8 Houston Utility Assistance Programs To Help You Pay Your Light Bill

utility assistance programs

Houston Utility Assistance: Find Help To Pay Your Light Bill


If you have lost your job due to COVID-19 pandemic, this article will help you with understanding the options available to you to give you a better chance of finding utility assistance to pay your bills. 

Utility assistance can come in many forms. Deferred payments, deadline extensions, or referrals to local nonprofits who will pay your balance are all forms of utility assistance. 

In this guide, we will provide you with 7 options for utility assistance. Those range from state-funded programs plans created by energy companies and referrals to charity organizations who may pay your bill for you. 

The first option for utility assistance in Houston that we will review is the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program. 

1. Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program 

If you are needing utility bill assistance this program is one of the very first that you should call. The Texas COVID 19 Electricity Relief Program was created to help individuals who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. 

Note: Throughout this article you will see payment plans from various utility companies like Reliant, TXU, ect and most of these are partnered with the COVID 19 Electricity Relief Program. 

How Does Texas COVID -19 Relief Program Help? 

This program can help you in two ways: 

  1. It defers your utility bill payments
  2. Prevents your light company from shutting off your utilities

Who Qualifies For the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program? 

The following individuals qualify for this utility assistance program: 

  • Those currently receiving unemployment
  • Low-income individuals receiving state benefits like Medicaid and SNAP

How To Apply For The Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program?

To apply you can complete the online application or call them at 866.454.8387

2. Reliant Energy Utility Assistance Program

Reliant Energy is one of the largest energy providers in the area and offers many utility assistance options for low-come customers in Houston. Below are a few of these options. 

CARE Program (Community Assistance from Reliant Energy)

The CARES Program assists low-income Reliant Energy customers by providing utility assistance to pay their bills.

If you are a Reliant customer and need help paying your utility bill you can start by calling 211 Texas at…211. Once you reach an operator inform them that you are a Reliant customer and interested in applying for the CARE Program that Reliant offers. At this point, 211 will refer you to local non-profits who can potentially help you to pay your Reliant energy bills.

Reliant Energy Payment Extensions

Reliant also allows customers to extend their due date for payments. If you are granted an extension, Reliant will provide you with extra time beyond the original due date to pay your bill.

During this time your lights will not be disconnected however you could face the following:

  • 5% late fee
  • Disconnection notice fee if you received a disconnection notice
  • Disconnect recovery fee

If you need a payment extension be sure to call Reliant and tell them before the disconnection due date.

Anyone who is seriously ill with COVID or some other condition can call Reliant at 1.866.222.7100. You can use this same number to simply request a payment extension or apply online.

Reliant Energy Deferred Payment Plan

If you qualified for the COVID 19 Electricity Relief Program then you may be eligible for a Deferred Payment Plan.  The Deferred Payment Plans allows you to pay your balance in monthly installments. Those installments will also include your regular monthly charges.

In most deferment plans you are required to pay 50% of the amount you owe upfront. The rest will be paid in monthly installments.

To learn more about Deferred Payment Plans you can call Reliant at 1.866.222.7100.

utility bill extension

3. TXU Energy Utility Assistance Program

TXU helps low-income clients by offering an Energy Assistance Program. The requirements are pretty straight forward because essentially anyone receiving the following benefits qualifies:

  • SNAP Benefits
  • Medicaid

Once you submit your SNAP or Medicaid information TXU will enroll you into the program and see your utility bill discount in about 2 billing cycles. 

To learn more about TXU payment arrangements you can call them at 1.800.242.9113. It’s best to call them prior to the date of any disconnection notices that you receive. Individuals who may be ill with COVID or even temporarily unemployed are also encouraged to call this number to speak about payment options. 

For a complete list of answers to any questions you have about paying your bill, you can see the TXU Frequently Asked Questions page.

4. Green Mountain Energy Utility Assistance Program

Green Mountain Energy customers in Houston can utilize the following programs to find aid for an outstanding electricity bill.  

