Need help with your electric bill? Here’s how to apply for energy assistance
WACO, Texas (KWTX) — As near-triple-digit temperatures put strain on household budgets, more Central Texas families are looking for help keeping the lights on and the air conditioning running. The good news? Help is available.
TXU’s Energy Aid program: How to apply
TXU offers an Energy Aid program for eligible Texans in need of bill assistance or cooling resources. TXU partners with local agencies, who then assist Texans facing financial hardship or crisis. Applications and eligibility vary by agency, but is based on household income and need, not provider status.
Funding is based on a first-come, first-serve basis — and starts with a simple phone call.
“Typically when someone reaches out to one of the agency partners, it’s within a couple of days they are able to receive assistance,” said Kim Campbell, TXU’s senior manager of customer advocacy. “If not, our agency partners have a process in place where they can contact us and we can protect that account until they can receive assistance.”
Who to contact
Here is a list of local agency partners and their contacts:
- EOAC WACO: 254-753-0331
- CARITAS OF WACO: 254-753-4593
- SALVATION ARMY WACO: 254-756-7271
- HELPING HANDS BELTON: 254-939-7355
How to donate
TXU also encourages customers to donate to the Energy Aid program at txu.com/energyaid or opting in on their electrical bill.
“On the front of your electrical bill, all you have to do is check that box,” Campbell said. “All of those dollars stay right here in the Waco community or in the Temple/Belton community. They stay in your local neighborhoods. And they help somebody that’s in need. You donate a dollar, TXU Energy will donate four dollars.”
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Increasing energy efficiency
To increase energy efficiency during the summer months, ONCOR says to unplug devices when you are not using them, block your outdoor AC unit from direct sunlight, change your AC filter, and only using ceiling fans to cool off when you are in a room. Ceiling fans only cool people, but not rooms, so keeping them on can waste energy and increase your bill.