Facing a high utility bill or disconnection notice can be incredibly stressful. For residents seeking a blanco county texas electric bill assistance program, there are several critical resources available. Help for paying electric bills in Blanco County, including in communities like Johnson City and Blanco, is primarily channeled through specific government-funded programs, local electric cooperative initiatives, and charitable organizations. This report provides a direct, step-by-step plan, identifying the exact agencies to contact, their eligibility requirements, and the precise documents needed to apply for financial relief.

The Primary Source for Blanco County Utility Assistance

The single most important organization for residents of Blanco County seeking utility assistance is Community Action Inc. of Central Texas. This agency is the officially designated local entity responsible for administering the primary government-funded utility assistance programs for the region.

While its service area includes Hays, Caldwell, and Blanco counties, it is important for Blanco County residents to note that the primary administrative office is located in San Marcos. Residents of Johnson City or Blanco should not be deterred by the San Marcos address; this is the correct and designated office to process their applications.

Contacting Community Action Inc. is the most efficient first step, as this single agency serves as the gateway for multiple assistance programs. It manages the main federal and state-funded programs and also serves as the application-processing agency for member-specific programs from local utility providers like Pedernales Electric Cooperative. A single application to this agency allows residents to be screened for several different sources of financial aid simultaneously.

Key Agency Contact Information:

• Organization: Community Action Inc. of Central Texas
• Blanco County Contact: Francesca Ramirez, Community Services Director
• Phone (Main line for Blanco/Hays): 512-878-2542  or 512-392-1161 ext. 309
• Physical Address: 215 So. Reimer Ave., Suite 130, San Marcos, Texas 78666
• Mailing Address: Community Action, Inc., Attn: Francesca Ramirez, PO Box 748, San Marcos, TX 78667-0748

CEAP: The Main Government Electric Bill Assistance Program

The largest and most significant source of financial aid administered by Community Action Inc. is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the primary program for energy assistance in the state.

CEAP is a state-level program managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). It is federally funded through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). CEAP is designed to provide more comprehensive support than just a one-time payment.

Services Provided by CEAP

Services available through CEAP include:

• Direct utility payment assistance for electric bills.
• Energy education and budget counseling to help manage future costs.
• A needs assessment to understand the household's energy burden.
• In crisis situations, the program may also assist with the purchase of portable heating and cooling units, when available.

How to Apply for CEAP

Blanco County residents must apply for CEAP through Community Action Inc. of Central Texas. The agency provides several application methods:

1. Online Application: An online application is available on the agency's website.
2. Printable Application: PDF versions of the application can be downloaded and printed.
3. Mail/Upload: Printed applications can be mailed to the PO Box listed above or submitted via a secure online portal.

CEAP Eligibility and Income Guidelines

To qualify for CEAP, applicants must meet specific criteria.

• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Blanco, Hays, or Caldwell county.
• Priority Groups: The program is open to all low-income households, but it gives priority to those with a high energy burden (spending a large portion of income on utilities) and households that include:
• A child aged 5 or under.
• An individual with a disability.
• An elderly individual.
• A veteran.
• Income Requirement: A household's total income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

A critical detail of the income requirement is that CEAP eligibility is based on the household's gross income for the past 30 days before the application date. This is not based on the previous year's tax return. This 30-day rule makes CEAP a true crisis-response program. A household that may have had a high income six months ago but recently experienced a job loss or medical emergency could have $0 income in the "past 30 days" and would likely qualify. Residents who believe they "make too much" based on last year's income should still apply if their current 30-day income is within the limits.

Income Guidelines (150% FPL)

Based on federal poverty guidelines, the maximum gross income limits for CEAP are as follows:

• Household Size 1: $23,475
• Household Size 2: $31,725
• Household Size 3: $39,975
• Household Size 4: $48,225
• Household Size 5: $56,475
• Household Size 6: $64,725
• Household Size 7: $72,975
• Household Size 8: $81,225
• For households with more than 8 persons: Add $8,250 for each additional person.

Required Documents for Your CEAP Application

An application cannot be processed until all required documentation is submitted. A common reason for delays or rejection is an incomplete application. Gathering these items in advance is the most important step an applicant can take.

