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Residents of Robert Lee, Bronte, and surrounding Coke County communities often face difficult choices when energy bills spike. Extreme weather in West Texas, from blistering summers to freezing winters, can create financial instability for many households.
Finding the right help requires knowing exactly who provides your power. This guide simplifies the complex network of federal, state, and local assistance programs available to you.
Your specific options for bill assistance are legally tied to the company that owns the power lines connected to your home. Before applying for any funds, check your electric bill to confirm if you are in a deregulated zone or a cooperative territory.
Deregulated Zones (Robert Lee, Bronte, & Silver)
[1], [2].Concho Valley Electric Cooperative (CVEC)
[3].[4].The Concho Valley Community Action Agency (CVCAA) is the primary administrator for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) in Coke County [5]. This federally funded program aims to reduce the energy burden on low-income households.
What CEAP Covers
[6].[7].Current Status (Late 2025)
[8].[9].If your home is served by AEP Texas lines, you may be eligible for the Neighbor to Neighbor program. This serves as a critical safety net when federal funds are unavailable.
[10].[11].Members of CVEC have access to the Operation Round Up trust. This fund is created by members voluntarily rounding up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar to help neighbors in need ``.
[12].[12].When utility-specific grants are exhausted, local community resources can help you bridge the gap. Freeing up your grocery budget can often provide the cash needed to keep the lights on.
Food Distribution Events
Faith-Based Assistance
, .[13].Assistance for water bills is handled differently than electricity. The statewide "Texas Utility Help" program for water assistance has closed due to lack of funding [14].
[15].[16].If a member of your household relies on an electric medical device or has a chronic illness, you can apply for legal protection against immediate disconnection.
[17].[17].[18].The main resource is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered locally by the Concho Valley Community Action Agency (CVCAA). This federally funded program helps low-income households in Coke County (including Robert Lee and Bronte) pay for immediate electricity needs and encourages long-term energy efficiency.
To qualify for CEAP, your household income typically must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this is approximately $23,475 for a single person or $48,225 for a family of four. Priority is often given to households with the lowest incomes relative to energy costs.
You must submit an application directly to the CVCAA. You can download the form from their website or pick one up at their office in San Angelo (133 W. Concho Ave). Applications can be mailed, faxed, or emailed. Processing times generally range from 60 to 90 days, so apply before a crisis occurs.
A complete application usually requires:
Photo ID for all adults (18+).
Social Security cards for all household members.
Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, award letters).
Current electric bill (and gas/propane bill if applicable).
Proof of citizenship or legal residency.
Yes, but you must act immediately. While CEAP has a processing time, agencies often prioritize households in "crisis" status (scheduled for disconnection within 48 hours). Additionally, contact your provider (e.g., TXU, Reliant) to ask about a deferred payment plan or "bridge" extension while waiting for agency funds.
Yes. The CEAP program prioritizes "vulnerable" households, defined as those with elderly residents (60+), individuals with disabilities, or children under five. These households often move to the front of the waiting list and may qualify for higher benefit caps to ensure their power remains on for health reasons.
Absolutely. Many deregulated providers serving Coke County offer aid programs funded by donations.
TXU Energy Aid: Partners with local agencies to help customers in crisis.
Reliant CARE: Provides bill payment assistance for qualified customers.
Direct Energy: Offers the "Neighbor-to-Neighbor" program.
Tip: Call 2-1-1 to find which local agency administers these specific provider funds.
Yes, renters are eligible for the Coke County Texas electric bill assistance program just like homeowners. You must be responsible for the electric bill (it must be in your name). If utilities are included in your rent, you generally cannot apply for electric-specific aid, though rent relief programs may help.
No. The Lite-Up Texas program (which offered summer discounts) was discontinued in 2016 due to lack of funding. It has effectively been replaced by the year-round support offered through CEAP. Do not rely on outdated websites promising "Lite-Up" applications; focus on CEAP and provider-specific aid.
If the primary agency is tapped out, try these hyper-local resources:
County Indigent Health Care Program: May assist if medical issues are involved.
Local Churches: Contact the First United Methodist Church in Robert Lee or local Church of Christ benevolent funds in Bronte. They often have small, one-time emergency funds.
Salvation Army: The San Angelo branch serves the Concho Valley region and may offer emergency vouchers.
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