Electric Bill Assistance Options in Comanche County Texas

Securing reliable energy is a fundamental need, yet many residents struggle to locate a specific Comanche County Texas electric bill assistance program when financial hardship strikes. Navigating the complex web of service providers, state regulations, and charitable organizations is the first step toward regaining stability. This resource outlines the specific aid available to residents based on their location and electricity provider, ensuring you can identify the right support for your household needs.

Understanding Your Electricity Provider

To find the correct assistance, you must first identify who sends your monthly bill. Comanche County sits on a unique regulatory border that splits the region into two distinct service types. Your eligibility for certain funds depends entirely on whether you are a member of a cooperative or a customer in a deregulated zone.

The Cooperative Sector (CECA)

Most rural residents in the county are served by the Comanche Electric Cooperative Association (CECA). As a cooperative, CECA is owned by its members. This structure provides access to internal charitable funds that are not available to the general public.

The Deregulated Sector (Oncor/TNMP)

Residents in specific areas, including parts of the City of Comanche and De Leon, may live in deregulated zones. In these areas, companies like Oncor or Texas-New Mexico Power deliver the electricity, but you choose a Retail Electric Provider (REP) like TXU, Reliant, or Gexa for billing.

• Key Difference: Cooperative members access aid through member-specific trusts.
• Deregulated Customers: Must rely on state programs or their specific Retail Electric Provider's charity fund (e.g., Reliant's CARE program).

State and Federal Support: The CEAP Solution

The primary government-funded safety net is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). This program helps low-income households cover their energy needs through federal grants. In Comanche County, this funding is managed locally by the Cornerstone Community Action Agency.

How CEAP Helps

The program offers two main types of support:

• Utility Assistance: This component assists with ongoing payments to reduce your home's energy burden. It does not require a disconnection notice.
• Crisis Assistance: This is expedited aid for households facing immediate disconnection or those who have run out of propane or butane fuel.

2025 Income Eligibility Standards

To qualify, your household income must generally fall at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The following list provides the estimated annual income limits for eligibility:

• 1 Person: $23,475
• 2 Persons: $31,725
• 3 Persons: $39,975
• 4 Persons: $48,225
• 5 Persons: $56,475
• 6 Persons: $64,725
• 7 Persons: $72,975
• 8 Persons: $81,225

Note: For families larger than 8, add approximately $8,250 for each additional person.

Applying via Cornerstone Community Action

You must apply through the designated subrecipient for the county.

• Physical Office: 114 Needham Street, Coleman, TX 76834.
• Phone Contact: 325-625-4167.
• Required Documents: Be prepared to submit proof of citizenship (US Passport or Birth Certificate), proof of income for the last 30 days for all adults, and a comprehensive billing history from your utility provider.

Cooperative-Exclusive Assistance Programs

If you are a member of the Comanche Electric Cooperative Association (CECA), you have access to aid that operates independently of federal tax dollars.

Operation Round Up

This program is funded by members voluntarily rounding up their monthly bills to the nearest dollar. The spare change accumulates in a trust used to help neighbors in need.

• Scope: It covers individual financial disasters, such as medical emergencies or house fires, which may make paying utility bills impossible.
• Application: Decisions are made by an independent board. You can request an application by calling Member Services at 800-915-2533.

Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund

This fund was created specifically to address high bills resulting from the Winter Storm Uri securitization charges.

• Higher Income Limit: Unlike CEAP, this fund accepts households earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Automatic Qualifiers: If you already receive SNAP or LIHEAP benefits, you are likely automatically eligible.
• Benefit Duration: Approved applicants receive bill credits for up to 24 months to offset specific surcharges.

Local Faith-Based and Emergency Aid

When government processing times are too long, or if you do not meet strict federal criteria, local charities often bridge the gap. These organizations typically provide smaller, one-time vouchers to prevent immediate service interruptions.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army maintains a Service Extension Unit directly in Comanche. They are often the fastest resource for emergency financial intervention.

• Location: 400 Industrial Blvd, Comanche, TX 76442.
• Phone: 325-356-3528.
• Services: They assist with electric bills, rent, and food during crises. 

Ministerial Alliances

Local churches frequently pool their resources to assist residents within their specific city limits.

• De Leon Ministerial Alliance: Located at 900 N. Texas St, De Leon, TX. They operate a food pantry and offer utility assistance on a case-by-case basis. Call 254-893-5120 for intake hours.
• Comanche County Ministerial Alliance: This coalition coordinates aid for residents in the city of Comanche to ensure resources are distributed fairly to those most in need.

Tribal Member Assistance

The Comanche Nation provides sovereign social services to enrolled tribal citizens. If you are a tribal member residing in the service area, you may qualify for aid separate from Texas state programs.

• Emergency Assistance: Funds are available to prevent utility disconnections or assist with deposits.
• Requirements: You must be an enrolled member with a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) and be the head of the household.
• Restriction: You cannot receive LIHEAP funding from both the tribe and the state for the same billing period.

Critical Consumer Protections

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) enforces rules that protect vulnerable residents from disconnection, regardless of their ability to pay immediately.

Extreme Weather Moratoriums

Providers are prohibited from disconnecting service during dangerous weather conditions.

• Heat: If the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or the temperature is forecasted to remain above 95°F.
• Cold: If the temperature is forecasted to fall below 32°F and stay there for 24 hours.

Medical Critical Care Status

If someone in your home requires an electric medical device to sustain life, you can apply for Critical Care Residential Customer status.

• Effect: This does not forgive the bill, but it requires the utility to provide advanced notice before disconnection and limits their ability to cut power, giving you more time to secure funding.
• Action Item: Ask your doctor to fax the required medical status form directly to your electric provider.

Strategic Steps to Take Immediately

If you have received a disconnect notice, act quickly using this checklist:

1. Call Your Provider: Contact CECA (800-915-2533) or your Retail Electric Provider immediately. Ask for a "Deferred Payment Plan" to keep the power on while you seek aid.
2. Secure Federal Aid: Contact Cornerstone Community Action (325-625-4167) to start the CEAP application process.
3. Apply for Credits: If eligible, apply for the Brazos Hardship Fund online to offset securitization fees.
4. Seek Emergency Vouchers: Visit the Salvation Army or your local Ministerial Alliance if you need immediate funds to meet a deferred payment down payment.

Quick Reference Contact List

• Cornerstone Community Action (CEAP): 325-625-4167
• Comanche Electric Cooperative (CECA): 800-915-2533
• Brazos Hardship Fund: 844-770-8549
• Salvation Army (Comanche): 325-356-3528
• De Leon Ministerial Alliance: 254-893-5120
• 2-1-1 Texas: Dial 2-1-1 (Statewide referral service)

Frequently Asked Questions