Help paying

How can I get help paying my electric bill in Texas?

Start by calling your electricity provider, which must tell you about its payment plans and help programs. If your income is low, dial 2-1-1 to find the local agency that handles the state's energy help.

Published 2 November 2026

Where to ask for help, as of October 2026

Kind of help	Who can get it
More time on one bill	Up to your provider
Deferred payment plan	A must in a weather emergency, or July to September if you cannot pay (a few exceptions)
Average billing	Anyone not behind on a bill
Provider's help fund	Set by each provider
CEAP	Income up to 150% of the poverty line

Ask your provider for the first four. For CEAP, dial 2-1-1. Sources: Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and 2-1-1 Texas. These rules bind providers where you can choose one.

What should you do first?

Call your provider before the bill is due, using the number on your bill. Tell them you cannot pay it all.

Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480 says the provider must then tell you every way it can help. That includes payment plans, its own help programs and how to apply.

Every provider must also run a bill help fund, paid for by donations from its customers. Ask whether you can get help from it.

These rules cover the parts of Texas where you can pick your provider. Austin Energy, CPS Energy and electric co-ops set their own rules, so call them directly.

Can you get more time to pay?

Yes, in a few ways. Your provider may agree to let you pay a late bill before your next bill is due.

A deferred payment plan splits what you owe into smaller payments over several months. A provider may offer one to anyone who says they cannot pay.

It must offer one if you ask, for a bill due during a freeze or heat emergency in your county.

If you say you cannot pay, you can also get one for a bill due in July, August or September. There are a few exceptions, for example if your power was cut off in the past year.

January and February bills can count too. That happens when your county had five or more emergency days in a row the month before.

With those summer and winter plans, you pay no more than half up front. The rest is split into equal payments over at least five bills, unless you agree to fewer. The provider cannot ask for a new deposit for one of these plans.

Can you switch providers while on a payment plan?

Maybe not. While you owe money on a deferred plan, your provider can put a switch-hold on your account.

A switch-hold means you cannot buy power from another company until the past-due amount is paid. Ask whether your plan has one before you agree.

The provider must explain it first, and the written plan must say so. The hold comes off once the past-due amount is paid.

If you miss the plan's payments, your provider can move to cut off your power. It must send you a notice first.

Can you get average billing?

Yes, if you are not behind. With average billing, also called budget or level billing, you pay about the same each month.

Every provider must offer it if your account is paid up. The difference is settled at least once a year. Then you may owe a little more, or get some back.

Already behind? A provider may still put you on average billing. It may ask for up to half of the past-due amount first, and it can add a switch-hold.

What is CEAP, the state's energy help program?

The state's main program is the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program, or CEAP. It helps homes with low incomes pay their energy bills.

As of October 2026, a home can qualify with income up to 150% of the federal poverty line. For a family of four, that is $49,500 a year.

The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs runs CEAP through local agencies in all 254 counties. You apply with the agency for your area, not with the state.

To find yours, dial 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 (numbers checked October 2026). You can also search by city or county on the department's Help for Texans page.

Local funds can run out, so apply early. The agency's promise to pay has to reach your provider by the date on your shut-off notice. Then your power stays on for that bill. You must pay, or set up a plan for, the rest by that same date.

Once the bill is under control, look at your plan too. A plan that fits your usage may have a lower estimated cost over a year. If a switch-hold is on your account, you can still compare now and switch once it is paid.

Call before it is due
Ask what it offers; it must tell you every option.
Spread it out
Ask for a payment plan or average billing, and ask about a switch-hold.
Dial 2-1-1
It can point you to CEAP and other help near you.

Common questions

Does a deferred payment plan charge interest?

No. Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480 says the plan cannot add interest or any other finance charge. It can still add the one-time late fee.

Is LITE-UP Texas still available?

No. A Texas Senate report says its money was used up by September 2016. Some providers give their own discount if you get SNAP or Medicaid, so ask yours.

How much can my provider charge for a late payment?

A one-time fee of up to 5% of the late bill, by Texas rule 16 TAC §25.480. It cannot charge that fee twice on the same balance.

Can I get more help if someone in my home has a medical condition?

Yes, if your doctor has signed your home up as a critical care or chronic condition home. Then the summer and winter payment plans are open to you, even after a past shut-off. You also get more notice before one.

When you are ready, check your plan

Enter your usage and see which plan is likely to cost your home the least.

Find my best plan

Sources (4)

Articles are general information for Texas electricity shoppers. Every cost Power Rate Check shows is an estimate, and the Electricity Facts Label is the provider's official price document — read it before you sign.