How to Get Assistance With Your Electricity Bill

If you need help paying your electricity bill in Texas, there are many resources, payment arrangements and state programs designed to help you through difficult times.

We've put together this comprehensive guide to Texas utility help so you can understand your options and see if you qualify for assistance programs. You'll find clear information on how to keep your electricity connected, how to apply for financial assistance and how we can work together to get you back on track.

• If you or someone you know needs help, you can email us, call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org.
• Military veterans injured in combat who are unable to regulate their body temperature are eligible for bill-payment assistance. For more information, call us at 800-242-9113 or email txuexec@txu.com.

Want to help?

Make a one-time or monthly tax-deductible contribution here. You can also donate using the front of your monthly bill.

Donate Here

What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Electricity Bill

The most important step you can take when you face financial hardship is to act early. Many people wait until they receive a disconnection notice before they look for help, but reaching out sooner gives you more flexibility.

When you know you'll need help with your upcoming electricity bill, we encourage you to contact us right away. Our customer care team is available 24/7 to listen to your unique circumstances and help you find a solution. We want to work with you to keep your power on and relieve some of your stress.

Often, a simple conversation can open the door to immediate relief. We can review your account, look at your payment history and explore short-term options that give you room to breathe.

Payment Extensions and Deferred Payment Plans

If you just need a little extra time to pay your bill, we can often set up a payment extension. An extension gives you extra time to pay your balance without facing late fees or service interruptions. This is a great option if you're waiting for a paycheck to arrive or if a sudden expense temporarily affected your budget.

For larger past-due balances, you might benefit from a Deferred Payment Plan. A Deferred Payment Plan allows you to pay off your outstanding balance in manageable installments over a few months. Instead of needing to come up with one large lump sum, a portion of your past-due amount is added to your regular monthly electricity bills moving forward.

By breaking your balance into smaller pieces, a Deferred Payment Plan helps you manage your energy costs while keeping your account in good standing. You can set up a payment extension or a Deferred Payment Plan by speaking directly with a TXU Energy customer care representative.

Texas Utility Assistance Programs Explained

If you need more help than TXU Energy payment extensions or Deferred Payment Plans can provide, Texas utility assistance programs may help cover current bills, past-due balances and extreme weather needs. The main programs are the Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which are managed by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and local agencies.

These programs are usually for households at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, with priority often given to seniors, people with disabilities and families with young children. You may also qualify if someone in your home receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Supplemental Security Income or certain veterans benefits. Even if your income is slightly above the limit, local emergency or charity programs may still help.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can email us, call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org.

Military veterans injured in combat who are unable to regulate their body temperature are eligible for bill-payment assistance. For more information, call us at 800-242-9113 or email txuexec@txu.com.

TXU Energy Aid: Texans Helping Texans

We know that government programs can't reach everyone and application processes take time. That's why we're incredibly proud to offer TXU Energy Aid. This is our proprietary assistance program dedicated to keeping families safe and their homes powered during times of need.

For over 40 years, TXU Energy Aid has been here to help customers facing tough times. Fueled by the generosity of our customers, employees and company, the program has provided more than $140 million to help keep electricity on for those in need. Each year, TXU Energy Aid helps around 20,000 families across Texas get the support they need when it matters most.

TXU Energy Aid funds are distributed through a wide network of local partner agencies across the state. These funds help families who might not qualify for federal assistance but still find themselves in a temporary crisis due to an unexpected job loss, a medical emergency or a sudden life change.

How to Donate to TXU Energy Aid

The success of TXU Energy Aid relies on the incredible compassion of Texans helping Texans. If you're in a position to help, contributing to the program is simple. You can choose to add a small, recurring donation to your monthly electricity bill. Even a few dollars a month makes a massive difference when pooled with contributions from other customers across the state.

You can sign up to donate here. Every dollar you donate goes directly to assisting families in your community, providing them with the emotional reassurance and financial relief they desperately need.

Making a Difference

Stories from customers and community partners

“You have no idea how much this helps...and this is one less worry. All I can say is thank you, thank you.”

— Cheryl, Waco

Supporting families in Mesquite

“We’re honored to partner with TXU Energy. Because we see it in person, and experience those hugs of thankfulness, we want to pass that gratitude on to you from our clients, your customers.”

— Sharing Life Outreach, Mesquite

Helping a family get back on track

“I’m a single mom of two in graduate school. I greatly appreciate the assistance in helping me and my family get back on track.”

— Sibone, Corpus Christi

Local help with a life-changing impact

“We’ve provided assistance to over 5,300 people since 2016 through TXU Energy Aid. For some clients, this was life-saving.”

— Caritas of Waco