Caldwell County Texas Electric Bill Assistance Program: Get Local Help

Residents facing difficulty paying their Caldwell County Texas electric bill assistance program options can find relief through several key local and state resources.  When disconnection looms or utility costs become unmanageable, knowing where to turn is critical. Help is available through community agencies , specific utility provider programs , and charitable organizations dedicated to supporting Caldwell County residents. This information provides a direct path to understanding eligibility, gathering necessary documents, and applying for financial aid for energy needs.

The Primary Source for Utility Help: Community Action Inc. of Central Texas

The most critical resource for Caldwell County residents seeking utility assistance is Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas.  This agency is the state-designated "subrecipient" organization responsible for administering federal and state utility assistance funds provided by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).

Because this agency serves a multi-county region—specifically Hays, Caldwell, and Blanco counties—it is the central hub for the most significant financial assistance programs.  Nearly all paths for state-funded utility help, including referrals from utility providers, lead directly to this organization.  Residents of Lockhart, Luling, and other parts of Caldwell County must apply through this agency to access the primary government-funded programs.

What is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)?

The main program offered by Community Action Inc. is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP).  This is the primary program for energy assistance in the state.

It is important to understand the terminology: CEAP is the name of the Texas program, but it is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  When residents seek help, they are applying for CEAP.

The goal of CEAP is to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs, preventing disconnection, and encouraging long-term energy cost control.

Services provided under CEAP include:

• Utility Payment Assistance: Direct financial aid to help pay bills for electricity, natural gas, propane, and butane.
• Energy Education: Counseling and resources to help consumers learn to control and reduce energy costs for the future.
• Budget Counseling: Assistance with managing household finances to better accommodate utility costs.
• Crisis-Related Equipment: In some crisis situations, the program may assist with the purchase of portable heating or cooling units.

Who is Eligible for CEAP in Caldwell County?

Eligibility for CEAP is based on several factors, with a focus on serving the most vulnerable households.

• Residency: Applicants must be residents of Hays, Caldwell, or Blanco counties.
• Income: The household's gross income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
• Citizenship: At least one member of the household must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien.
• Priority Groups: Because funding is limited, CEAP gives priority to low-income households that are most vulnerable. This includes households containing:
• A child aged 5 or under.
• An elderly individual.
• A disabled individual. 
• A veteran.

Priority is also given to households with high energy use or a "high energy burden," meaning a large portion of the household income is spent on utility bills.

How to Apply for Assistance (The Process)

A completed application with all required documentation is mandatory to receive assistance.  Community Action, Inc. provides three distinct methods for submission.

1. Online Application The fastest and most direct method is to fill out and submit the Utility Assistance application online. The official portal is available at the Community Action, Inc. website: https://www.communityaction.com/utilityassistance.
2. Print and Mail Residents can download and print a physical copy of the application from the same website.  This completed paper application and all supporting documents must be mailed to the main office in San Marcos at the following address : Community Action, Inc. Attn: Francesca Ramirez PO Box 748 San Marcos, TX 78667-0748
3. Print and Upload For those who prefer to fill out the paper application but submit it electronically, the agency's website provides a portal to upload a scanned copy of the printed and completed application.

Required Documents for Your CEAP Application

Applications will not be processed until all required documentation is submitted. Gathering these items before starting the application is essential.

• Proof of Citizenship and Identity (for ALL household members): This is a strict requirement.  Applicants must provide documents in a specific combination:
• Either one document from List 1;
• Or one document from List 2 plus one document from List 3.
• List 1 (Citizenship): US Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of US Tribal Enrollment with photo.
• List 2 (Photo ID): State-Issued Driver’s License, State-Issued ID Card, Military Card, or a Current School ID.
• List 3 (Secondary ID/Status): A U.S. Certified, State-Issued Birth Certificate (not a hospital footprint record), Permanent Resident Card, or Social Security Card.
• Social Security Cards: A copy of the Social Security card is required for every member of the household, regardless of age.
• Proof of Gross Income (for the past 30 days): This is required for all household members aged 18 and older.  Acceptable proof includes:
• Paycheck stubs.
• Current-year award letters for Social Security, SSI, or VA benefits.
• Documentation for unemployment benefits, TANF, SNAP, or child support.
• Important: Bank statements and tax returns are not accepted as proof of income.
• Declaration of Income Statement: If any household member aged 18 or older is unemployed and has zero income, they must complete and sign this specific form, which is provided with the application.
• Energy Bills:
• A 12-month billing history from all energy providers (electric, natural gas, propane).  This is used to determine the household's energy burden. If the household has lived at the address for less than 12 months, they should provide the history for all months available.
• Current and past-due bills for all energy sources.
• A disconnect notice, if one has been received.

Local Caldwell County Contacts for Assistance

While the main administrative office is in San Marcos, Community Action, Inc. maintains local case managers and offices within Caldwell County for residents.