Energy Payment Extensions

Like other energy plans mentioned, this one provides customers with extra time beyond the original due date to pay their bill without being disconnected. The only requirement for this plan is you call them prior to the actual disconnection notice date. You should also know that you will have to pay a disconnection notice fee and a disconnect recovery fee. 

Green Mountain Energy Deferred Payment Plan

Another option for utility assistance is the Deferred Payment Plan. 

Green Mountain Energy will allow you to pay your balance in installments. Keep in mind you will also be responsible for your monthly bill in addition to the installments. 

Below are the terms for someone enrolling in the Green Mountain Deferred Payment Plan: 

  1. You cannot switch to another energy provider until your balance is paid in full. 
  2. Agree to pay 50% of what you owe up front
  3. Pay the remaining balance in monthly installments along with your current bill

Those That Are Seriously Ill

Whether it’s COVID 19 or some other illness Green Mountain can offer you other bill payment assistance. To learn about these payment arrangements contact them at 866.785.4668

5. Direct Energy Neighbor To Neighbor Program

The Neighbor-to-Neighbor program is a form of utility assistance offered by Direct Energy. 

Individuals who qualify for this program can receive up to $700 in utility assistance for the calendar year.  

How To Apply For The Direct Energy Neighbor To Neighbor Program

To apply for this program you will need to contact a Direct Energy partner. These partners will screen you for eligibility. 

  • Harris County Community Services – 9418 Jensen Drive, Houston, TX 77093 – 713.696.7900 – Covers Harris County
  • Baker Ripley – 3838 Aberdeen Way Houston, TX 77025 – 713.667.9400 , 713.590.2327 , utilityassistance@bakerripley.org- Covers Harris County
  • Galveston County Community Action Council – 4700 Broadway, Suite C109, Galveston, TX 77552 – 409.765.7878 – Covers Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston and Wharton Counties

Those outside of the Houston/Galveston can find help by visiting the Direct Energy Neighbor-to-Neighbor Payment Agencies page. 

For more information regarding utility assistance in Houston you can also contact Direct Energy at 877.541.9847

 

6. Gexa Energy Low-Income Utility Assistance Program

Gexa also offers utility assistance options to customers who are having a hard time paying their bills. 

The first step Gexa customers who are having trouble paying utility bills should take is contacting them at 866.961.9399. By calling Gexa customers are able to learn about flexible payment options. It’s always best to call sooner rather than later if you know you will have trouble paying your utility bill for the month. 

Gexa Energy Payment Assistance

According to Gexa Energy, they have partnered with nonprofit agencies to aid customers with bill payments. To locate these partners you will have to call 211 or visit 211Texas and search “Electric Bill Assistance” to see which nonprofits assist your zip code. 

Gexa Energy Deferred Payment Plan

Another utility assistance option is the Deferred Payment Plan. The terms of this plan are the following: 

  1. Pay up to 50% of your balance upfront
  2. Pay your remaining balance in the next 5 months. 
  3. You cannot switch energy providers until your balance is paid to Gexa Energy

 For more questions regarding utility assistance or any other issues call Gexa Energy at 866.961.9399

7. Texas CEAP (6-8 months of utility assistance for seniors)

Texas CEAP (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) is a yearly program that helps low-income seniors to pay their utility bills. 

While other Harris County energy assistance programs will typically only help with one month of rent assistance, Texas CEAP can help for as much as 6-8 months. 

Editor’s note: This program is sometimes referred to as LIHEAP or Low Income Energy Assistance Program

Who Qualifies For Texas CEAP?

To qualify you must fall into one of the following categories: 

How To Apply For Texas CEAP? 

You must find a Texas CEAP Partner to apply for this program. Typically these partners begin enrollments for this annual program in November so start calling them around this time.  Below are agencies within the Houston/Galveston area that partner with CEAP. 