Application Checklist:

• Completed Application: The application form must be fully completed, signed, and dated by the head of household.
• Photo ID: A valid, government-issued Photo ID or Driver's License is required for all household members 18 years of age and older.
• Social Security Cards: A copy of the Social Security card is required for every member of the household, including all children.
• Proof of Citizenship/Residency: Documentation is required for all household members. This can include a U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or valid proof of legal residency status.
• Proof of Income (Past 30 Days): Documentation of all gross income received in the 30 days prior to the application date is required for every household member 18 years or older.
• Examples Include: Pay stubs from the last 30 days, a current-year Social Security award letter, an SSI award letter, a VA benefits letter, an unemployment benefits statement, a child support statement, a TANF award letter, or pension/retirement statements.
• Utility Bill: A copy of the household's most recent electric bill is required. It should be the full bill statement; a disconnection notice alone may not be sufficient.

Assistance from Your Blanco County Electric Provider

Beyond state and federal programs, assistance is also available directly through the electric providers that serve Blanco County. The county is served by electric cooperatives (co-ops), and the assistance program available depends on which co-op provides the electricity.

First Step: Identify Your Electric Provider

A resident must check their most recent electric bill to identify their provider. The primary electric cooperatives serving Blanco County are:

• Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC): Headquartered in Johnson City.
• Central Texas Electric Co-Op (CTEC): Headquartered in Fredericksburg and serving parts of Blanco County.

The path to assistance is fundamentally different for members of these two co-ops.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) Member Assistance

PEC offers a Member Assistance Program to help its members in need.

• Benefit Amount: The program provides a maximum of $300 per calendar year to qualifying PEC members.
• Qualifications:
• The applicant must be a PEC member, and their name must be on the account.
• Funds are for current account usage and billing only.
• Accounts that have been charged with meter tampering are ineligible for assistance.

How to Apply for PEC Assistance: This is a critical step: PEC members do not apply to PEC directly for this $300. PEC partners with area agencies to vet applicants and distribute these funds.

For Blanco County, the designated agency is Community Action Inc. of Central Texas.

• Phone: 512-878-2542.

This process is highly streamlined for PEC members. By making one call to Community Action Inc., they are simultaneously applying for the federal/state CEAP program and the $300 PEC Member Assistance Program. The agency can screen for both. Furthermore, if a member has already reached their $300 limit from the PEC program for the year, Community Action Inc. can still process their application for CEAP funds.

Central Texas Electric Co-Op (CTEC) Member Assistance

CTEC offers assistance through a different model, a member-funded charitable grant called Operation Round-Up.

• How it Works: The program is funded by CTEC members who voluntarily "round up" their monthly electric bills to the next highest dollar. This extra change (averaging 50 cents per month) is placed in a separate fund.
• Who Can Apply: Individuals, families, or local non-profit organizations in need can apply for a grant from this fund.

How to Apply for CTEC Assistance:

• This application is completely separate from the CEAP program.
• Applicants must apply to CTEC directly.
• Application forms ("Grant Application - Individual/Family (PDF)") are available on the CTEC website. 

This creates a "two-call" requirement for CTEC members seeking maximum assistance. A CTEC member in Blanco County must:

1. Call Community Action Inc. (512-878-2542) to apply for the state/federal CEAP program.
2. Contact CTEC (800-900-2832) to separately apply for a grant from the Operation Round-Up fund.

CTEC also offers other programs that can be vital for vulnerable residents. The Medical Necessity Program and Critical Load Registry are designed to help households that rely on life-sustaining medical equipment. While not direct bill payment, these programs can provide notifications and potentially prevent disconnection during an emergency. Members can contact CTEC at (800) 900-2832 for details. 

Additional State & Federal Resources for Blanco County

Beyond the primary local agency, several broader state and federal programs are available to all Texans, including those in Blanco County.

Texas Utility Help (TUH) - Program Status

Program Status: CLOSED.

Many outdated resources may still refer to the Texas Utility Help (texasutilityhelp.com) website. This program, which was funded by federal pandemic relief, is no longer accepting applications. All funding for this program was exhausted, and it stopped accepting energy assistance applications on September 15, 2023, and water assistance on November 3, 2023.

This information is provided to build trust and prevent residents from wasting time on a defunct program. All state-level inquiries are now redirected to the TDHCA's primary assistance portal.

"Help for Texans" Portal and 2-1-1 Texas

• "Help for Texans" Portal: The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) maintains the "Help for Texans" website. This is not a direct application but a search tool or directory. A resident can select "Utility Bill Payment Help," enter "Blanco County," and the portal will provide the contact information for the local service provider. This search will confirm that Community Action Inc. of Central Texas is the correct, state-designated provider for Blanco County.
• 2-1-1 Texas: This is a free, confidential information and referral network. Residents can dial 2-1-1 (or 877-541-7905) from any phone to speak with a specialist. They can provide information on local assistance providers for utilities, food, housing, healthcare, and other emergency resources. This is an excellent resource for anyone unsure where to begin.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a different type of aid. It does not pay a current or past-due bill. Instead, it provides free home improvements to low-income households to reduce their future energy costs and make their homes safer and more comfortable.

