Brewster County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program Solutions

Residents of Brewster County facing financial difficulties with energy costs have access to the Brewster County Texas electric bill assistance program. The primary resource for direct support is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which provides direct payments to utility companies, crisis aid for disconnection notices, and even appliance repairs. This program is administered locally for Brewster County residents and is specifically designed to help low-income households, seniors, and families with children manage their utility bills.

Finding the right help starts with understanding the local options available, the specific eligibility requirements, and the exact steps to apply.

The Primary Agency for Brewster County Assistance: Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT)

The main organization that manages and delivers the primary utility assistance program for Brewster County is the Community Council of South Central Texas, Inc. (CCSCT). CCSCT is the state-designated "subrecipient" organization responsible for handling applications and distributing federal and state assistance funds to residents in the region.

For residents of Brewster County, all applications and inquiries are processed through the local Alpine office.

Brewster County (Alpine) Office Contact Information

When applying for utility assistance, it is best to use the direct contact information listed on the program application forms.

• Program Coordinator: Amanda Rubio
• Direct Phone Number: (432) 243-0919
• Direct Email: arubio@ccsct.org
• Physical Address: 710 E Holland Ave, Suite 1, Alpine, Tx 79830
• Fax Number: (432) 249-3712

An alternative general office number is also listed for the Alpine location at (432) 360-3716. However, using the Program Coordinator's direct contact information is the most effective way to ensure your application is reviewed by the correct department.

Understanding the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

The main program offered by CCSCT is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is the program most residents will use to receive help. It is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

The goal of CEAP is to help low-income households meet their immediate energy needs and, through education, reduce their energy costs in the long term. CEAP provides services for electric, natural gas, and propane bills.

CEAP assistance is broken into three distinct components:

1. Bill Payment Assistance

This is the most common form of help. CEAP provides financial assistance by making a direct payment to the utility company on the household's behalf. CCSCT prioritizes households with the lowest income and the highest energy costs to ensure help goes to those who need it most.

2. Crisis Assistance

This component is specifically for households in an immediate energy crisis. A household is considered in "crisis" if it has already lost service, is in danger of losing service (i.e., has received a disconnection notice), or meets one of the following conditions:

• Extreme Weather: This is applicable during the summer months (June, July, August, September) and winter months (November, December, January, February).
• Declared Disaster: A disaster has been declared by the President or Governor.
• Life-Threatening Crisis: A household member has a medical need that requires electricity.

3. Appliance Repair and Service

This is a high-value but lesser-known component of CEAP. The program can fund the service and repair of essential heating and cooling appliance components. For vulnerable households (those with elderly members, disabled individuals, or young children), this assistance can be valued at up to $5,000, depending on funding availability.

What CEAP Does and Does Not Cover

It is essential to understand the program's limitations. CEAP payments are made directly to the utility company for the cost of energy.

However, CEAP funds CANNOT be used to pay for:

• Water, sewer, or garbage fees
• Security lights
• Disconnection fees or late fees
• Collection recovery fees
• Membership fees or deposits

This means that even if CEAP assists with the energy portion of a bill, the household is still responsible for paying any remaining fees or non-energy charges.

CEAP Eligibility: Income and Household Requirements

Eligibility for CEAP is primarily based on the household's income. To qualify for assistance, the household's total yearly income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.

A critical detail is how income is calculated: CCSCT reviews the household's gross income for the last 30 days. This rule is important. If a household member recently lost a job or had their hours reduced, the household may now be eligible for CEAP, even if it was not eligible in the past based on a full year's income.

Income Guidelines

Based on the 150% federal poverty level, a household's income must be at or below the following approximate amounts to qualify:

• 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 families with more than 8 persons: Add $8,250 for each additional person.

How to Apply for CEAP: A Step-by-Step Document Guide

Applications can be submitted by email, fax, mail, or by dropping them off at the CCSCT Alpine office.

Before applying, it is vital to be aware of the process. These notices are included on the official application forms:

• No Incomplete Applications: Applications will not be reviewed or placed in processing order until all required documents are received. This is the most common reason for delays or disqualification.
• Processing Time: Due to the high volume of applications, it can take 90 days or longer to process a complete application.
• No Guarantee: Submitting an application is not a guarantee of assistance. Households are still responsible for paying their bills until they are notified of the outcome.

