under the age of five. While this does not guarantee immediate funding, it moves your application to the top of the processing queue ahead of non-vulnerable households.
The City of Weimar does not have a standalone "free money" grant program, but they do offer Deferred Payment Plans for residents struggling to pay their city-managed utility bills. You must contact the City of Weimar Utility Billing department at (979) 725-8554 before your service is disconnected to negotiate a payment arrangement.
Yes. Texas Utility Help is a separate statewide program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). You can apply directly at TexasUtilityHelp.com. It assists with electricity, gas, water, and wastewater bills. However, you generally cannot use funds from both CEAP and Texas Utility Help for the same specific bill month, so coordinate your applications carefully.
If CEAP funds are unavailable, dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to reach the state's health and human services helpline. Operators can direct you to lesser-known local charities, food pantries (to offset other costs), or temporary relief funds specific to Colorado County zip codes (like 78934 for Columbus or 78962 for Weimar) that may not be listed online.
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