Texans may be able to get help to pay summer cooling bills until funds are depleted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility is based on income for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. To apply, visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to find an administering agency near you or dial 211 to discover more resources.
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) customers in in Rusk, Cherokee, Gregg, Smith, and Wood counties can reach out to Greater East Texas Community Action. Those in Harrison, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, and Upshur counties can reach out to Tri-County Community Action.
The Comprehensive Home Energy Assistance Program assists low-income households, particularly those with the lowest incomes and disproportionately highest energy costs to meet their home energy costs by making payments directly to energy suppliers. Both homeowner and renter households are eligible to receive CEAP assistance. The household's annual income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Energy costs must also be documented.
“This program is very impactful and is highly recommended and needed for our clients,” said Brenda Allen, Program Director for Tri-County Community Action. “Partnering with SWEPCO has been a tremendous benefit and success to the community that we serve.”
Allen said those wishing to apply should have all current documents ready to make the process of determining eligibility easier and faster. Required documentation can be found on the front of the application, which is under the assistance tab on www.tccainc.org. Allen noted the application changes each year, so be sure to select the application form for the current year.
Nationally, seven out of 10 households helped by LIHEAP are home to a child under the age of six, an elderly resident, a veteran, or someone with a disability.
Nearly 200,000 Texans got help in 2020 from the Home Energy Assistance programs which provide grants year-round for heating and cooling help, emergencies and for weatherization efforts.
“LIHEAP is a great help to our customers,” said Brett Mattison, SWEPCO president. “We encourage those who might be eligible to learn more about this and our other programs to help manage seasonal bill spikes.”
SWEPCO recently introduced an easy-to-use tool to identify bill help based on your needs. Just answer a few questions at www.swepco.com/billhelp and we’ll provide every customer with options.
“Whether it’s a payment plan, a payment extension or average monthly payments, we’re here to help local families beat the heat and combat the high bills,” said Mattison.