  • Baker Ripley713.590.2327 – Covers Harris County
  • Galveston County Community Action Council409.765.7878 – Covers Galveston, Brazoria,  
  • Brazos Valley Community Action Programs979.213.4051 – Covers Brazos, Waller, Walker, Montgomery, Washington Counties
  • Greater East Texas Community Action Program800.621.5746 – Covers Chambers, Hardin, Liberty, Trinity, San Jacinto Counties

If you do not see your county above you can call CEAP (877.399.8939) or 211 Texas (877.541.7905) to find a CEAP partner near you. 

You may also use the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website to find a CEAP partner. Visit their website and look for “Utility Bill Payment Help”. Click it and then scroll down to the bottom of the page and enter your city or county to see your area’s CEAP partner. 

8. Houston Rent + Utility Assistance Finder Tool 

The next community resource I have for light bill assistance is to use our Houston Rent + Utility Assistance Finder.

This tool is simple to use. All you need to do is type your zip code in the table below and you will see a list of nonprofits and churches that help with bills. 

Agency AddressPhoneType of AssistanceArea/Zip Code servedHourss
AIDS Foundation HoustonWeb6260 Westpark Dr #100 713.623.6796 Only offers assistance to clients with HIV and AIDS. Offers housing, mental health, substance abuse, assistance applying for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Texas Women's Health PlanHarris CountyM-F 930 to 4pm. Walk ins welcome but priority is given to those with appointments.
Baytown Resource & Assistance Center Web5309 Decker Dr281.424.5752. *Must make an appointment. Utilities, Clothing for Children, Employment assistance services Residents of McNair, Baytown, Highlands or Chambers CountyMon: 8 to 5pm. Closed from 12 to 1pm for lunch.
Avenue 360 (formerly Bearing Omega and Houston Area Community Services) Web2150 West 18th Street713.426.0027Housing referrals, medical support, Rent, Mental HealthHIV/AIDs clients onlyM - F: 8 to 5pm
Bethel's Heavenly HandsWeb 12660 Sandpiper Dr713.729.6477Food, Clothing, Thursday Food Distributions, Senior Commodity Program, Harris CountyMon, Tues, Fri
Braes Interfaith MinistriesWeb4300 W. Bellfort713.723.2671 Food, ClothingSW: 77025, 77035, 77045, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77071, 77085, 77096M-F 730a - 530p
Brentwood Community Foundation Web13033 1/2 Landmark Street713.852.2551Resources for those with HIV/AIDS. Rent, Mortgage, Food, Utilities, housing referrals Those with HIV/AIDS in Houston areaM-F 8am to 5pm
Catholic Charities Main Office Web2900 Louisiana

Other Locations: Houston Locations

713.874.6590 or 713.526.4611Rent, Utilities, Food, Counseling, Adoption, Immigration, Limited Financial Assistance, Saturday Food Fairs, Case Management, Help applying for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, 77003, 77004, 77011, 77012, 77013, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77029, 77030, 77054, 77547M-F 730a - 530p
Chinese Community CenterWeb9800 Town Park713.271.6100Utilities (must have cut off notice), Weatherization, Adult day program, Gold Card Application Assistance, Income Tax Help, SNAP, Free Legal Clinic, Citizenship Application Assistance, 77024, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77074, 77077, 77079, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77094, 77099, 77450, 77494, 77477, Tues 9am - 12pm
Christian Community CenterWeb3434 Branard713.871.9741Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Vocational Training, Jobnet Program W-SW: 77002, 77003, 77004, 77005, 77006, 77007, 77010, 77011, 77012, 77019, 77020, 77021, 77023, 77025, 77026, 77027, 77030, 77046, 77056, 77057, 77081, 77096, 77098, 77401M-F 10a - 2pm Sat 9a - 12p (food and clothing only)
City Fellowship Church Christian Rescue Mission Web3220 Hadley713.659.7750Rent, Utilities, Food Harris CountyTues-F: 10a -12p
City of Houston Water Aid To Elderly Residents Program4200 Leeland Houston, TX 77023
Mail application here.
713.371.1400Assistance paying water bill. $100 every six months. Low income seniors (60+) residing in Houston are the priority. Individuals w disabilities and low income families are also encourage to apply. WebWater Assistance Application: Web
City Wide ClubWebMultiple locations713.752.2582Rent, Utilities, Food, Employment Referrals, Housing and Shelter Recovery Program - room and board for families, seniors, homeless faced w physical, mental substance abuse challenges, Project Warm-Up helps with electric heaters and utilities, Project Cool Down helps w fans and shelters in summer Harris County and surrounding areasTues-Th 10a-1p
Covenant House Texas Web1111 Lovett Blvd713.523.2231Crisis shelter, Transitional shelter for youth ages 18 to 20. Medical and clothing provided. Job placement for young adults. Houston areaM-F 8a to 5p
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) Web713.957.4357 or 211 Utilities Assistance for low income seniors (60+) and/or have documented disability expected to last 12 monthsHarris CountyM-F 8a-5p
Cypress Area Ministries Web11202 Huffmeister281.955.7684Rent, utilities, food, clothing. CAM may pay a portion of the past due balance on a utility bill. The client is required to pay the balance of the amount past due, or have a pledge for that amount, prior to CAM’s paying the pledged amount.77065, 77095, 77429, 77433M-F 10a-2p
Fair Haven Methodist Church Web1330 Gessner 713.476.4346 or (713) 468-3276Food77024, 77027, 77041, (Carverdale only), 77043, 77055, 77056, 77079, 77080,M-F 10a-2p
First Baptist ChurchWeb8009 Long Point713.554.8801 or (281) 229-9166Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, prescriptionsNW: Harris CountyM-Th 730a-11a Walk Ins only
Gulf Coast Community Services Web9320 Kirby Dr713.393.4700Rent, utilities, food, clothing, Q cards, eyewear vouchersSE: Harris CountyM-F 8a-5p
Harris County Housing Authority Housing Choice Voucher Web8933 Interchange Dr. 713.578.2100Housing Choice Vouchers distributed during open enrollmentHarris CountyM-F 8a-5p
Harris County Social Services Web9418 Jense Drive713.696.7900Rent, Utilities, Bereavement, Veteran servicesHarris CountyM-F 8a-5p
Hester HouseWeb2020 Solo713.274.1394Hot meals/seniors summer/youth campNW - 5th WardM-F 8a-5p
Houston Volunteers of America Web4808 Yale Street (Independence Heights Location)

731 West Davis Conroe, TX
713.460.0781 or 817.529.7300Assistance applying for SNAP, Medicaid, FASFA, Tax Season Assistance, Employment Placement Assistance Program for Healthcare jobs, Deaf and Blind Services, Day Habilitation Center for those with special needs, Residential Group Homes for children and adults with special needs, Substance Abuse Treatment, Housing for seniors and those with a disability, Homeless Veterans Help Houston and surrounding areas M-F 8a - 5p
Housing Authority of City of HoustonWeb2640 Fountain View Dr713.260.0600Housing Choice Vouchers and Public HousingM-F 8a-5p *By appointment.
Humble Area Ministries Web1302 First Street281.446.3663Food, rent, utilities,
Employment services, Clothing, Prescription Assistance, Birth Certificate and ID Assistance, Assistance with Eyeglasses
77336, 77345, 77347, 77372, 77338, 77346, 77357, 77396, 77339, 77347, 77365, 77532, 7 days a week/24 hours a day answering machine, leave message
Interfaith Caring Ministries Web151 Park Ave, League City281.332.3881Rent, utilities, minor home repair, and food for seniors (55+)Clear Creek ISD, Friendswood ISD, Clear Lake, Webster, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77089, 77546, 77565, 77573, 77586, 77598 M-F 830a-430p *by appointment
Immaculate Conception Catholic ChurchWeb 7250 Harrisburgh 713.921.1261Food 77011, 77012Thurs 930a - 1130m
Katy Christian Social Ministries Web 5011 East 5th St Katy, TX281.391.9623Rent, mortgage, utilities, food, clothing77084, 77094, 77406, 77423, 77441, 77449, 77450, 77464, 77476, 77485, 77493, 77494

