Bee County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Residents of Bee County, Texas, facing high electricity costs or disconnection notices have access to several electric bill assistance programs. The primary resource is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered locally by the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST). This financial assistance , along with support from other state and non-profit organizations, can help low-income households manage utility costs. Finding out who to contact, what documents are required, and if you are eligible are the first steps toward securing relief.

The Primary Resource for Bee County Residents: CACOST

For residents of Bee County, the path to federal and state utility assistance begins with a single, local organization. The U.S. government funds a program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In Texas, this program is managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and is named the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).

The CEAP program is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs, providing financial help for electricity, natural gas, and propane bills. The TDHCA does not administer this program directly to the public. Instead, it uses a statewide network of local non-profit organizations, or "subrecipients," to manage applications and distribute funds in all 254 Texas counties.

For Bee County, the designated subrecipient and primary point of contact for the CEAP program is the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST). The City of Beeville's official website confirms this partnership, directing its low-income residents needing utility help to CACOST. Any attempt to contact state offices will typically result in a referral back to this local organization. Therefore, Bee County residents should always begin by contacting CACOST directly.

How to Apply for CEAP with CACOST in Bee County

To apply for utility assistance through the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, Bee County residents must contact the local CACOST office. This organization has a specific phone number and office for serving Bee County residents.

Key Contact Information:

• Bee County Phone: 1-361-542-4596 
• Bee County Address: 111 Corpus Christi St.
• Main Regional Office Phone: 361-664-0145

The application process is managed directly by the local office. CACOST announces specific days when it will begin accepting applications for utility assistance. It is highly recommended to call the Bee County phone number first to confirm application days, office hours, and the specific documents you will need to bring.

It is critical to prepare your application materials thoroughly. CACOST notes that incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed. Gathering all required documents before visiting or applying is the most important step to avoid delays.

In addition to providing financial aid, the CEAP program through CACOST also includes energy education. This service offers practical tips and counseling to help consumers learn how to reduce their energy costs over the long term, promoting financial stability.

CEAP Eligibility: Income and Household Requirements

Eligibility for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is primarily based on the household's total income. To qualify, a household's income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

These income limits are updated annually. Based on the 150% guideline, the maximum gross annual income levels are as follows:

• 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 people: Add $8,250 for each additional person.

Meeting the income requirement makes a household eligible to apply, but assistance is not always guaranteed as funds are limited. CEAP gives priority to households with the highest energy use and the lowest incomes, particularly those containing the most vulnerable individuals.

Priority assistance is given to households that include:

• Elderly individuals
• Disabled individuals
• Families with children five years of age or younger
• Veterans

A Checklist of Documents Needed to Apply

To prevent an application from being rejected as incomplete, it is essential to gather all required paperwork for every member of the household. While the exact list should be confirmed by calling the CACOST office, the following documents are typically required for Texas utility assistance programs.

Proof of Identity

You will need a valid, government-issued photo ID for all adult household members 18 years and older.

• State-Issued Driver’s License or Identification Card
• U.S. Passport or Military Card

Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency

This is required for all members of the household, including children.

• U.S. State-Issued Birth Certificate
• U.S. Passport
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Social Security Documentation

• Social Security cards for all household members. At a minimum, be prepared to provide the last four digits for the account holder.

Proof of Household Income

You must provide proof of all gross income for the past 30 days for every household member 18 years of age and older.

• Employment: Consecutive pay stubs for the last 30 days.
• Benefits: A current year award letter is required for benefits. Bank statements showing a deposit are often not accepted as proof. Required letters include:
• Social Security (SS), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Disability award letter
• Unemployment benefits statement
• Child support payment history
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or SNAP (food stamps) award letter
• VA pension or retirement pension letters
• No Income: If you are self-employed or have no income, you will likely need to sign a "Declaration of Income Statement".

Utility Bill Documentation

• Your current, most recent utility bill that you need assistance with.
• If in a crisis situation, a disconnection notice may be required.
• Some programs may also request a 12-month billing history from your utility company.

Local Beeville Emergency Aid (When Help is Needed Immediately)

For residents facing an immediate crisis, such as a disconnection notice, local charities may offer faster, one-time emergency assistance. This aid is separate from the more programmatic support offered by CEAP.

The Beeville Vineyard

The Beeville Vineyard is a key local organization, recommended by both the City of Beeville and the San Patricio Electric Cooperative as a resource for utility help.

• Services: Provides one-time financial assistance with utilities, rent, and prescription expenses for Bee County residents.
• Crucial Requirement: A disconnection notice is required for all utility assistance. An eviction notice is required for rent assistance.
• Contact: 210 North Monroe, Beeville, TX 78102.
• Phone: 361-358-7500.
• Application Process: Applicants must call for an appointment.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army in Texas provides utility and rent assistance to eligible households facing financial difficulties.

