Bastrop County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Finding a Bastrop County Texas electric bill assistance program is a critical need for many households facing financial strain from high energy costs. Residents are not alone, and a network of state programs, local community action agencies, and non-profit organizations is available to provide financial relief.

These resources are designed to help low-income households, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children manage their utility bills, prevent disconnection, and improve home energy efficiency. Key programs include the Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) and various local emergency funds.

Texas State Programs for Energy Bill Relief

The State of Texas manages several large-scale programs, funded by the federal government, to provide utility assistance to its residents, including those in Bastrop County.

The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The primary resource for long-term utility help is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). CEAP is the Texas-administered version of the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

This program is designed to do more than just pay a single bill; it aims to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs while also encouraging consumers to control long-term energy costs through education. Services include direct utility payment assistance for electricity, natural gas, and propane.

A crucial aspect of CEAP is its prioritization of vulnerable households. The program assigns priority to households with the least income and the highest energy costs. Specific priority is given to:

• Seniors aged 60 and over.
• Persons with disabilities.
• Families with children five years of age or under.
• Veterans.

LIHEAP: The Federal Funding Source

Residents may see references to both LIHEAP and CEAP. It is important to understand that LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is the federal program that provides the funding. CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) is the Texas state program that administers those federal funds to the public. When applying for help in Texas, residents will be applying for CEAP.

CRITICAL UPDATE: Texas Utility Help Program is CLOSED

Many residents may have previously heard of or used the "Texas Utility Help" program, which operated online at texasutilityhelp.com. This program was a temporary resource established with federal funds to assist homeowners and renters.

This program is now CLOSED. The Texas Utility Help website stopped accepting applications for energy assistance on September 15, 2023, and for water assistance on November 3, 2023, due to its funds being exhausted. Any information referencing this as an active source of aid is outdated.

Where to Find State Assistance NOW: The "Help for Texans" Portal

With the closure of the temporary Texas Utility Help website, the central hub for finding assistance has reverted to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

The correct way to find a current utility assistance provider is through the TDHCA's official "Help for Texans" portal.

Residents can use this portal by selecting the "Utility Bill Payment Help" option, entering "Bastrop County" or their city (Bastrop, Elgin, Smithville), and clicking "Find help". This search will provide the contact information for the official, local subrecipient organization tasked with administering CEAP funds.

Official TDHCA Portal: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans

Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (TXHAF)

For residents who are homeowners and experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Texas Homeowner Assistance Fund (TXHAF) may be an option.

The purpose of this fund is to prevent mortgage delinquencies, foreclosures, and the loss of utilities. Eligible households may receive up to $65,000 in total assistance, which can be applied to past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and utility bills. This is a separate program from CEAP and has different eligibility requirements.

How to Apply: Your Local Bastrop County Administrator

State assistance programs like CEAP are not managed directly by the state. Instead, the TDHCA distributes the funds to local "subrecipients," which are community action agencies that manage the application process for specific counties.

Combined Community Action, Inc. (CCA): Your CEAP Provider

For all residents of Bastrop County, the official designated agency to apply for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is Combined Community Action, Inc. (CCA).

CCA provides utility assistance, weatherization services, and other family services for Bastrop County. All applications for state and federal energy assistance must go through this organization.

Residents should call this office directly to inquire about the CEAP application process, required documentation, and current wait times.

• Phone: 979-540-2980 or 800-688-9065
• Address: 165 W. Austin St., Giddings, TX 78942
• Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Website: https://www.ccaction.com/

A Note on "Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas"

Residents may also find information for "Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas." This is a different organization that serves adjacent counties, specifically Hays, Caldwell, and Blanco Counties. Bastrop County residents who contact this agency will be told they are in the wrong service area. To save time and ensure an application is processed correctly, Bastrop County residents must contact Combined Community Action (CCA) in Giddings.

Assistance from Bastrop County Electric Providers

In addition to state and federal programs, electric providers themselves offer solutions. The options available depend on which company provides the electricity. The two main providers in the area are Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative (serving most of the county) and the City of Bastrop (serving residents inside the city limits).

For Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Members

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, which serves over 119,000 meters across 14 Central Texas counties including Bastrop, offers several pathways for members needing help.

• Payment Extensions: Bluebonnet members who cannot pay their bill by the due date can request a payment extension to avoid disconnection. Members can request this extension directly through their online account or by calling the automated phone system at 800-842-7708.
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): For a long-term solution to high bills, Bluebonnet promotes the Texas Weatherization Assistance Program. This program, also administered by the TDHCA, provides free home assessments and energy-efficiency improvements (like insulation and sealing) to low-income households to help reduce their power bills.
• Agency Referrals: Bluebonnet also directs its members to the same local agencies that administer CEAP and other charitable funds, including Combined Community Action.

For City of Bastrop Utilities Customers

Residents within the city limits who receive their bill from the City of Bastrop have access to a specific, hyper-local program.