• Lockhart Office Contact:
• Case Manager: Bertie Hayes
• Address: 901 Bois D'Arc, Lockhart, TX 78644
• Phone: (512) 398-4420
• Luling Office Contact:
• Case Manager: Roxanne Cruz
• Address: 415 E. Davis, Ste. B, Luling, Texas 78648
• Phone: (830) 875-3707

The Lockhart office address at 901 Bois D'Arc is notable because it is the same location as the Caldwell County Christian Ministries.  This shared location allows residents in crisis to visit a single building to apply for utility assistance from Community Action and also receive food pantry services from the Christian Ministries, streamlining the process of receiving help.

Assistance from Your Electric Provider

Before or in addition to seeking state assistance, residents should contact their electric utility provider directly. The two primary providers in the area, Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative and the City of Lockhart, have programs to help customers.

For Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Customers

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative provides several options for members who are struggling to pay their bills.

Payment Extensions

The most immediate form of help is a payment extension, which allows a member to defer a payment to avoid disconnection.  An extension can be requested in two ways:

• By Phone: Call 800-842-7708.  When prompted, press 2 for the automated system, and then press 2 again to request a payment extension.
• Online: Log in to the 'My Blue bonnet' account portal. Under the 'Bill & Pay' tab, select the 'Payment Extensions' option.

Levelized Billing: The Steady Pay Program

For members who face challenges due to fluctuating bill amounts, the Steady Pay program offers a long-term solution.  This is not a discount or financial aid, but a billing option that makes payments predictable.

• What it is: Steady Pay allows a member to pay a consistent, levelized amount each month, eliminating the shock of high bills during peak summer or winter months.
• How it works: The monthly amount is calculated based on the member's average electricity use over the previous 12 months. This amount is then "recalculated" twice a year, in April and October, to adjust for actual usage and any existing debit or credit on the account. The new amount appears on the May and November bills.
• Enrollment: Members with at least six consecutive months of service history at their location are eligible to enroll.

Referrals to Local Agencies

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative does not manage its own financial assistance fund. Instead, it actively works with and refers members to the official local agencies.

Their official referral list for Caldwell County residents confirms the key resources available, directing members to:

• Community Action of Central Texas (for CEAP)
• Caldwell County Vets First
• Capital Area Council on Aging
• Society of St. Vincent de Paul

All assistance options and referral links are listed on the Bluebonnet website at https://www.bluebonnet.coop/assistance.

For City of Lockhart Utility Customers

Residents who receive their electricity directly from the City of Lockhart have a specific program available to them, as well as direct access to the city's billing department.

The Good Neighbor Utility Program

The City of Lockhart sponsors the Good Neighbor Utility Program, a fund designed to assist eligible customers who are having difficulty paying their utility bills.  This fund is supported entirely by voluntary, tax-deductible contributions from other City of Lockhart customers.

How to Apply to the Good Neighbor Program

This is a critical point of information: The City of Lockhart does not accept or process applications for this fund. The program is "administered by Community Action, Inc., of Central Texas on the City's behalf".

Therefore, a City of Lockhart utility customer applies for the Good Neighbor Program using the exact same application and process at Community Action, Inc. as they would for CEAP. The city's own website directs residents to the Community Action application portal.  This single application streamlines the process, allowing Community Action to determine a resident's eligibility for all available funds (CEAP, Good Neighbor, etc.) at once.

Direct Utility Billing Contact

For all other billing questions, including payment arrangements, new service, or disconnection, residents should contact the City of Lockhart Utility Billing/Customer Service Department directly.

• Location: Lockhart City Hall, 308 W. San Antonio, Lockhart, TX 78644
• Phone: (512) 376-2475

Note: The city previously offered an "Emergency Utility Relief Grant" program related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This program was funded by the CARES Act and expired in December 2020; it is no longer active.

Local Charitable and Non-Profit Assistance

If a household is ineligible for CEAP—perhaps due to income limits—or needs help more quickly than a government application can be processed, local charitable organizations provide a crucial secondary safety net.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is a faith-based organization that provides direct, person-to-person support to individuals and families in crisis.  Their services include financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and medicine.

The Process (What to Expect)

The society's method is unique. When a person requests help, two trained volunteers, known as Vincentians, will typically schedule and conduct a home visit. This is not an inspection; it is a confidential and compassionate meeting to listen to the family's challenges, understand their needs, and respect their dignity.

Local Caldwell County Contacts

Assistance is provided through local church "conferences."

• Lockhart (St. Mary of the Visitation):
• Phone: 512-395-5005
• Process: This office is open by appointment only. Residents must call the number (answered Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM). It is essential to leave a message that includes a full name, phone number, and the type of assistance needed. Calls are returned in the order they are received.
• Luling (St. John the Evangelist):
• ocation: 500 E. Travis, Luling, TX 78648
• Phone: 830-351-3143

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers emergency assistance programs to help families with basic needs, including utility bills, to prevent homelessness and keep the power on.

Caldwell County Service Unit

The organization maintains a specific service unit dedicated to residents of Caldwell County.