• Application Process: Assistance is handled by local service units. Residents must use their zip code to find their appropriate location and begin a confidential online application. A case manager will then review the application.
• Website: To apply, visit sahelp.org.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

This faith-based organization offers one-time rent and utility assistance through local volunteer chapters, often based in Catholic churches.

• Service Area: Assistance is strictly limited to specific neighborhood boundaries.
• Contact: Bee County residents should contact the St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Texas Council in San Antonio for information on the nearest chapter providing services.

Other Texas State-Level Assistance Programs

In addition to the CEAP program administered by CACOST, Texas residents may be eligible for other state-level programs. Applying for these is a separate process and can be done in addition to your local application.

Texas Utility Help

Administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), this program provides financial assistance to qualified Texas homeowners and renters.

• Services: It helps pay past-due utility bills (electricity, natural gas, propane) and can also provide prospective payments for future bills.
• Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. At least one household member must be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen.
• Website: To learn more or apply, visit the TDHCA's Help for Texans page at tdhca.texas.gov/texans-help.

LITE-UP Discount Program

This program is managed by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and provides a discount on electric bills for low-income customers.

• Services: Provides a discount (10-20%) during the summer months of May through September. It may also allow for deposit payments in installments and waive late fees.
• Eligibility: Customers must have a household income at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or receive benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid.
• Application Process: To apply for this discount, you must call the PUC directly at 1-866-454-8387.

Assistance from Your Electric Provider (REP and TDU)

In Texas's deregulated energy market, two different companies are involved with your power. Understanding this is key to finding all available help.

1. Retail Electric Provider (REP): This is the company you choose and the one that sends your monthly bill (e.g., TXU, Gexa, Constellation).
2. Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU): This is the company that owns the power lines and delivers the electricity. For Bee County, the TDU is AEP Texas.

You may be able to get two different types of help by contacting both companies.

Help from Your REP (The Company on Your Bill)

REPs may offer financial assistance programs. Call the customer service number on your bill and ask about the following:

• SB 1976 Matching Program: Texas law allows (but does not require) REPs to offer a benefit or matching program for their low-income customers. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid, and the name on the electric bill must be the same as the name on the SNAP or Medicaid benefits. Self-enrollment is not allowed; you must ask your provider if they participate.
• Deposit Waivers: If you are a victim of family violence, you are eligible to have your electric service deposit waived. You must submit a specific certification letter from the Texas Council on Family Violence to your REP.
• Payment Plans: Always ask if you can be placed on a deferred payment plan to avoid disconnection.

Help from Your TDU (AEP Texas)

AEP Texas offers programs focused on energy efficiency, which can lower your future bills.

• Cool Saver A/C Tune-Up: This program provides a tune-up for your air conditioning unit to improve its efficiency and cut cooling costs.
• Low-Income Weatherization: AEP works with TDHCA to provide weatherization assistance (like insulation and sealing air leaks) to qualified low-income households, which permanently reduces energy bills.
• Contact: Call AEP Texas at 1-877-373-4858  or visit AEPTexas.com/community/caring  to learn about their efficiency programs.

For Electric Cooperative Members: If your provider is San Patricio Electric Cooperative, you are a member of a co-op, which functions as both your REP and TDU. Their assistance model is to refer members to their local partners: CACOST and The Beeville Vineyard.

Know Your Rights: Utility Disconnection Protections

If you are facing disconnection, you have specific rights as a Texas resident under the Public Utility Commission.

• Disconnection Notice: A utility cannot disconnect your service for non-payment without first sending you a written disconnection notice. This notice must be mailed no earlier than the first day after your bill is due and must state a disconnection date that is at least 10 days from the date the notice is issued.
• Extreme Weather: Texas has disconnection prohibitions during extreme weather. Your power cannot be disconnected if the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory for your area.
• Medical Status (Critical Information): Do not assume you are protected from disconnection because you have a medical condition. The PUC has two different statuses, and the difference is critical:
• Chronic Condition: This status is for individuals with a serious medical condition. This status DOES NOT protect you from disconnection for non-payment.
• Critical Care: This status is for customers who need electricity to operate life-support equipment. This status can protect you from disconnection. You must affirmatively apply for this status by requesting a "Critical Care Eligibility Determination Form" from your REP, having it completed by your physician, and submitting it.

For more information on these rights or to file a complaint, visit the Public Utility Commission of Texas at puc.texas.gov/consumer/low income/assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions