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Residents of Dawson County, particularly in Lamesa, face unique challenges when it comes to energy costs. The region experiences extreme temperatures, ranging from over 100°F in the summer to freezing conditions in the winter. Because the area is largely part of a deregulated energy market, there is no single utility company to contact for help. Instead, assistance is spread across government agencies, private retail providers, and local charities.
The primary source of substantial financial aid is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), managed locally by West Texas Opportunities Inc. (WTO). However, this program has strict rules and funding limits. To bridge the gap, residents often rely on provider-specific relief funds and community groups like the Lamesa Ministerial Alliance. This guide breaks down exactly how to access these resources, step-by-step.
The CEAP is the most significant resource for low-income households needing help with electric bills. It is funded by the federal government but administered locally. In Dawson County, West Texas Opportunities Inc. (WTO) handles all applications.
Where to Apply
You cannot apply for this program online; you must go through the local office. The intake center is located at the Lamesa Neighborhood Center.
Types of Assistance Available
The program offers two main types of support depending on your situation:
Income Eligibility Rules
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Income is calculated based on cash receipts before taxes. This includes wages, Social Security, and pensions.
2025 Income Limits (Estimated):
Note: SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits are usually not counted as income for this specific calculation. This means you may still qualify for electric help even if you receive food aid.
Required Documentation
When you go to your appointment, you must bring specific documents. Failure to bring these will result in your application being denied or delayed.
Because Lamesa (Zip Code 79331) is in a deregulated area, you choose your electricity company. Many of these private companies have their own assistance funds. You must contact your specific provider to access them.
Provider-Specific Aid Programs
Deferred Payment Plans and Switch-Holds
If you cannot pay your full bill, you can request a Deferred Payment Plan (DPP).
The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) has rules to protect vulnerable residents. These rules do not pay your bill, but they can delay disconnection to give you time to find help.
Medical Protections
If someone in your home relies on electric medical equipment, you can apply for specific designations:
How to Apply:
Extreme Weather Moratoriums
Companies cannot disconnect your power during dangerous weather.
When government funds are unavailable, local churches and charities often step in. These organizations provide emergency vouchers or other forms of support.
Lamesa Ministerial Alliance & Feed One
The Ministerial Alliance is a group of local churches that pool resources to help neighbors in need.
Church Outreach Programs
Paying the bill is a short-term fix; reducing energy usage is a long-term solution. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) helps low-income homeowners make their houses more efficient.
What the Program Does
WAP pays for improvements that lower your monthly energy demand. Services are free and may include:
How to Apply
This program is also run by West Texas Opportunities Inc. You can apply at the same Lamesa Neighborhood Center where you apply for bill assistance. Priority is given to the elderly, families with children, and people with disabilities.
If you are struggling to pay your electric bill in Dawson County, follow this sequence for the best results:
The main government-funded aid is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). In Dawson County, this program is administered locally by West Texas Opportunities, Inc. It provides financial relief to low-income households to help manage energy costs. Unlike short-term charity, CEAP is designed to offer long-term stability by targeting the households with the highest energy burdens.
You can apply for assistance directly through the local West Texas Opportunities office.
Address: 603 N 4th St, Lamesa, TX 79331
Phone: (806) 872-8354
Hours: Monday through Friday (Call to confirm appointment availability) Documentation is typically required, so it is best to call ahead before visiting in person.
To qualify for the Dawson County Texas electric bill assistance program, your household income must generally be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this roughly translates to:
1 Person: ~$23,475
2 People: ~$31,725
4 People: ~$48,225
Priority is given to households with elderly residents (60+), individuals with disabilities, and families with children under age five.
No. The Lite-Up Texas program, which previously provided summer electricity discounts, has been discontinued and is no longer funded. Residents looking for similar relief should now apply for CEAP through West Texas Opportunities or ask their specific retail electric provider (like TXU or Reliant) if they offer their own proprietary low-income relief or deferred payment plans.
When applying for the Dawson County Texas electric bill assistance program, you must provide:
Proof of Income: Pay stubs for the last 30 days for all adults (18+).
Identification: Valid driver’s license, ID, or birth certificate for all household members.
Utility Bill: A copy of your most recent electric bill (and gas/propane bill if applicable).
Consumption History: A 12-month billing history from your utility provider is often requested.
Yes. CEAP includes a Crisis Assistance component specifically for households facing immediate disconnection or extreme weather hazards. If you have received a "shut-off" or disconnection notice, mention this immediately when contacting West Texas Opportunities. They may be able to expedite your application or pledge a payment to your provider to maintain service while your paperwork is processed.
Yes. Many Retail Electric Providers (REPs) operating in deregulated areas like Dawson County have their own aid funds:
TXU Energy Aid: Offers bill payment assistance to qualified customers in critical situations.
Reliant Energy CARE: Provides funds for customers facing extreme hardship (job loss, illness).
Action: Call the number on your electricity bill and ask specifically for "bill payment assistance" or "deferred payment plans."
Generally, CEAP funds are used strictly for energy consumption charges and cannot typically be used to pay for:
Late fees
Disconnection/Reconnection fees
Meter tampering charges
Security lights However, in verifiable crisis situations, some program components or local non-profits (like the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities via 2-1-1) may occasionally assist with deposits to help a family secure housing.
CEAP assistance is typically determined on a calendar year basis. If you are eligible, you may receive benefit payments for up to 12 months depending on your "vulnerability status" (e.g., if a household member is elderly or disabled). For crisis assistance, support is often limited to once per year or once per season (summer/winter), subject to funding availability.
If you do not qualify for the Dawson County Texas electric bill assistance program through CEAP, try these resources:
2-1-1 Texas: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone to find local church benevolence funds or smaller charities in Lamesa.
Lamesa Ministerial Alliance: Local churches sometimes pool funds to help residents with one-time emergency bills.
Salvation Army: Often has a local presence or mobile unit that assists with emergency utilities.
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