Master Checklist of Required Documents

To avoid being rejected as incomplete, gather all of the following documents before submitting the application.

• Completed Application: The "Community Services Program Application".
• Social Security Cards: Copies of Social Security cards for all household members.
• Proof of Identity (for all household members):
• For Adults: A valid driver's license, state-issued ID, military card, or state offender card.
• For Children (under 16): A current school ID, immunization records, or a clinic, doctor, or hospital record.
• Proof of Citizenship (for all household members):
• Copies of documents such as a certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or permanent resident card.
• Proof of ALL Income (Last 30 Days):
• Documentation of all income for every household member 18 years and older. This includes:
• Employment check stubs for the past 30 days.
• Social Security, SSI, SSDI, or RSDI award letters. These must be the award letters for the current year.
• Letters or printouts for TANF, VA benefits, unemployment, retirement, pensions, or Workers' Compensation.
• Proof of child support for the past 30 days.
• No Income Statement:
• If any household member 18 or older has zero income, or works for cash and has no check stubs, they must complete and sign a "Declaration of Income Statement" (this form is attached to the main application).
• Current Utility Bill: The most recent utility bill that assistance is being requested for.
• 12-Month Billing History:
• A 12-month billing and usage history from the utility company. The household must call their utility provider and ask for this document.
• SNAP Benefits Letter: If applicable, the current award letter for SNAP (food stamps).

Critical Strategy: Help While Waiting for CEAP

The 90-day (or longer) processing time for CEAP can be a serious problem for a household facing an immediate disconnection. A successful strategy involves a two-pronged approach: handling the immediate crisis first, then applying for long-term help.

Step 1 (Immediate): Call the utility provider today to get a temporary hold on the disconnection. Step 2 (Long-Term): Use the time provided by the extension to gather the many documents required for the CEAP application and submit it to CCSCT.

1. Assistance Directly from Your Utility Provider

This should be the first call if a disconnection notice has been received.

For AEP Texas North Customers:

AEP Texas is the utility company for Alpine. They offer several options to help customers manage payments and avoid disconnection. When calling, residents should specifically ask about:

• Payment Extensions: This provides a few extra days to pay the bill in full.
• Extended Payment Arrangements: This option allows a past-due balance to be broken up and paid in installments over several months.
• Average Monthly Payment (AMP) Plan: This plan helps stabilize future bills by averaging energy costs over 12 months to avoid seasonal spikes.
• Neighbor to Neighbor Program: AEP partners with Dollar Energy Fund for this program, which provides assistance to low-income customers. Ask an AEP representative about applying for this program.

For Rio Grande Electric Cooperative (RGEC) Members:

RGEC serves many areas in Brewster County. As a cooperative, it offers different payment options to its members.

Members should contact RGEC's main office at (800) 749-1509 (Toll-Free) or (830) 563-2444. An alternative is to use the Secure Pay System at (888) 259-9084 to discuss their account and available payment options.

2. Important Update: Texas Utility Help (TUH) Program

Many older resources may refer to the "Texas Utility Help" program at texasutilityhelp.com. That state-run website and program are CLOSED.

The official state resource is now the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) "Help for Texans" page. Individuals seeking assistance can visit https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans and select "Utility Bill Payment Help."

After entering a county or city, the search result will provide contact information for the utility assistance provider in that area. For Brewster County, this will direct residents back to the correct local provider: Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT).

3. Call 2-1-1 Texas

For general information on all types of emergency assistance, anyone can dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905. This is a free, 24/7 information and referral service.

A specialist can provide information on other local agencies and resources that may offer emergency assistance.

Additional Local Charity Assistance in Brewster County

If a household does not qualify for CEAP or needs help beyond what the program provides, local charitable organizations may offer one-time emergency assistance.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance for rent and utilities to individuals and families facing financial hardship.   

There is a specific Brewster County TX (Alpine) Service Unit. Residents should contact this local unit directly to inquire about available funds and the specific application process.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) is another organization that offers one-time rent and utility assistance.

SVdP operates differently than other agencies; assistance is provided person-to-person by volunteers (known as "Vincentians") based in local Catholic church chapters.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Texas confirms it provides utility support in the region. To get help in Brewster County, residents should contact the local Catholic parish, Our Lady of Peace in Alpine, and ask to speak with a Vincentian from their St. Vincent de Paul conference.

Frequently Asked Questions