• Services: The program begins with a professional energy audit. Based on the audit, services may include adding ceiling, wall, and floor insulation; caulking and weather-stripping; patching holes; sealing ductwork; or tuning up, repairing, or replacing inefficient heating and cooling systems.
• Eligibility: The program is open to low-income households, often with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Priority is given to the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. Both homeowners and renters (with landlord permission) are eligible.

How to Apply in Blanco County: The local subrecipient for WAP is not always the same as the CEAP provider. Because the designated WAP provider for a county can change, the most accurate methods for Blanco County residents to apply are:

1. Call 2-1-1 and ask for the "Weatherization Assistance Program provider for Blanco County".
2. Use the TDHCA "Help for Texans" portal  and select "Weatherization" from the list of services to find the correct designated agency.

Local Charitable Assistance in the Blanco County Area

When government funds are unavailable, or if a resident does not qualify for CEAP, local charities are the next critical resource. These organizations often have more flexible criteria and can provide immediate emergency aid.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas

• Services: Provides financial assistance for utility bills.
• Counties Served: This organization's service area explicitly includes Blanco County.
• Contact:
• Phone: 512-651-6100
• Address: 1625 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754

The Salvation Army

• Services: Provides emergency financial assistance for overdue utility bills and rent to prevent homelessness.
• How to Apply: Assistance is provided through local Service Units. Blanco County residents should contact the nearest office.
• Nearest Office for Blanco County:
• Gillespie County (Fredericksburg) Service Unit
• Phone: 830-307-4402
• Address: 607 N. Milam St, Suite B, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
• Nearby Office (San Marcos): 512-754-8541

Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP)

• Services: A volunteer-based Catholic organization that provides emergency financial help with utilities, rent, food, and medicine.
• Process: Assistance is handled by local chapters called "Conferences". Volunteers, known as Vincentians, typically conduct a personal interview or home visit to understand the need and provide support.
• Nearest Conferences for Blanco County:
• Blanco County does not have its own listed SVdP Conference. Residents must contact the nearest chapter in an adjoining county for assistance.
• Boerne (Kendall Co.): St. Peter the Apostle. Phone: 830-816-5646
• Bandera (Bandera Co.): St. Stanislaus. Phone: 830-796-2017
• San Marcos (Hays Co.): St. Vincent De Paul. Phone: 512-353-7394

Blanco River Regional Recovery Team (BR3T)

• Services: This is a specialized program. It assists eligible individuals and families with rental or utility deposits. This program is not for paying past-due bills, but for helping households secure new housing or utility service.
• Counties Served: Hays, Caldwell, Blanco, and Guadalupe.
• Phone: 512-256-0269.

Your Step-by-Step Action Plan

This is a prioritized action plan for a Blanco County resident seeking immediate electric bill assistance.

1. Step 1: Check the Electric Bill.
   • The first step is to identify the electric provider. The bill will be from either Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) or Central Texas Electric Co-Op (CTEC). This fact determines the correct action path.
2. Step 2: Make the Primary Call.

• A call should be made to Community Action Inc. of Central Texas at 512-878-2542.   
• This is the most important call. It begins the application for the main CEAP (government) program.   
• If the resident is a PEC member, this single call also serves as the application for the $300 PEC Member Assistance Program.  

3. Step 3: Gather All Documents.

• While waiting for a response, the applicant must immediately gather all the documents listed in the "Required Documents for Your CEAP Application" section. This includes Photo IDs and Social Security cards for everyone in the household and proof of income for the last 30 days. An incomplete application will be delayed.   

4. Step 4: Complete Provider-Specific Action.

• If the resident is a CTEC Member: The work is not done. A second, separate application must be made directly to CTEC for their Operation Round-Up grant. The application is available on the CTEC website.   
• If the resident is a PEC Member: No further action is needed for this step. Community Action Inc. handles both applications.   

5. Step 5: Contact Secondary Resources.

• If more help is needed, or if the applicant does not qualify for CEAP, calls to charitable resources should begin immediately.
• Catholic Charities of Central Texas: (512) 651-6100    
• The Salvation Army (Fredericksburg): (830) 307-4402    
• St. Vincent de Paul (Boerne): (830) 816-5646    

6. Step 6: Seek Long-Term Savings.

• For a long-term solution to high bills, residents should call 2-1-1 and ask for the "Weatherization Assistance Program provider for Blanco County". This free program can help lower future energy bills.

Frequently Asked Questions