There are many programs and resources available to help low income and qualified CPS Energy customers. The services available vary from discounts to emergency financial aid and hardship programs. CPS Energy and the agencies they partner with can help connect you to federal and state of Texas government assistance programs, as well as other non-profit agencies in San Antonio and Bexar County Texas.
The Residential Energy Assistance Partnership is a program that provides financial assistance to low-income households that are struggling to pay their energy bills. The program is available to elderly, disabled, and families with children who meet the income qualifications. This program may be able to provide money directly to people who need it.
Individuals who meet the qualifications may be able to receive up to $400 to help pay for their cooling, air conditioning, or heating bills. This means that families in San Antonio can only apply for assistance twice per year.
CPS Energy contributes funds to the REAP program and supports it, but the City of San Antonio and Bexar County are responsible for accepting applications and distributing REAP funds to qualifying families and individuals. The number 870-1006 can be called in order to speak to someone.
Other public and community action organizations may provide additional emergency assistance programs. There are more local organizations that can help with emergency funds or cash grants to pay electric bills.
These organizations will help with utility bills and other forms of emergency assistance.
You will need to call a local agency in order to get information and apply for services if you are interested. The amount of money you can get from a non-profit organization may be small, and the total amount of help you can get will depend on your situation. Some programs only run at certain times of the year.
The City of San Antonio Community Action Agency offers financial assistance programs and resources for local residents who need short-term cash assistance for paying their CPS Energy bills. The Services we offer include the SAMM Shelter, Emergency Response Component; Project WARM; and the Dwyer Avenue and Kenwood Community Center. To speak to someone at customer service, please call (210) 207-7830.
The Bexar County Department of Community Investment is another option for people who want to invest in their community. This department helps people invest in projects that improve the quality of life in Bexar County. They may have some resources, such as financial assistance, that can help prevent utility service from being disconnected for nonpayment of bills. The Bexar Utility Relief Program provides assistance to low-income customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills. The Energy Crisis Program provides assistance to customers who are experiencing a financial hardship due to an unexpected increase in their utility bills. The Elderly/Disabled Program provides assistance to customers who are 65 years of age or older, or who have a disability, and who are struggling to pay their utility bills. The Co-Pay Program provides assistance to customers who are unable to pay their full utility bill each month. The main phone number for the company is 210-335-6770.
CPS Energy Discount Programs
The Veterans Discount is a way for income-qualified veterans who have a medical condition as a result of their service to get a break on certain costs. Most of the applicants are people who used to be in the military and now have severe burns.
This program provides a discount for veterans on their electric bill during the summer and early fall. A veteran will need to apply for some of the other CPS energy programs, such as the Electric Affordability Discount, outside of those periods. The medical condition must be verified and will need to be recertified periodically.
If you are a CPS customer and your total household income is at or below 125% of the Federal Government Poverty Guidelines, you may be eligible for the Affordability Discount. The typical savings for electric customers will be less than $7 per month, and for gas customers the savings will be less than $4 per month.
The Affordability Discount is available to those who are 60 years of age or older; have pre-school aged children or children in school 18 years or younger; are disabled; are using life-sustaining medical equipment; meet Veterans’ Discount qualifications or are experiencing some other type of emergency program.
Payment extensions from CPS Energy
Critical Care Program is a program designed to help people who use medical equipment. If you miss a payment on your electric bill, you will be given extra time to pay it off. Some electric companies offer programs that provide a reduced rate for electricity used during off-peak hours for people who use electrically-operated medical equipment in their home. This allows these customers to save money on their energy bills. We will review the status of each discount every year.
CPS Energy is offering additional time for customers who are facing Temporary Hardships. If the aid can help prevent a disconnection of your gas or electric service, it will be distributed. This is a phone number. You can dial it to reach whoever is on the other end.
The Disabled Citizens Billing Program is a program offered by the government for disabled citizens who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you have trouble paying your monthly utility bill, you may be able to get extra time to pay before your power is shut off. Individuals who are eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can receive up to a maximum of 26 days to pay their energy bills.
The Senior Citizens’ Billing Program gives CPS Energy customers who are age 60 and older an extension on their monthly bill payment. The payment period for this program will be up to 26 days.
How to apply for assistance from CPS Energy
For information on discounts and extensions, please call CPS Energy at (800) 870-1006.