Bexar County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Resources

Residents seeking a Bexar County Texas electric bill assistance program have multiple avenues for help, managed by the county, the City of San Antonio, and CPS Energy. Navigating these options can be difficult, especially during a financial hardship. This organizes all available resources, contact information, and eligibility requirements to help you find the financial assistance you need for your utility bills.

Critical Update: Bexar County and City of San Antonio Application Status

Navigating the primary government portals is the first step. It is important to know which applications are active and where to apply.

Bexar County Utility Assistance Application Status

Bexar County’s Department of Community Resources (DCR) is a primary administrator for assistance funds. However, due to a high volume of applications, the Utility Assistance Online Application is currently closed for the remainder of the year.

While the online portal is closed, residents can still contact the DCR for information on any remaining options, to inquire about limited appointments , or to be directed to partner agencies.

• Phone: 210-335-3666
• Location: 233 N. Pecos, 5th Floor, San Antonio, TX 78207

City of San Antonio Utility Assistance Application (Open)

The City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services (DHS) provides the primary, open application for many residents. This single application is used to determine eligibility for both CPS Energy Utility Assistance and the Affordability Discount Program.

Residents can apply through two methods:

• Online Application: The recommended method is to use the online portal, which allows applicants to check the status of their request after submission. Apply online at: https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DHS/Financial-Assistance/Utility-Assistance
• Paper Application: A PDF version of the application is available for download.

For assistance with the City of San Antonio application, contact the DHS:

• Phone: 210-207-8198 or 210-207-6000
• Location: Willie Velasquez Learning Center, 1302 N. Zar zamora St., San Antonio, TX 78207
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Understanding the Main Financial Assistance Programs

Several distinct programs provide direct financial aid, each funded and administered differently.

Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP)

REAP is a partnership established in 2002 between CPS Energy, the City of San Antonio, and Bexar County. CPS Energy contributes at least $1 million annually to the REAP fund. The City of San Antonio and Bexar County are responsible for processing applications and distributing the funds.

• Benefit: Eligible households can receive up to $400 per year for utility bills.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be residents of San Antonio or Bexar County with an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. (Note: Some sources indicate 125% ).
• Additional Criteria: The household must also meet at least ONE of the following conditions:
• Age 60 or older
• Disabled
• Have children under age 16 living in the home (Some sources specify age 3 or younger )
• Require critical-care equipment

Project WARM

Project WARM is another charitable assistance program available to CPS Energy customers. Like REAP, it is administered by both the City of San Antonio (contact at 210-207-7830 ) and the Bexar County Housing and Human Services Department (contact at 210-335-6770 ).

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) (LIHEAP)

CEAP is the Texas name for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program is designed to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs and encourages long-term cost control through energy education.

The program is administered through a network of subrecipients. For Bexar County, the designated subrecipient is the Bexar County Department of Community Resources. Eligibility is generally set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Limits.

Household Crisis Program (A Component of CEAP)

Within CEAP, the Household Crisis Program provides targeted relief. This program is not for general assistance but is specifically for households experiencing extraordinarily high energy bills due to extreme weather conditions or fuel supply shortages. 

Funding for this program is triggered when the San Antonio International Airport reports specific weather conditions to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

• Winter Trigger: The temperature is at or below 38 degrees for at least 3 days during an applicant's billing cycle (during November-December).
• Summer Trigger: The temperature is at or above 98 degrees for at least 3 days during an applicant's billing cycle (during June-September).

CPS Energy Direct Assistance: Discounts and Payment Plans

For residents who may not qualify for low-income grants or who need immediate, direct help from their utility provider, CPS Energy offers several programs. These can be accessed by contacting CPS Energy directly. More information is available at:   https://www.cpsenergy.com/assistance

Affordability Discount Program

This program provides a direct, monthly discount on utility bills for eligible low-income customers.

• Benefit: A monthly discount of $13.48 on electricity services and $4.88 on gas services.
• Eligibility: Household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. The applicant must also meet at least one other requirement, such as being 60 years or older.
• How to Apply: This program is included in the City of San Antonio’s main utility assistance application. Applicants can also apply in person at a CPS Energy Customer Service Center or by calling 210-353-2222.

If You Need More Time to Pay

For customers facing temporary financial hardship, CPS Energy urges direct contact to avoid disconnection and create a manageable plan. By calling 210-353-2222 , customers can speak with an energy expert about several options:

• Payment Extension: Allows a customer to pay their past-due balance at a later date.
• Installment Plan: Breaks the total past-due amount into smaller, more manageable installments that are added to future bills.
• Modified Budget Payment Plan: For customers already enrolled in the Budget Payment Plan, this option breaks a past-due amount into installments and adds them to the existing monthly budget payment.

Budget Payment Plan

This program is designed for customers who want to avoid the surprise of high seasonal bills. It averages yearly energy costs into a consistent, predictable monthly payment. This is a budgeting tool rather than financial assistance, but it is a critical resource for those on a fixed or limited income.

Specialized Support for Priority Populations

Many assistance programs are specifically designed to provide support for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

Assistance for Seniors (Age 60 and Older)

CPS Energy offers two distinct programs for seniors, which can be combined.

• Senior Citizen Billing Program: This program is not income-based. It grants seniors (age 60 or older) who are the customer of record additional time to pay their bill. The payment window is extended from the normal 16 days to 25 days. Apply online or by calling 210-353-2222.
• Senior Citizen Late Fee Waiver: This program is income-based. It waives all late payment charges for qualifying seniors. To be eligible, the applicant must be 60 or older and have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Assistance for Residents with Disabilities

Support is available for individuals with disabilities, primarily by providing more time to manage and pay bills.