M-Th 830a-12p 1230p -5p
Larkin Community Center Web5410 Larkin 713.869.9143Rent and Utility assistance to seniors and families with childrenM - F 8am to 5pm
LINC Houston Community Services Web1504 Johnson Street 713.426.2451Food, Prescriptions, Eye glasses, Rent, Security Deposit, Clothes, CHIP, Medicaid, Gold Card, Home RepairMon, Wed, Fri: 9 to 3pm
Lone Star Legal Aid Web1415 Fannin 713.652.0077 or 713.652.5911Legal services to low income individuals Harris, Ft Bend and Montgomery CountyM-F 830a - 1230p
MANNA - Ministry Assistance of the Near Northwest Allicance Web1806 W. 43rd Street346.335.2950 or 713.682.7556Utility, Gas, Rent, Clothing, Food, Assistance with SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, CHIP, 77007, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77037, 77040, 77076, 77088, 77091, 77092, M: 8 to 11, Tues and Thurs: 915 to 1115am.
Memorial Area MinistriesWeb1625 Blalock English 713.574.7533 Spanish 713.574.7536Rent, water, gas, medical assistance, prescriptions, transportation, clothing, Rapid Re-Housing, 77008, 77009, 77018, 77022, 77024, 77037, 77039, 77040, 77041, 77043, 77055, 77076, 77079, 77080, 77088, 77091, 77092, M-F 9a - 4p. Call between 9a - 12p M-F to set up an appointment.
My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center Web12713 A Bissonnet 281.489.9933Financial Assistance, Rent, Utilities, Food Pantry,
Mayors Office for People with Disabilities Web1475 West Gray832.394.0814 mopdmail@houstontx.govAdvocacy ServicesCity of Houston M-F 8a - 5p
North Channel Assistance MiWeb nistries 13837 Bonham713.453.8028Food, food stamp application help, Medicaid application help, clothing, 77013, 77015, 77029, 77044, 77049, 77078, 77530, M-F 8a-2p
Northwest Assistance Ministries Web15555 Kuykendahl281.583.5600Rent, mortgage, gas, water, prescriptions, gas vouchers, dental and medical, 77014, 77032, 77038, 77050, 77060, 77064, 77066, 77067, 77068, 77069, 77070, 77073, 77086, 77090, 77373, 77379, 77388, 77389, Tues 1p-4p Call for an appointment.
Operation ID Web5100 Travis Street713.620.6476Texas Identification CardHarris CountyTues & Thurs 9a-1130a. You will need a referral/voucher from an agency that Operation ID partners with.
Pasadena Community MinistriesWeb2301 South Houston 713.477.4336Rent, utilities, food, clothing, Pasadena, Deer Park, Tues 9a - 12p. Th 1p-4p
Riceville Baptist ChurchWeb11231 Gessner 713.774.4880Food, clothing, financial assistance, prison ministry 1st Wed of Month, 6p. Call for appointments.
Salvation ArmyWeb1500 Austin Street713.752.0677Rent, Food, Clothing, Utilities (water only), Senior Housing (62+) Harris CountyM-Th 830a - 430p
Saras HouseWeb711 Perla 713.475.1480Shelter, meals, clothing (women & children) Pasadena
Baker Ripley Web3838 Aberdeen Way 77025713-590-2327Case management, care giver support, dementia adult day program, utilities, must be under 150% FPL, preferences to elderly, disabled, clients w children under 5 yrs, no deposits or reconnection fees, 77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77004, 77021, 77033, 77051, 77087, 77003, 77011, 77012, 77020, 77023, 77034, 77058, 77059, 77062, 77075, 77089, 77502, 77504, 77506, 77571, 77598, Call for appointment
Senior Jobs Program (AARP)Web12727 Featherwood Dr281.922.9952Jobs, Harris CountyM-F 930a - 230p
Spring-Woodlands Ministries Web810 E. Louetta Suite A-E281.353.4480Food, clothing77373, 77338, 77389, 77379, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77386, 77388, M 1p-3p, W 9a-1130a, Thur 1p-3p
Society of St. Stephen Web1062 Fairmont Parkway281.487.1774Rent, utilities, food, 77502, 77503, 77505, 77506, 77507T-F New clients: 10a-1p
