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Keeping the lights on in Cochran County can be a financial challenge. Residents in Morton, Whiteface, and the surrounding rural areas often face higher energy burdens than those in big cities. Reliable electricity is not just a convenience; it is a necessity for health and safety on the South Plains.
If you are struggling to pay your electric bill, you are not alone. There is a specific network of aid designed to help you. This guide breaks down exactly how to access federal grants, cooperative support, and local charity in Cochran County.
The first step to getting help is knowing who sends you the bill. Unlike Dallas or Houston, you cannot shop around for a cheaper rate here. You likely have one option based on where you live, and you must work with them directly.
Bailey County Electric Cooperative (BCEC)
If you are a member of this cooperative, you are part owner of the company.
Xcel Energy (Southwestern Public Service)
If you are in an area served by Xcel, you are dealing with a regulated utility.
The biggest source of help is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This is federal money managed locally by the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA). You do not apply at the electric company; you must go through the SPCAA.
Where to Apply in Cochran County
You generally cannot apply online for the full benefit; you need to visit the local center.
Two Ways CEAP Helps You
The program is split into two parts to cover different needs.
Who Qualifies for Help?
You must meet income guidelines to get approved. As of the latest rules, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Note: Priority is always given to households with elderly residents (60+), individuals with disabilities, and children under age five.
Documents You Need to Bring
Gather these items before your appointment to speed up the process.
Your electric provider wants you to stay connected. Both BCEC and Xcel offer programs to manage debt, but you must ask for them.
Payment Arrangements
Never wait for the lights to go out. Call your provider the moment you know you will be late.
Medical & Critical Care Protections
Texas law protects people with serious medical conditions.
If your house is drafty, you are throwing money away. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) fixes older homes for free.
When government funds are slow or you don't qualify, local groups in Morton and Whiteface step up.
St. Ann’s Catholic Church
Located in Morton, this church runs the "Be the Church Outreach" ministry.
First Baptist Church of Morton
South Plains Food Bank Mobile Pantry
Saving money on food means you have more money for electricity.
Veteran Services
If you are a veteran, specific funds may be available to you.
Follow this exact path if you receive a disconnect notice.
South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA)
Bailey County Electric Cooperative (BCEC)
Xcel Energy (SPS)
St. Ann’s Catholic Church
Cochran County Senior Citizens Association
The primary administrator for energy assistance in Cochran County is the South Plains Community Action Association (SPCAA). They manage the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), which is funded by the federal LIHEAP grant.
Local Office: 907-B SW 4th St, Morton, TX 79346
Phone: (806) 224-1129
To be eligible for the Cochran County Texas electric bill assistance program, your household income must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
1 Person: ~$23,475
2 People: ~$31,725
3 People: ~$39,975
4 People: ~$48,225
Add ~$8,250 for each additional household member. (Note: These figures are effective as of early 2025; always verify exact cents with the caseworker.)
Important Update: As of early 2025, the statewide Texas Utility Help online portal is often closed or at capacity due to high demand. You should not wait for the website to reopen. Instead, apply directly through the SPCAA Morton Service Center listed above. Local agencies often have separate funding pools from the state website.
To avoid delays in your energy assistance application, gather the following before your appointment:
Photo ID for the primary applicant (Driver’s License or State ID).
Social Security Cards for every household member.
Proof of Citizenship (Birth Certificate, Passport, or Voter Registration).
Proof of Income for the last 30 days for all adults (pay stubs, award letters, etc.).
Current Utility Bill (must be the most recent bill).
The SPCAA offers a "Crisis Component" specifically for households that have already been disconnected or have received a disconnection notice. This service is expedited compared to standard assistance. When you call (806) 224-1129, explicitly state that you have a disconnect notice to potentially receive priority processing.
Yes, if government funds are unavailable, consider these local alternatives:
South Plains Food Bank Mobile Pantry: While primarily for food, they visit the First Baptist Church in Morton (202 SE 1st St) on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Saving on food can free up cash for utilities.
Local Benevolence Funds: Churches like First Baptist Church Morton or St. Ann’s Catholic Church may have small emergency funds. Visit their offices in person during business hours to inquire politely about benevolence applications.
Standard applications typically take 2 to 6 weeks to process depending on the volume of requests. Crisis applications (for disconnects) are processed faster, often within 48 hours of a complete application. Do not assume the bill is paid until you receive an official Notice of Eligibility letter.
Yes. The CEAP program covers multiple heating and cooling sources. If your primary heating source is propane or natural gas, you can apply for assistance for those bills using the same application process as you would for electricity.
Typically, the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program allows households to receive help once per program year (January to December). However, if you face a life-threatening energy crisis (like a winter storm outage) or if additional "disaster funds" are released, you may be eligible to apply again. Always ask the caseworker about current "benefit caps."
If you are denied by SPCAA, ask for the specific reason (e.g., over income, missing document). If you cannot resolve it:
Call 2-1-1 Texas (dial 2-1-1 from your phone) to find other private non-profits in the South Plains region.
Contact your electric provider (e.g., Xcel Energy, Bailey County Electric Coop) to set up a deferred payment plan. This prevents disconnection while you seek other funds.
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