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Residents of Callahan County, Texas, seeking electric bill assistance program information have several immediate options for financial help. Facing high energy costs or a disconnection notice can be stressful, but resources are available.
Help is available through local community action agencies, state-level programs, and specific utility provider funds. The primary organization designated to administer utility assistance for Callahan County is Cornerstone Community Action Agency, which manages the state's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for local households.
This information will connect residents directly to the services available to help them manage energy bills and navigate the application processes.
For residents of Callahan County, the most direct path to receiving state and federal utility assistance is through a designated local provider. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) does not provide funds or accept applications from individuals directly. Instead, it distributes all assistance through local subrecipient organizations.
Cornerstone Community Action Agency
Cornerstone Community Action Agency is the designated local provider responsible for administering the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for Callahan County residents. This agency is the starting point for most applications for government-funded utility aid.
The specific assistance programs available to a household in Callahan County depend entirely on the company that provides the electricity.
The county is served by both member-owned electric cooperatives and by Retail Electric Providers (REPs) operating in Texas's deregulated market.
The pathway to assistance is different for these two types of providers. Before seeking help, residents should look at their most recent electric bill to identify their provider.
Members of the Comanche Electric Cooperative Association (CECA) have a dual-track strategy for seeking assistance. They are eligible to apply for both the state's CEAP program (via Cornerstone) and a separate fund established for cooperative members. Applicants are encouraged to apply for both programs.
Program 1: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
This is the primary state-level assistance program for all low-income Texans.
Program 2: Brazos Electric Cooperative Hardship Fund
This is a separate fund created specifically for members of participating Brazos Electric member cooperatives, which includes CECA.
brazoshardshipfund.com.Customers of Retail Electric Providers (REPs) like TXU Energy or Reliant Energy also have a dual-track strategy. They can apply for the state's CEAP program and their specific provider's own charitable assistance program.
Program 1: Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
This foundational program is available to all eligible low-income households, regardless of their REP.
Program 2: Provider-Specific Charitable Programs
Major REPs, in partnership with local social service agencies, offer their own private assistance funds. The application process for these funds is separate from CEAP and is typically coordinated through the 2-1-1 Texas hotline.
TXU Energy Aid
TXU Energy provides bill-payment assistance to customers in need through its TXU Energy Aid program.
Reliant Energy Community Assistance by Reliant Energy (CARE) Program
Reliant Energy offers support to customers facing extreme hardship through its CARE program, which is funded by the company and customer contributions.
Assistance from Other Providers
Residents who are customers of other REPs should call the customer service number listed on their monthly bill. They should ask directly about "payment extensions" or "bill payment assistance programs," as many providers offer internal options.
The assistance programs available in Callahan County are part of a larger state and federal structure.
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
CEAP is the primary utility assistance program in the state. It is designed to assist low-income households in meeting their immediate energy needs by providing financial assistance for electricity, gas, and propane.
The program is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) through a network of local providers, like Cornerstone Community Action Agency.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is the federal program that funds the state's CEAP. These federal funds are provided to help low-income households with heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, and energy crisis assistance.
When a resident applies for CEAP, they are applying for assistance made possible by LIHEAP.
Important: The Texas Utility Help Portal (TUH) is CLOSED
It is critical for applicants to know that the state's "Texas Utility Help" website (texasutilityhelp.com) is CLOSED and is no longer accepting new energy or water applications. Any resource directing residents to that portal is providing outdated information.
The correct state-level resource is the TDHCA "Help for Texans" website, which can be found at httpss://www.tdhca.texas.gov/help-for-texans. This portal is a search tool that will direct Callahan County residents to Cornerstone Community Action Agency.
Applying for utility assistance is a formal process that requires specific documentation from all household members. Preparing these documents in advance can speed up the process.
Income Eligibility
To qualify for CEAP, a household's gross income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The income limits are based on the number of people in the household.
Based on current guidelines, the 150% FPL limits are approximately:
Required Application Documents
Applicants should expect to provide extensive documentation. While specific requirements may vary slightly by agency, a standard application typically requires the following:
This process can take time. Some programs warn that it may take up to 90 days to process an application or up to eight weeks to receive financial assistance.
The 2-1-1 Texas hotline is a powerful, free, and confidential resource available 24/7. It functions as the central clearinghouse for all types of community assistance.
For Callahan County, the 2-1-1 service is a key partner of the United Way of Abilene.
Why You Should Call 2-1-1
Calling 2-1-1 is a critical step in several scenarios:
Residents can reach this service by dialing 2-1-1 or by calling the United Way of Abilene's local number at (325) 673-8211.
Government and utility-funded programs often have long processing times. They are not designed to resolve an immediate crisis, such as a disconnection notice for the next day.
In these emergency situations, local faith-based organizations and charities are often the best resource.
Local Ministerial Alliances and Churches
Many communities, including those in and around Callahan County, have local churches or ministerial alliances that maintain discretionary funds to help residents in a crisis.
Residents in Baird, Clyde, and other Callahan County communities are encouraged to contact local churches directly to inquire about the availability of emergency utility vouchers.
United Way of Abilene
In addition to funding 2-1-1, the United Way of Abilene works with 22 agencies and 26 programs to enhance financial stability and health in the community.
Calling 2-1-1 or the local United Way office is the most effective way to find these hyper-local, charitable safety-net programs that may not have a wide public presence.
Other organizations like Catholic Charities or the Salvation Army also frequently offer this type of emergency financial aid.
The Cornerstone Community Action Agency (CCAA) is the designated provider for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) in Callahan County. While Rolling Plains Management handles weatherization services in the area, you must contact Cornerstone specifically for direct financial help with utility bills.
Yes, Cornerstone Community Action Agency maintains a local outreach office in Clyde. The address is 217 Oak Street, Clyde, TX 79510. However, office hours may be limited or by appointment only, so it is highly recommended that you call their main line at (325) 625-4167 before visiting to confirm availability.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this is approximately $22,590 for a single person and $46,800 for a family of four. These figures can change slightly annually, so verify your specific bracket with a CCAA caseworker during your intake.
You must provide a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or state ID), Social Security cards for every household member, proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, award letters), and your current electric bill. If you are facing disconnection, include the disconnect notice.
Yes, the CEAP program has a "Crisis Assistance" component specifically for households in danger of disconnection or running out of fuel (propane/gas). When you call (325) 625-4167, explicitly state that you have a disconnect notice so your application can be prioritized over standard non-emergency requests.
Under standard CEAP guidelines, eligible households typically receive assistance once per program year (January to December). However, "vulnerable" households—those with elderly members (60+), individuals with disabilities, or children under five—may qualify for higher benefit caps or additional crisis support if funding permits.
CEAP funds can be used for both. The program prioritizes immediate energy needs, meaning it can pay off arrears (past-due balances) to prevent disconnection and may also provide benefit payments toward future bills to help stabilize your household finances for several months.
Yes. If you are a customer of major providers like Reliant Energy (CARE Program) or TXU Energy (Energy Aid), they have their own assistance funds. These are separate from government aid. You can apply for these by calling 2-1-1 Texas and asking for agencies that administer these specific provider funds in your area.
CEAP provides direct cash payments to your utility provider to lower your bill. Weatherization, handled in Callahan County by Rolling Plains Management, provides free home upgrades (like insulation or window repairs) to lower your energy usage permanently. You can often apply for both programs to maximize your savings.
Approval times vary by demand but typically range from 2 to 4 weeks. Crisis applications with a disconnection notice are processed faster, often within 48 hours. To avoid delays, ensure your application is 100% complete with all required signatures and documents attached when you first submit it.
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