How to Apply

In recent years, The Salvation Army has centralized its application process for financial assistance. Rather than visiting a local office, residents are directed to a confidential online portal.

• Process: Go to https://sahelp.org/.
• Applicants will be prompted to enter their home zip code.
• The system matches the applicant to the appropriate Salvation Army location (the Caldwell County Service Unit) and allows them to begin the online application. A case manager reviews the information and will contact the applicant for any additional details.

Specialized Assistance for Caldwell County Residents

Beyond the general-purpose programs, Caldwell County has specific, high-value resources dedicated to assisting veterans and seniors.

Help for Veterans: Caldwell Vets First

Caldwell County offers a powerful, locally-administered program specifically for its veteran population. "Caldwell Vets First" is not a charity; it is a county-run grant program.

Program Details

The program was established using grant funds from the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Fund for Veterans' Assistance. This includes a $100,000 grant for General Assistance.

Services

The general assistance grant provides temporary, emergency financial assistance to veterans and their families to help pay for essential expenses, which explicitly includes utilities and housing costs.

Eligibility

Applicants must be veterans or their surviving spouses.

How to Apply (Direct Contact)

To apply, veterans or their families should contact the Caldwell County Veterans Service Office directly.

• Officer: Sara Love, Veteran Services Officer
• Phone: 512-398-6492
• Email: Sara.Love@co.caldwell.tx.us
• Location: 1403 Blackjack Street, Lockhart, TX 78644 (in the Scott Annex Building)

Help for Seniors: Area Agency on Aging

For older residents, the Capital Area Council on Aging (AAACAP) serves as the "Area Agency on Aging" for the 10-county region, which includes Caldwell County.

Services

It is important to understand that AAACAP is primarily an "Information, Referral, and Assistance" hub.  It is a navigator service for seniors (aged 60 and older) and their caregivers. They do not typically provide direct financial aid for utilities, but they are experts in connecting seniors to the programs that do, such as CEAP, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and other benefits.

How to Contact

Seniors or their caregivers can contact AAACAP to be connected with a specialist who can help them find the right resources.

• Toll-Free Phone: (888) 622-9111
• Local Phone: (512) 916-6062
• Email: AAAInfo@capcog.org
• Website: https://www.capcog.org/divisions/area-agency-on-aging/

Long-Term Solutions for Lowering Electric Bills

Receiving payment assistance resolves an immediate crisis, but it does not address the underlying cause of a high electric bill. For a permanent solution, the state offers a free program to make homes more energy-efficient, lowering bills for years to come.

Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is a federal- and state-funded program designed to reduce the energy cost burden for low-income households by installing free energy-efficiency measures.

Free Services

The process begins with a professional energy audit of the home.  Based on that audit, a crew will install free upgrades, which may include:

• Adding or improving ceiling, wall, and floor insulation.
• Caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows.
• Patching holes in the building's envelope (outer walls, roof, etc.).
• Duct work, sealing, or insulation.
• Tune-up, repair, or replacement of old, inefficient heating and cooling (HVAC) systems.

Eligibility

Eligibility for WAP is similar to CEAP but has one crucial difference:

• Income: The income limit for WAP is higher than for CEAP. A household may be eligible if its income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• This is a critical fact: A household that is denied CEAP (which has a 150% limit ) for being "over income" may still be eligible to receive thousands of dollars in free home upgrades through WAP.
• Priority: Priority is given to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and families with children.
• Occupancy: The program is available to both homeowners and renters.

How to Apply in Caldwell County

Like CEAP, WAP is administered by local subrecipients.  The state provides several ways to find the correct WAP provider for Caldwell County.

• Phone (Best Method): Call 888-606-8889 (from a landline). This toll-free number is designed to directly connect the caller to the WAP service provider for their county.
• Other Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905 to be routed by the Texas Information and Referral Network.
• Online: Use the "Help for Texans" portal on the TDHCA website. Select "Weatherization" and enter Caldwell County to find the designated provider.  The portal is located at: https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans.

State Programs and Important Updates

It is important for residents to be aware of which state-level programs are active and which are closed.

Important Update: Texas Utility Help Program (TUH)

Many residents may have heard of the "Texas Utility Help" program that was heavily promoted. It is essential to know that this program is closed.

• The website texasutilityhelp.com is no longer accepting applications for energy or water assistance.
• The federal LIHEAP funds that supplied this temporary program are still available.  However, these funds are now only being distributed through the established network of local subrecipient organizations.
• For residents of Caldwell County, this means any application for state or federal utility help must go through the designated provider, Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas.

Using 2-1-1 Texas

At any point in the process, if a resident is unsure where to turn, or if they have additional needs beyond utilities (such as food, housing, or healthcare), a primary resource is available.

• What it is: By dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211texas.org, residents can access the free, confidential Texas Information and Referral Network.
• Value: A specialist will listen to the resident's needs and search a comprehensive database of local services to provide a direct referral to the organization best suited to help.

Frequently Asked Questions