• Program Name: The Utility Assistance Program (UAP), also known as the Good Neighbor Fund.
• Purpose: This fund is designed to support customers who are experiencing a temporary, financial hardship.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Household gross income must be at or below 200% of the current Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG) for the past 30 days.
• Applicant and household members must have City of Bastrop Utilities.
• The applicant must live at the address listed on the bill.
• Benefit Details:
• The maximum benefit is $100.00.
• Assistance is available only once per calendar year.
• These funds cannot be used to pay for deposits.
• If the amount owed is more than $100.00, the customer must pay the remaining balance before the $100.00 in assistance funds will be applied to the account.
• How to Apply (CRITICAL): The City of Bastrop's UAP fund is administered by the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry (BCEFP). Customers do not go to City Hall for this assistance; they must apply through the food pantry.

Emergency and Charitable Utility Help in Bastrop County

For residents facing an immediate crisis, such as a disconnection notice, several local non-profits and churches provide emergency financial assistance. These funds are often more flexible and can be accessed more quickly than state programs.

Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry (BCEFP)

The BCEFP is a central hub for emergency aid in the county. It not only administers the city's UAP but also has its own emergency assistance fund. This fund can provide financial assistance for utilities to Bastrop County residents (regardless of who their provider is) who are in a crisis, such as a loss of employment, health problem, or natural disaster.

• Eligibility: Must be a Bastrop County resident, at least 18 years old, and experiencing a crisis. A "threat of shut-off" is a qualifying event.
• Application Process: Financial assistance for utilities is provided by appointment.
• Required Documents: Applicants should bring a Photo ID and a current utility bill as proof of Bastrop County residency.
• Phone: 512-303-0033
• Location: 806 Fayette Street, Bastrop, TX 78602. GPS Note: It is highly recommended to use the address 1201 Pine, Bastrop, TX 78602 for GPS, as this is the address for the same location that navigation systems recognize more easily.

The Salvation Army of Bastrop County

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance nationwide and has a dedicated service unit for Bastrop County. They may assist with rent and utility help for families in a financial crisis.

• Phone: 512-581-8823  or 512-409-3474
• Address: 1022 S. Main St., Bastrop, TX 78602
• Online Application: The Salvation Army offers a confidential online application for assistance Residents can visit sahelp.org, enter their zip code, and begin the process online.

Church and Community-Based Organizations

Several local churches and faith-based groups manage funds to help neighbors in need.

• Ladies of Charity: This organization provides assistance with utilities, rent, food, and medicine.
• Phone: 512-321-9819 
• Address: 1202 Pine St., Bastrop, TX 78602. This location is directly next door to the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, allowing individuals to seek help from both organizations in one stop.
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP): This Catholic organization offers one-time rent and utility assistance through local church "conferences".
• Elgin Conference: Located at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (310 W. 11th St., Elgin). Phone: 512-285-9643. Key Detail: Requests for assistance are taken only on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m..
• Smithville Conference: Phone: 512-718-2614. Key Detail: This group serves only Smithville residents.
• Local Ministerial Alliances:
• Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance: This group provides assistance, but serves only members with children in the Bastrop school district.
• Elgin Ministerial Alliance: This group may provide up to $250 per year for residents of the 78621 zip code. Key Detail: Applicants must apply in person on the first Friday of the month between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m..

Help for Seniors and Residents with Medical Needs

Several programs are specifically structured to prioritize or exclusively serve seniors and individuals with medical conditions.

Assistance for Seniors (60+)

In addition to being a priority group for CEAP , seniors in Bastrop County have another dedicated resource.

• Capital Area Council on Aging: This agency, part of the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG), is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the 10-county region, including Bastrop. They provide services and referrals for seniors, including information on utility assistance.
• Phone: 512-916-6062
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Disconnection Protections and Disability Assistance

For households where a medical condition necessitates electrical power, Texas law provides a critical protection. This is not a payment program, but a vital protection from disconnection.

The Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas rules state that a utility provider cannot disconnect service for non-payment if the resident has a critical medical need.

To obtain this 63-day exemption from disconnection, two things must happen:

1. The resident must contact their electric provider and enter into a deferred payment plan.
2. The ill person's attending physician must contact the provider (by phone and with a follow-up written statement) attesting that the electric service is necessary to support life.

This protection can be applied for again after the 63 days expire, provided the deferred payment plan has been fulfilled. Households with disabled individuals are also given priority for CEAP assistance.

Immediate Steps to Prevent Utility Disconnection

For residents facing an immediate disconnection, the situation is urgent. Here is a clear, 4-step action plan.

1. Contact Your Utility Provider Directly. This is the fastest and most important first step. Call the number on the bill (Bluebonnet at 800-842-7708 or City of Bastrop Utilities). Ask for a Payment Extension  or a Deferred Payment Plan. This can often stop a disconnection scheduled for the same day.
2. Call 2-1-1 Texas. Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905. This statewide referral hotline can provide the most up-to-date information on any emergency funds or services available in a specific zip code.
3. Contact Your CEAP Administrator. Call Combined Community Action (CCA) at 979-540-2980. This begins the application process for the larger, long-term state assistance program.
4. Contact Local Emergency Charities. Call for same-day, emergency crisis aid. Start with the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry at 512-303-0033 , The Salvation Army at 512-581-8823 , and Ladies of Charity at 512-321-9819. Be prepared to explain the crisis and have the utility bill and a photo ID ready.

Frequently Asked Questions