If you cannot afford your electric bill in Texas, at least four assistance programs exist right now that may cover part or all of what you owe. The two largest are the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the state-run Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP). Both are real, funded programs with specific income limits, application windows, and benefit amounts. This article explains each one clearly so you can decide which to pursue first.
Why Texas Has Multiple Programs
Texas operates a deregulated electricity market in most of the state, meaning households in areas served by competitive providers choose their own retail electric provider (REP). That market structure creates flexibility, but it does not eliminate energy poverty. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that the average Texas residential retail electricity price was approximately 14.6 cents per kWh in 2023, and summer cooling loads push average monthly bills well above $150 in many households.
Because electricity costs are significant, both federal and state governments fund separate assistance streams. Understanding the difference between those streams determines which application to complete first.
Program 1: CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program)
CEAP is the primary electricity bill assistance program in Texas. It is administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and funded through a combination of federal LIHEAP dollars and state appropriations. TDHCA distributes CEAP funds through a network of roughly 65 local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the state.
What it covers. CEAP pays a portion of your electric bill directly to your utility or retail electric provider. It does not typically pay the full balance, but it can prevent disconnection and reduce what you owe.
Who qualifies. Income limits are set at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. For a family of four in 2024, that threshold is approximately $46,800 in annual gross income (based on the 2024 federal poverty guidelines). Priority is given to households with a member who is elderly (60 or older), has a disability, or includes a child under 5.
Benefit amounts. TDHCA sets benefit amounts by climate zone and household size. Typical benefits range from $200 to $700 per program year, though the exact figure depends on your local CAA, available funding, and your household's situation.
How to apply. Visit the TDHCA website at tdhca.state.tx.us or call 2-1-1 (the Texas Health and Human Services helpline) to find your local CAA. You apply in person or, in many counties, online through your local agency. You will need proof of income, a current utility bill, proof of Texas residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Timing. CEAP funds are available on an ongoing basis until exhausted each program year, which runs from October 1 through September 30. Funding can run out in high-demand periods. Apply as early in the program year as possible.
Program 2: LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP is a federal block grant administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In Texas, LIHEAP dollars flow directly into CEAP, meaning applying for CEAP is effectively applying for LIHEAP. There is no separate LIHEAP application process in Texas. If a local agency tells you to apply for LIHEAP separately, clarify with TDHCA, because the programs are merged at the state level.
This is a common source of confusion. Some national websites list LIHEAP and CEAP as separate Texas programs. For practical purposes in Texas, CEAP is the access point for LIHEAP funds.
Program 3: LITE-UP Texas
LITE-UP Texas was a state-funded discount program for low-income customers in deregulated areas. It provided a percentage discount on electric bills. However, LITE-UP Texas was discontinued by the Texas Legislature and is no longer accepting applications or providing benefits. If you see references to LITE-UP Texas on older websites, that information is out of date.
This matters because many Texas households search for LITE-UP Texas assistance and do not find current information. The replacement pathway for similar benefits is CEAP.
Program 4: Utility and Provider Assistance Programs
Beyond CEAP, individual utilities and retail electric providers maintain their own customer assistance programs. These are worth pursuing in parallel with a CEAP application.
Oncor Electricity Relief Program. Oncor, which delivers electricity across a large portion of North Texas, offers the Electricity Relief Program (ERP) for qualifying low-income customers. The program provides a monthly bill credit. Income limits are at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty level. Apply directly through Oncor's website or by calling their customer service line.
CenterPoint Energy bill assistance. CenterPoint Energy's service territory covers the Houston area. CenterPoint offers the CenterPoint Energy Residential Bill Assistance program, which provides one-time credits to eligible customers. Income documentation is required.
Retail electric provider hardship programs. Under rules set by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), retail electric providers are required to offer deferred payment plans to residential customers who are unable to pay their bill in full. A deferred payment plan is not forgiveness, but it prevents disconnection while you arrange longer-term assistance. Request one directly from your REP's customer service line before a disconnection notice is issued.
211 Texas. Calling 2-1-1 connects you to a database of local nonprofits and religious organizations that sometimes offer one-time utility assistance. The availability and amount vary by county.
When You Should Not Bother Switching Providers Instead
Some households in this situation are advised to shop for a cheaper electricity plan as an alternative to applying for assistance. That advice is sometimes correct, but not always. If your current account has a past-due balance, many retail electric providers will not enroll you until that balance is resolved. Switching providers does not clear a past-due balance, and attempting to switch while in arrears can result in a blocked enrollment. In that situation, applying for CEAP assistance to reduce or eliminate the balance is the right first step. Once the account is current, shopping for a lower rate is a sound follow-up move.
If your account is current and you are struggling because your rate is simply high, then comparing plans on the PUCT's Power to Choose website (powertochoose.org) is a legitimate strategy. Rates in competitive areas of Texas ranged from approximately 11 cents to 17 cents per kWh for 12-month fixed plans in mid-2024, meaning a switch can produce meaningful savings.
Documents to Gather Before Applying
Gathering documents in advance speeds up the CEAP application considerably. Bring or have available the following:
- A recent electric bill showing your account number and service address
- Proof of gross income for all household members for the past 30 days (pay stubs, benefit award letters, or a self-employment statement)
- Social Security cards or numbers for all household members
- A government-issued photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of Texas residency (a lease agreement or utility bill showing your address)
If income is irregular or you are self-employed, ask your local CAA how they handle income verification before your appointment. Most agencies have a standard process for non-traditional income situations.
A Straightforward Action Plan
For a Texas household that cannot pay its electric bill, the most direct path is this: call 2-1-1, ask for the nearest CEAP-administering agency, and schedule an appointment. While waiting for that appointment, call your retail electric provider and ask about a deferred payment plan to prevent disconnection. If your utility is Oncor or CenterPoint, check their individual assistance programs at the same time. Do not wait for one program to respond before applying to another. Applications can run concurrently.
Texas has real, funded programs for this situation. The barrier is usually awareness and paperwork, not a shortage of options.