• Disabled Citizens' Billing Program: This program extends the bill payment period to 25 days. Eligibility is very specific: the applicant must be the customer of record and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration. A copy of the SSI disability document is required to apply. Applications can be mailed, faxed to 210-353-3666 , or completed online.
• Critical Care Program: This program is for any household where an individual uses electrically-operated medical equipment. It provides additional time to pay a bill, not a discount. A physician's confirmation is required and must be renewed every 24 months.

Assistance for Veterans

Targeted programs are available to assist military veterans and their families.

• Burned Veterans' Discount: This high-value program provides a monthly discount of up to $94 on the electric portion of the bill. It is specifically for military veterans who have a significantly decreased ability to regulate their body temperature due to severe burns received during armed conflict or combat.
• Details: The discount is applied seasonally from April through October. Approved applicants are also automatically enrolled in the Critical Care Program.
• How to Apply: A medical military facility must certify the condition. The completed application must be faxed by the medical facility to 210-353-3666.
• Military Family Relief Program: Offered by Catholic Charities at the Guadalupe Community Center, this program provides emergency financial assistance for both rent and utilities to veterans. Applicants must provide a DD214 or VA Statement of Service, along with a utility disconnection notice or landlord notice to vacate.

Assistance for First Responders

A program similar to the veteran's discount is available for first responders.

The First Responders with Burn Injuries Discount provides up to $94 per month (April-October) for first responders who have severe burns received while on duty that affect their ability to regulate body temperature. A medical certificate is required.

Community and Non-Profit Emergency Assistance (When Facing Disconnection)

For residents in an immediate crisis, such as holding a utility disconnection notice, a network of non-profit organizations provides a crucial safety net. Funding is limited and processes are specific.

Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio

Catholic Charities provides one-time emergency financial assistance to prevent utility disconnection. A utility disconnection notice is required to qualify.

• How to Apply: The application process is time-sensitive. Calls for rent and utility assistance are taken on Mondays at 8:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis. Appointments are limited.
• Contact: Call 210-226-6178 or 210-433-3256 .
• Location: Guadalupe Community Center at 1801 W César E Chávez Blvd.
• Website: https://ccaosa.org/financial-assistance/    

SAM Ministries

SAM Ministries provides assistance to households that are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, which includes help with utility payments.

• Requirement: A current disconnection notice is required to demonstrate "imminent risk".
• How to Apply: Applications are submitted via a Type form questionnaire.
• Application Status: The program has a limited number of available request slots. If the Type form questionnaire shows as "closed," all slots are full, and applicants must check back.
• Website: https://www.samm.org/get-help/

Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG)

AACOG is a key regional partner and a subrecipient for CEAP funds. While they administer various programs, they are a primary point of contact for referrals and weatherization. The Alamo Service Connection can provide information and referrals for utility assistance and other needs.

• Contact: Call the Alamo Service Connection at 210-477-3275.

G.R.A.S.P. (Greater Randolph Area Services Program)

G.R.A.S.P. is a Bexar County partner providing emergency assistance, but its service area is geographically restricted.

• Service Area: Serves residents in Converse, Cibolo, Live Oak, Schertz, Selma, Universal City, and Windcrest.
• How to Apply: Applicants must be referred by the United Way Helpline (Call 211) or another agency. Inquiries can also be made online at grasp211.org or by calling 210-658-6351.

Eagles Flight Advocacy and Outreach

Eagles Flight is another Bexar County partner. Their work is heavily focused on crisis intervention for families, including those fleeing domestic violence and families with special needs. They are a resource for families in these specific crisis situations.

What You Need to Apply for Assistance

Being prepared can make the application process much smoother. While requirements vary slightly, most programs will ask for the following.

Core Document Checklist

Before applying, gather these documents, as they are required by most agencies, including the City of San Antonio:

• Photo ID: A valid Texas ID, Driver's License, or Matricular Consular for the account holder.
• Social Security Number: The last 4 digits for the account holder.
• Proof of Income: Proof of current income for the past 30 days for all household members age 18 and older.
• Award Letters: Current year award letters for any benefits received, such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Disability, or Unemployment.
• Current Utility Bill: A copy of your most recent utility bill(s). If you are facing disconnection, the disconnection notice is mandatory for most emergency non-profit assistance.

Understanding the Income Limits

Many programs, including REAP, CEAP, and the Affordability Discount Program, base eligibility on the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPL). The most common limit is 150% of the FPL.

For most programs, eligibility is set at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. This means:

• A one-person household must have an annual income at or below $23,475.
• For a two-person household, the limit is $31,725.
• For a three-person household, it is $39,975.
• For a four-person household, it is $48,225.
• For families with more than 8 persons, add $8,250 for each additional person in the family.

Weatherization Programs: A Long-Term Solution

While the programs above provide immediate financial relief, weatherization programs offer a long-term solution by reducing energy consumption and lowering future bills.

Casa Verde (CPS Energy)

This CPS Energy program assists income-qualifying homeowners and renters with free energy efficiency improvements. Services may include adding attic and wall insulation, air-sealing measures, replacing light bulbs with LEDs, and duct sealing.

Weatherization Assistance Program (AACOG)

The Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) administers the federal Weatherization Assistance Program for the region. This program helps low-income households lower their energy costs by improving home energy efficiency, prioritizing the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Residents can contact AACOG at 210-362-5200 or 210-477-3275 for information.

Frequently Asked Questions