Society of St Vincent de PaulWeb2403 Holcombe Blvd713.741.8234 ext 101Food, Clothing, Rent, UtilityCity of Houston Zip Codes OnlyM -F 9am - 5pm
Southeast Area Ministries SEAMWeb2102 Houston Blvd 713.944.0093Rent, Utilities, Food, Clothing, Ongoing Senior assistance, Christmas assistance program, Prescription, Medical Supply assistanceSE: 77017, 77034, 77061, 77075, 77087, 77089, 77504, 77587, M-Th 10am - 1:30pm
St Bernadette Church Web15500 El Camino Real281.486.0337Food, Clothes, Rent, Utilities, Clear Lake: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77598, Tues: 930 to 1130am Thurs: 930 to 1130 Wed: Appt only
St. Cecilia ChurchWeb11720 Joan of Arc Drive 713.468.1185Rent, Utilities, Food, NW: 77024, 77043, 77055M-Th: 9am through 12pm
St Christopher Catholic ChurchWeb8150 Park Place713.645.6614 FoodSE: 77012, 77017, 77061, Sat: 930 to 11am
St. Hyacinth Catholic Church Web2921 Center St, Deer Park281.479.4298Rent, Utilities, FoodDeer Park: 77536M - F: 930 to 12pm 1pm to 430pm
St. John Vianney Social Services Web625 Nottingham Oaks281.497.4434Utilities, Food, Clothing, W: 77043, 77055 (Food & Clothing only) 77077, 77079 (Food, Clothing, Utilities ) M-F: 830 to 530pm
St. Joseph Catholic ChurchWeb1505 Kane Street713.222.8903Rent, Utilities, Food, 77007, 77008, 77009, M-T: 9am to 12pm 130 to 330pm
St Mary Magdalene Church 527 South Houston Ave, Humble281.540.1907Rent, Utilities, Food, NE: 77338, East of Lee Rd, 77346, (Only apartment complexes) M, W, F only. 930 to 1145am - 1st 12 people.
St Pious Catholic Church Web824 Main - Pasadena 713.473.9484Food, Rent, Utilities, Immigrant Legal Assistance, Free Health Screenings, Pasadena: 77501, 77507, 77536, 77547, 77587, Tues & Thurs: 10am to 1230pm
Target Hunger Service CenterWeb2814 Quitman 713.226.4953Emergency Food, Food Pantries, Monthly Food Fairs, Senior Home Delivery Program, Senior Day Site Program 77015, 77016, 77020, 77026, 77028, 77078, M-F: 9am to 5pm
The Bridge Over Troubled WatersWeb3811 Allen-Genoa Rd713.473.2801Emergency Shelter for Domestic Abuse VictimsHarris County
The House of AmosWeb8030 Boone Rd281.495.9061Food, Citizenship Classes, Lunches every Saturday, Free immunizations to uninsured children. M-Th: 9am to 12pm Sat: 10am to 12pm
Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries (TEAM) Web300 W Main Street Tomball, TX 77375281.351.6700Utilities, Gas vouchers, Clothing, Food, Medical and Dental vouchers, Temporary Shelter Tomball zip codes 77375, 77377 or you live within Tomball school district. Tues and Thurs: 10am to 1pm. Application must be completed in person.
The Houston Food Bank Web535 Portwall832.369.9390Emergency Food Pantry, Help applying for SNAP, TANF, CHIP, MedicaidM-F: 8am to 5pm Sat: Telephone hotline only 8am to 4pm
United Way Web211Referrals for Food, Shelter, Rent, Utilities, Housing, Shelters, Substance AbuseHarris County
Wesley Community CenterWeb1410 Lee Street713.223.8131 ext 245Rent, Utilities, Food, Financial Education, Employment coaching, Help applying for Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Harris CountyFriday Starts at 8am. Appointments Only. No appointment needed for Food.
West Houston Assistance MinistriesWeb10501 Meadowglen Lane713.977.9942Mortgage, Food, Utilities, Clothing, Employment Assistance, Bus Passes for job related trips, Work Clothes, 77042, 77057, 77063, 77072, 77077, 77082, M - F: 10am - 1pm
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Web3826 Wheeler713.747.7101Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food, Women's Housing (Badge Bush). Visit there site they help in plenty of ways. SE: 77770M-Th: 9 - 1230pm F: 9-1130am *Appointment only
