Texas 211 and Texas Utility Help
At Tri-County Electric Cooperative, our mission is to take care of our member-owners. During these times of financial and economic uncertainty, we want to ensure our members are aware of programs and organizations within the state that can help ease the burden of billing statements, including Texas 211, Texas Utility Help and the Brazos Hardship Fund assistance program.
Texas 211
Texas 211 is a program of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission which helps connect people with the services they need. Anyone can call 211 or visit 211texas.org to access the plethora of services provided, grouped into 12 different categories. A notable service is the "Utility Expenses" option, where Texans can select from different utility expenses to receive financial assistance from organizations. Simply find your zip code to view the various organizations who help to aid. There are different requirements depending on the organization.
Texas Utility Help
Tri-County Electric Co-op is a partner of Texas Utility Help, a statewide program that offers eligible Texas households the opportunity to apply for energy and water bill assistance through an application process. Application qualifications for Texas Utility Help apply to renters and homeowners whose household income is at or below 150% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines and at least one occupant in the household is a U.S. citizen or qualified alien. Texas Utility Help gives priority to households who have had services disconnected or are at risk of services being disconnected.
The application process is as follows:
- Pre-eligibility check
- Complete your application
- Review process begins
- Initial eligibility review
- Confirm citizenship or immigration status
- Confirm utility provider participation
- Final eligibility review
- Payment
Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund - Assistance Program
The Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund is available to eligible, low-income residential members to assist with recovery costs related to the Brazos Financing Rider - which recovers Tri-County Electric Co-op's portion of Brazos Winter Storm Uri and Brazos Bankruptcy costs.
- Eligibility Requirements
- Current members of Tri-County Electric Co-op
- Current participant of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- If not already a LIHEAP or SNAP participant, you may still qualify for assistance if your household income is at or below 150% of the poverty line
- Eligibility will last one year and can be renewed if eligibility requirements are still met the following year when you reapply
- If you qualify, the credit you receive may be the actual amount of the Uri-related charge or an estimated amount calculated pursuant to program rules
For more information and to apply,
- visit brazoshardshipfund.com
- call the customer service line at 844-770-8549
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM on weekdays
- email contact@brazoshardshipfund.com