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Residents struggling with high energy costs in North Texas have access to a multi-tiered support system designed to prevent disconnection and ensure household stability. The collin county texas electric bill assistance program landscape is decentralized, meaning support comes from a mix of federal grants, local nonprofits, and retail electric providers rather than a single office. Navigating this network effectively requires understanding which agency covers your specific zip code and having the correct documentation ready immediately. This resource breaks down the available operational safety nets to help you secure financial aid for your utility expenses.
The primary source of large-scale funding originates from federal block grants but is managed by local subrecipients. In Collin County, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) delegates this authority to regional councils.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) serves as the official administrator for CEAP in this region. This program is not intended for one-time charity but operates as a structural support system for low-income families. It focuses on keeping households connected to the grid throughout extreme weather seasons.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for CEAP through TCOG, a household generally must not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. While these figures change annually, they provide a baseline for determining if you should apply.
Note: These figures are based on 2025 projections and are subject to federal adjustment.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
TCOG also manages the Weatherization Assistance Program. This initiative is distinct from bill payment assistance as it focuses on reducing future consumption. Crews may install insulation, seal windows, or repair HVAC systems to lower the physical energy demand of the home.
Several nonprofit organizations act as centralized hubs for emergency financial aid. These agencies often combine private donations with municipal grants to help residents who may not qualify for federal aid or who need immediate intervention.
Assistance Center of Collin County
Located in Plano, this organization is a critical first stop for many residents. They provide emergency funds for electric, water, and gas bills.
Community Lifeline Center
This agency primarily serves McKinney and the northern sectors of the county. They often manage specific grants for residents of these municipalities.
Frisco Family Services
Residents living within the Frisco Independent School District boundaries can access this comprehensive safety net.
All Community Outreach (ACO)
Serving Allen and surrounding areas, ACO utilizes a digital-first intake system.
In the deregulated Texas market, private electricity companies often maintain charitable funds. These are rarely distributed by the companies directly but are managed by third-party nonprofits to ensure fairness.
TXU Energy Aid
TXU Energy operates a massive assistance program funded by donations from customers and employees.
Reliant Energy CARE Program
The "Community Assistance by Reliant Energy" (CARE) program works similarly.
Co Serv Operation Roundup
Co Serv uses a unique model where members round up their bills to fund local grants.
Churches and faith-based organizations often fill the gap when other funding sources are exhausted. These groups typically operate within specific zip codes or parish boundaries.
The Salvation Army
The Plano Corps acts as a major triage center for the county.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
This society operates through "Conferences" located at Catholic churches. You usually must live within the parish boundaries to receive help.
Certain demographics have access to restricted funding pools that are less congested than general public funds.
Programs for Seniors (Age 60+)
Programs for Veterans
Failure to provide complete documentation is the most common reason for denial. Gather these items before you apply to speed up the process.
You must apply for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) through the Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), which administers these funds for Collin County. You can apply online at the TCOG website or download an application to mail in. Note: Processing typically takes 8 weeks, so this is not an immediate fix for disconnection.
To qualify for CEAP, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. As of January 2025, the maximum annual income limits are:
1 Person: $23,475
2 People: $31,725
3 People: $39,975
4 People: $48,225 (Add roughly $8,250 for each additional family member.)
Likely not immediately. Since CEAP takes weeks to process, you must contact local crisis charities for same-day or next-day pledges. Call The Assistance Center of Collin County, St. Vincent de Paul, or Catholic Charities Dallas immediately. If a charity pledges payment, they can often call your provider to place a "hold" on the disconnection.
No. As of November 2025, the Texas Utility Help program has closed its application portal due to high demand and exhausted funds for the year. Do not rely on this program for current bills; focus instead on local TCOG resources or non-profit agencies until the 2026 cycle opens.
No. The "Lite-Up Texas" program was discontinued in 2016 and no longer exists. Be wary of any website claiming to sign you up for it, as these may be scams. The current equivalent for low-income discounts is the CEAP program managed by TCOG.
You can apply for Critical Care or Chronic Condition status, but this does not guarantee free power. It requires your doctor to submit a specific application to your utility. If approved, you receive advanced notice of disconnection and some flexibility, but you are still legally required to pay your bill to keep service active eventually.
Incomplete applications are the #1 cause of denial. You must have:
Proof of income for all adults (pay stubs, SSI letters, etc.) for the last 30 days.
Current electric bill (entire bill, not just the stub).
Photo ID for the applicant.
Social Security numbers for all household members.
Generally, no. CEAP funds are strictly for energy consumption (kWh usage). They typically do not cover reconnect fees, meter tampering charges, deposits, or late penalties. You will need to pay these fees out-of-pocket or find a specific charity (like the Salvation Army) that may have more flexible "crisis" funds.
Yes. CEAP covers gas and propane heating bills as well. Additionally, Catholic Charities Dallas has a specific partnership with Atmos Energy to provide funds for gas bills, deposit assistance, and even appliance repair/replacement for eligible Collin County residents.
Residents often mistakenly contact Dallas-based agencies. For Collin County, you should specifically contact:
Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG) (Government/CEAP)
Assistance Center of Collin County (Crisis aid)
Allen Community Outreach (ACO) (For Allen/Lucas/Fairview residents)
Community Lifeline Center (McKinney/North Collin focus)
Stranded and desperate for shelter tonight? Don't spend another moment exposed to the elements; discover how an emergency hotel voucher could be your lifeline, providing immediate, secure accommodation when you need it most.
Families seeking nutritious support can rely on the catholic charities food pantry to provide high-quality food staples and essential household items. Explore the ways these local distribution centers serve your neighborhood and find out how to access these free resources right now.
The Oklahoma State Treasurer currently maintains a massive database containing over $1.4 billion in forgotten financial assets waiting to be reunited with the rightful owners. You could be among the one million residents entitled to a piece of this treasury, which includes everything from uncashed paychecks to long-lost utility deposits and safe deposit box contents.