Windsor Village Social ServicesWeb12041 1/2 Post Oak Rd713.551.8792Rent, Mortgage, Utilities, Food, Harris County and Ft Bend County Appointment only Monday 8am to 11am Food: T-W 9am to 11am. Th 1030am to 1230pm
Pearland Neighborhood CenterWeb 2335 N Texas Ave, Pearland, TX 77581281-485-1987, info@pnctexas.comRent, Utilities, Gas, Food and Baby Pantry, Bread Pantry, Santa's Helpers Program, School Supply Vouchers, Emergency Assistance, Finanical Stability Course, GED Scholarships, Disaster ReliefBrazoria CountyM - F 8 to 5
East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry WWebeb435 Stafford Run Road
Stafford, Texas 77477-5639
281 261-1006Food, rent, utilities, resale shop, Christmas and Thanksgiving Meals, Backpacks for kids, East Fort Bend - 77053, 77459, 77477, 77478, 77479, 77489, 77545, 77583281 261-1006
Epiphany Community Health Outreach Services (ECHOS) WWebeb9600 S. Gessner, Bldg. E
Houston, Texas 77071
713 270-0369 Gold Card, Medcaid, SNAP, Food, ESL, Computer Literacy, Voter Registration, Child Immunizations, Vision Screening, Domestic Abuse Counseling and support groups, Serves Greater Houston713 270-0369
Emergency Aid Coalition (EAC) WWebeb5401 Fannin Street
Houston, Texas 77004-6808
(713) 522-5903 Food Pantry + Clothing (M-F 8:30am), Lunch Program (M - F + Sunday 11 am & 1pm, Backpacks (register in March) Serves Greater Houston (713) 522-5903
Interfaith of the Woodlands WebWeb4242 Interfaith Way
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
(832) 615-8219Rent, mortgage, utilities, prescription drugs, food, clothing, emergency shelter, Christmas gifts for kids, primary care, dental, womens health, senior transportation, senior grocery delivery, Woodlands - 77375, 77380, 77381, 77382, 77384, 77385, 77386, 77389, (832) 615-8219
My Brother's Keeper Outreach Center (not COH Program) WWebeb 12713A Bissonnet
Houston, TX 77099
(281) 498-9933Rent, utilities, Food, School supplies, Thanksgiving / Christmas Meal Program, Christmas gifts for kids, Easter baskets, 77031, 77035, 77036, 77042, 77056, 77071, 77072, 77074, 77081, 77082, 77083, 77085, 77096, 77099, 77401, 77477, 77478, (281) 498-9933
St. Vincent's House - Galveston Web2-2817 Alfreda Houston Place
Galveston, Texas 77550
(409) 763-8521 Vision + Dental clinic, Mental Health Counseling, Speech, Physical Occupational Therapy, Rent, Utilities, Case Management, Transportation, Galveston - 77591, 77568, 77590, 77563, 77554, 77551, 77550, 77555, 77552, 77553, (409) 763-8521
Hero Houston WWebeb12335 Kingsride, Box 230, Houston, TX 77024(713) 932-3996Offers services to seniors in the Memorial and Spring Branch area. Transportation to medical appointments, light handyman work, help filling out documents and senior service referrals. Memorial and Spring Branch area. 77024 77043 77055 77079 77080Monday - Friday 8 to 5
Public Utility commission of Texas (PUC) Web888.782.8477 or 512.936.7500Will not turn of utilities or electricity if you have a need for medical equipment or you are on life support
COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program web866.454.8387 or 888.782.8477The Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program (CERP) helps consumers who are having trouble paying bills due to job loss or other related hardship.Who is eligible for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan?
Residential customers that qualify for unemployment or that are low income qualify for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Plan. Once approved for the Texas COVID-19 Electricity Relief Program, you will remain on the program for up to six months.

