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Residents of Collingsworth County facing high energy costs have specific options for relief, distinct from the rest of Texas. This guide outlines the safety nets available to low-income households, seniors, and families in the Wellington area. You will find clear steps to access federal funding, negotiate with your local cooperative, and utilize community charity resources to keep your power on.
Most residents in Collingsworth County receive power from Greenbelt Electric Cooperative (GEC). It is important to understand that this is a member-owned cooperative, not a standard retail provider found in deregulated areas like Dallas or Houston.
Because you cannot switch companies to lower your bill, your primary strategy must focus on assistance programs and usage management.
The primary source of financial help comes from the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This federally funded program is administered locally by Panhandle Community Services (PCS). It is designed to help low-income households pay their electric bills and achieve energy self-sufficiency.
Components of CEAP Assistance
Income Eligibility Guidelines
To qualify for CEAP, your household's gross income (before taxes) must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. As of the 2025 program year, the approximate monthly income limits are:
Note: These figures are based on federal guidelines and subject to slight annual adjustments. Always verify the exact limit with PCS when applying.
Priority Groups
Funding is limited and not guaranteed. PCS prioritizes applications based on a vulnerability rating system. You are more likely to receive faster assistance if your household includes:
Applying for CEAP requires attention to detail. Incomplete applications are the most common cause of delays.
Required Documentation
Gather these documents before you begin the application process:
Submission Methods
Contact Information:
While Greenbelt Electric does not offer a direct "free electricity" program, they have mechanisms to help members manage difficult financial periods.
Deferred Payment Plans
If you cannot pay your full bill, contact the cooperative immediately. Do not wait for the disconnection date.
Critical Care and Chronic Condition Status
If you or a family member relies on an electric medical device (like an oxygen concentrator), you should apply for Critical Care status.
When federal aid is unavailable or pending, local organizations in Collingsworth County often step in as the "funder of last resort."
Collingsworth County Ministerial Alliance
This coalition of local churches pools resources to help neighbors in crisis.
Senior Citizens Support
The Collingsworth County Home Delivered Meals program (Meals on Wheels) is a vital resource for the elderly.
Paying the bill solves the immediate problem, but reducing the bill solves the long-term problem. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is also administered by PCS.
If you are struggling with your Greenbelt Electric bill, follow this order of operations to secure help:
Important Note: The "Lite-Up Texas" program and "Texas Utility Help" portal mentioned in older guides are currently closed or defunct. Do not waste time applying to these inactive programs. Focus your efforts on Panhandle Community Services and local resources.
Panhandle Community Services (PCS) is the designated Community Action Agency administering the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) for Collingsworth County residents. They provide direct financial aid to eligible households to help pay electricity, gas, and propane bills. You can contact their Wellington office or the main Amarillo hotline for intake schedules.
To qualify for CEAP through Panhandle Community Services, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this equates to approximately $21,870 for a single person and $45,000 for a family of four. Priority is often given to households with elderly members, individuals with disabilities, or children under the age of six.
You can apply by visiting the PCS Wellington Center located at 1001 Amarillo Street, Wellington, TX 79095. It is highly recommended to call (806) 447-5303 or the main line at (806) 372-2531 first to verify hours and appointment availability. Applications can also often be downloaded from the pcsvcs.org website and mailed in if you cannot visit in person.
You will generally need to submit:
Proof of income for all household members over 18 (pay stubs for the last 30 days, Social Security award letters, etc.).
Current electric bill showing your name and account number.
Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID) for the applicant.
Social Security cards or proof of citizenship/residency for all household members.
Proof of gas/propane expenses if seeking heating assistance.
Yes, CEAP has a Crisis Assistance component specifically for households that have received a disconnect notice or have already lost service. When applying, clearly state you are in a "crisis" situation. PCS may be able to expedite your application to restore power or prevent disconnection, though funding is subject to availability.
Greenbelt Electric Cooperative typically does not offer direct cash grants or bill forgiveness. However, they may offer deferred payment plans or extensions if you contact them before your bill is past due. They can also refer you to local agencies like PCS. Their "Operation Round Up" program primarily funds community scholarships rather than individual utility relief.
While there is no "senior-only" program, CEAP guidelines prioritize households with members aged 60 and older. This means seniors are often moved to the front of the waiting list for assistance. Additionally, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) runs the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps seniors reduce future bills by improving home energy efficiency for free.
Texas Utility Help is a statewide program funded by federal grants that assists homeowners and renters with electricity, gas, and water bills. Yes, Collingsworth County residents can apply online at TexasUtilityHelp.com. This program allows you to upload documents directly and is a good alternative if local PCS funding is temporarily paused.
If government funds are unavailable, you may find temporary relief through local faith-based organizations. The Salvation Army often partners with local volunteers in rural counties to provide one-time vouchers. It is also advisable to contact local churches in Wellington, such as the First Baptist Church or First United Methodist Church, to inquire about benevolent funds for emergency aid.
Standard CEAP applications can take 2 to 4 weeks to process depending on the volume of requests. Crisis applications (for disconnects) are usually processed within 24 to 48 hours. It is critical to continue paying what you can while waiting, as submitting an application does not automatically stop a disconnection.
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