Need help with summer cooling bills? Eligible Texans encouraged to apply for aid

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) — Texans can now apply for financial aid to pay summer cooling bills until funds are depleted, Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) said.

In 2020, nearly 200,000 Texans received help from the home energy assistance programs. Nationally, SWEPCO said seven out of 10 households who received aid from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are home to children under the age of six, an elderly resident, a veteran or someone with a disability.

LIHEAP aids eligible low-income households with their heating and cooling energy costs, bill payment assistance, energy crisis assistance and energy-related home repairs.

According to Benefits.gov , a person who participates or has family members who participate in benefit programs such as SNAP, SSI or TANF may be automatically eligible for LIHEAP. To apply, people are asked to visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs to find an administering agency.

“LIHEAP is a great help to our customers,” SWEPCO President Brett Mattison said. “We
encourage those who might be eligible to learn more about this and our other programs to help
manage seasonal bill spikes.”

The Comprehensive Home Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) also assists low-income households especially “those with the lowest incomes and disproportionately highest energy costs to meet their home energy costs by making payments directly to energy suppliers,” SWEPCO said.

To be eligible for CEAP assistance, the household annual income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level and energy costs must also be documented, SWEPCO said.

“This program is very impactful and is highly recommended and needed for our clients,”
Program Director for Tri-County Community Action Brenda Allen said. “Partnering with SWEPCO
has been a tremendous benefit and success to the community that we serve.”

SWEPCO customers in Rusk, Cherokee, Gregg, Smith and Wood counties are asked to reach out to the Greater East Texas Community Action.

Harrison, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby and Upshur county customers can contact the Tri-County Community Action.

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