During that time, your electricity provider cannot disconnect your electricity for non-payment.
Fort Bend County WWeb eb 301 Jackson Street, Richmond, TX 77469281.238.2273 or 281.633.7795Rent and utility assistanceServes Fort Bend County and zip codes:77406, 77417, 77420, 77430, 77435, 77441, 77444, 77451, 77459, 77461, 77464
77469, 77471, 77476
77478, 77477, 77479
77481, 77485, 77489, 77496, 77494, 77407, 77498, 77545
Open normal business hours 8 to 5 pm

In addition to providing you with utility and rental assistance in Houston, these agencies can also help you with basic needs like food, clothing, employment training, and other basic needs. 

9. COVID-19 Online Assistance Applications 

One of the toughest things about calling nonprofits for utility assistance during the COVID 19 pandemic is actually getting someone on the phone.  Hold times can sometimes be over an hour, although one way to bypass this problem is using online assistance applications when available. 

Currently, there are 4 local agencies that we know of that offer such a tool. Those agencies are listed below: 

Completing these online assistance applications will not guarantee you assistance although they will save you lots of time when compared to calling these agencies. 

10. Houston Light Companies with No Deposit

The last option I want to share with you is 2 companies that offer no deposit electricity plans in Houston

These plans are good options for low-income families who are unable to afford a deposit or if you have poor credit because they do not run credit checks. 

The way these plans work is you upload funds to your account. Those funds (say $50) will then go toward the use of utilities. Once you exhaust these funds you will then need to add more money to keep your lights on. 

While these are some of the cheapest light companies in Houston, these plans are not for everyone, because there are pros and cons to consider.

Conclusion

If you know that you will have trouble paying an upcoming utility bill the best thing you can do is to contact your energy company as soon as possible. Doing this will help you to avoid disconnections, plus they can provide you with information on utility assistance available to you. 

In addition to these 8 places that help pay light bills, you can also use our tool called the Houston Rent + Utility Assistance Finder to find aid. 

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4 thoughts on “8 Houston Utility Assistance Programs To Help You Pay Your Light Bill

  1. Monica Reply

    I have not had any water in my home since the first of the year who can I get to help me I am disabled. Thank you

    • Nick Bryant Post authorReply

      Hi Monica, the first suggestion is probably Adult Protective Services and you can call them at 800.252.5400. They will connect you with an APS worker who will investigate your situation and work with you to connect you to resources that can help. Since you have a disability they will likely follow up with you very quickly to better understand your issue with the water.

      Another option (if you have not already tried) is contacting the water authority in the city that you live in. If you have an outstanding bill your water authority likely has a program for seniors or people with disabilities. They also will likely have an internal collections department. It’s much easier to work out payment arrangements if necessary within the water authority as opposed to it getting sent to an outside collection agency.

      Since the water has been off since the first of the year I think APS (800.252.5400) is probably the best place to call because they can do a full investigation to see what options are available to you right now.

      I hope that helps you Monica, God bless!

    • Nick Bryant Post authorReply

      Hi Precious, This is true. If you call 211 they can let you know about other places to find utility assistance in Houston.

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