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Residents facing financial hardship in Van Horn and surrounding areas often struggle to find a reliable Culberson County Texas electric bill assistance program. Securing aid requires understanding the specific providers in the Trans-Pecos region, as the landscape of available support has recently shifted. This resource connects you directly with the current administrators of federal funds, utility-specific discounts, and local emergency safety nets designed to keep your power on.
The primary source of large-scale energy assistance in Culberson County has changed. While the Big Bend Community Action Committee (BBCAC) previously managed these services, the state has reassigned this territory. You must now direct your applications for the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) to the Community Council of South Central Texas (CCSCT).
This organization now processes applications for low-income residents in Van Horn and the wider county. They handle the major federal block grants that pay for electricity, propane, and gas. It is vital to stop contacting defunct local offices and instead reach out to the CCSCT centralized intake system to avoid delays in your funding.
The CEAP is not just for emergencies; it is designed to help stabilize your household budget over time. The CCSCT administers this program to reduce the "energy burden" on low-income families.
The program generally offers two types of support:
Access to these funds depends on your household income and composition. Generally, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The state prioritizes funding for households with vulnerable members who are most at risk from extreme heat or cold:
If your home is served by El Paso Electric, you have access to investor-owned utility programs that are distinct from federal aid. EPE offers both tariff-based discounts and charitable relief.
Residents served by the Rio Grande Electric Cooperative are members of a member-owned organization. Assistance here often flows through community grants rather than direct bill credits.
When federal approval takes too long, local organizations in Van Horn can often bridge the gap. These entities often provide "economic displacement" support, giving you food or supplies so you can use your cash for the electric bill.
Agencies will reject incomplete applications. Before you apply to CCSCT or any local charity, gather the following documents to prove your eligibility.
Texas law provides specific protections that can delay disconnection, giving you time to secure funding.
The primary resource is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). In Culberson County, this program is administered locally by the Big Bend Community Action Committee (BBCAC). It assists low-income households with meeting immediate energy needs, paying up to a certain amount of their annual electric usage, and providing relief during extreme weather.
You can apply for assistance through the BBCAC office located in Van Horn. The local office is at 307 E. Broadway St., Van Horn, TX 79855. For appointments or questions, you can call their specific Culberson/Hudspeth line at (432) 207-8649 or their main office at (432) 729-4908.
To be eligible for CEAP in Culberson County, your household income must generally be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including households with elderly residents (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children under the age of six.
RGEC typically does not offer direct bill forgiveness to individuals. However, they may provide deferred payment plans if you are facing a financial hardship or during extreme weather events. They also operate an "Operation Round Up" program that funds local non-profits; while you cannot apply for this cash directly, local charities funded by it may be able to assist you.
No. The Lite-Up Texas program was discontinued in 2016 after its funding was depleted. You should be wary of any website claiming to offer a Lite-Up Texas application form, as this program is no longer active. Focus your efforts on CEAP and local charity assistance instead.
When applying with Big Bend Community Action, you will typically need:
Proof of income for all household members over 18 (past 30 days).
Identification (Driver’s License or ID) for all household members.
Your most recent electric bill (and gas/propane bill if applicable).
Proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (like a birth certificate or passport).
Yes. CEAP has a "Crisis Assistance" component specifically for households facing immediate disconnection or those that have already lost power. When contacting BBCAC, state clearly that you have a disconnect notice so your application can be prioritized as a crisis case.
Yes. While direct cash for bills is limited, utilizing the Culberson County Food Pantry (1301 W. Broadway St., Van Horn) can free up your cash to pay utility bills. Additionally, local churches may occasionally offer small, one-time emergency grants for utilities; dialing 2-1-1 can connect you to these unpredictable local funds.
Both renters and homeowners are eligible for CEAP assistance. If you rent, you do not need to own your home to qualify, but you must be responsible for paying the electric bill directly to the utility provider (the bill must be in your name or a household member's name).
CEAP assistance is typically available once per program year (calendar year). However, if you experience a life-threatening crisis or a specific weather-related emergency declared by the state, you may be eligible for additional aid. It is best to apply as early in the year as possible before funding runs out.
In Iowa, a state-run program offers a partial reimbursement of rent paid for eligible residents. This assistance can provide a much-needed financial break for low-income Iowans, particularly those who are elderly or have a disability.
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