Find Assistance in North Texas for Electric Bills
As temperatures continue to soar across the country, residents of North Texas are finding their air conditioners overworked and their pocketbooks stretched far too thin. With electric bills reaching several hundred dollars, working-class, low-income, and fixed-income individuals are finding the summer difficult.
Assistance in the North Texas area is limited, but there are a few programs and organizations available to assist.
SENIOR CITIZENS
Texas recently enacted a bill that does not allow electric companies to turn off the electricity to elderly individuals receiving public assistance. Senior citizens must provide their electric companies proof of their situation. Call the electric provider’s costumer service number for more details on this legislation.
Any senior citizen unable to pay their electric bill can also call Adult Protective Services at (800) 252-5400. File a report with APS, stating any medical needs, and APS staff will assess the situation in a timely manner.
LOW-INCOME (any age)
Any person receiving public assistance can call LifeLine at (866) 454-8387 to register for discount telephone service and protect themselves against utility late fees.
Specific providers also maintain individual programs. TXU and Reliant Energy sponsor Peace of Mind Program to Aid Customers. For more information on this program TXU customers should call (866) 255-5898 and Reliant Energy customers should call (866) 735-4268.
ALL INDIVIDUALS
Local community service programs, which operate off of private and public donations, might also be able to assist. Dial 2-1-1 and select Option 1 for information in your area.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The best time to start exploring payment assistance options for your electric bill is when it arrives – not once you receive a cut-off notice. Call your electric company, explain that you will be unable to pay the full amount, and ask if they have any assistance available and/or if you can make a payment plan. If the electric company is unable to make arrangements, and you have TXU or Reliant, call the Peace of Mind Program directly. Finally, contact area agencies. 2-1-1 Texas, a free health and human services information hotline, can provide you with name and numbers of organizations in your area.
Ward off sky-high electric bills by exploring ways to decrease your electric consumption – use ceiling fans, seal drafts, close blinds, turn-off lights, etc. Contact your electric company for more tips.
In Texas, individuals can also switch providers – call all electric companies to compare prices by calling Power to Choose at (866) 797-4839.
