Assistance programs from CPS Energy.
A wide array of assistance programs and resources are available for low income and qualified CPS Energy customers. Some of the services range from discounts to emergency financial aid and hardship programs. In addition, CPS energy and the agencies they partner with will also have information on federal and state of Texas government assistance programs, as well as other non-profit agencies in San Antonio and Bexar County Texas.
Residential Energy Assistance Partnership, also known as REAP, is offered for income qualified elderly, disabled, and families with children. This program may be able to provide direct financial assistance.
While conditions and eligibility requirements are in place, qualified individuals may be able to receive up to $400 for paying their cooling, air conditioning, or heating bills. San Antonio families can only apply once per season, so at most two times per year.
While CPS Energy does contribute funds to the REAP program, and they fully support it, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County Texas are the primary agencies that are responsible for accepting applications as well as the distribution of REAP funds to qualifying families and individuals. (800) 870-1006
Additional emergency assistance programs may be provided by other public and community action organizations. Some more of these local organizations that may provide emergency funds or cash grants to help pay electric bills are below.
These community-based organizations and public health agencies across San Antonio will both oversee and offer cash aid and other forms of emergency assistance that can be used to pay utility bills.
If you are interested, you will need to call a local agency yourself in order to get information on and apply for these services. Any funds paid out from the non-profit agencies may be limited and the total amount of financial assistance you may be eligible to receive will vary. Also, some programs only run certain times of the year too.
City of San Antonio Community Action Agency is one organization that offers several financial assistance programs and resources for local residents who need some short term cash assistance for paying their CPS Energy bills. Services include SAMM Shelter, Emergency Response Component; Project WARM; and the Dwyer Avenue and Kenwood Community Center. Call (210) 207-7830
Another option is the Bexar County Department of Community Investment. They may have some resources that can be provided to help prevent disconnection of utility service for nonpayment of bills. Some options include Bexar Utility Relief Program, Energy Crisis Program; Elderly/Disabled Program; and Co-Pay Program. Main telephone number is (210) 335-6770
CPS Energy Discount Programs
Veterans Discount is offered for certain income qualified veterans who have a medical condition as a result of their service. Most of the applicants are former military members who have severe burns.
Qualified veterans will receive up to a $90 monthly discount on the electric portion of their CPS Energy bill, and the program runs only during the summer and early fall months. Outside of those periods a veteran will need to apply for some of the other CPS energy programs, such as the Electric Affordability Discount. Verification of the medical condition is required, and will need to be recertified as needed.
The Affordability Discount is another option, and is for CPS customers with a total household income that is at or below 125% of Federal Government Poverty Guidelines. The total savings provided will usually be under $7 per month for electric customers and under $4 for gas customers.
People who apply to the Affordability Discount also must be 60 years of age or older; have pre-school aged children or children in school 18 years or younger; be disabled; be using life-sustaining medical equipment; meet Veterans’ Discount qualifications or be experiencing some other type of emergency program.
Payment extensions from CPS Energy
Critical Care Program is for people who use medical equipment. Qualified individuals will be provided additional time to pay their monthly electric bills if they were to miss a payment on one. Time is offered for people who must use electrically-operated medical equipment in their home. The status of each discount will be reviewed annually.
Receive additional time as well from the CPS Energy for Temporary Hardships, and aid will be distributed if it can help prevent a disconnection of your gas or electric service. Dial (210) 353-2222
Disabled Citizens Billing Program is offered for individuals on Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Qualified customers can receive additional time to pay the net amount of their monthly utility bill before the power is shut off. In total, eligible individuals can receive up to 26 days to pay their energy bills.
Senior Citizens' Billing Program may also extend the payment period for your monthly CPS Energy bill if you are age 60 years and older. Normally the payment period for this program will also provide up to 26 days.
How to apply for assistance from CPS Energy
For discounts and extensions, call CPS Energy at (800) 870-1006.
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