Finding Senior Electricity Discounts in Texas: Updated Guide (2025)

Seniors can lower their electric bills through a mix of federal and state assistance programs, municipal‑utility discounts and (in deregulated areas) special offers from retail electric providers (REPs). This guide covers the 2025 programs that can help older Texans save on electricity and explains who qualifies for each discount.

Electricity prices in Texas have climbed in recent years, yet many older adults live on a fixed income and must balance electricity with essentials like food and medicine. Personal finance experts estimate that combining available senior discounts with energy-efficiency programs can lower a 65+ Texan’s energy bill by 10 – 30%, resulting in meaningful annual savings. In many cases, seniors must apply or show proof of age/income to qualify; therefore, this guide provides application contacts and income limits to make enrollment easier.

Most of Texas is deregulated. In deregulated areas you buy power from REPs rather than the local utility. Since 2002, Texans have been able to shop for electricity plans, switch providers and lock in fixed rates, which helps seniors avoid volatile month‑to‑month pricing. Deregulation does not guarantee lower prices, so seniors should compare offers and use other programs regardless. Municipal utilities (Austin Energy, CPS Energy, New Braunfels Utilities, El Paso Electric, Entergy, etc.) and electric cooperatives remain regulated; customers in those areas cannot switch providers but can use the assistance programs described below.

Low‑Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federal grant progra. administered in Texas by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. It provides cash assistance for heating and cooling bills, crisis assistance and weatherization. Texas’ 2025 LIHEAP state plan sets the income threshold at.150% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) or “an amount equal to 60 percent of the State median income” and prioritizes households with older adults, people with disabilities and those facing high energy burdens. Because funding is limited, not all eligible households receive aid. To apply, contact your local community action agency or call the Texas LIHEAP office (512‑475‑3951) for referral.

Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

CEAP combines LIHEAP‑funded programs in Texas and helps low‑income seniors pay their electric bills or handle emergencies (for example, preventing disconnection or covering high summer bills). Eligibility is 150% of FPG; for 2025 the income limits are around $23,475 for a single‑person household and $31,725 for a two‑person household, increasing with family size (see table 1). If you are a senior and need help paying your bill, you must contact CEAP at 877-541-7905.

Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

WAP provides free energy‑efficiency improvements such as, energy audits, insulation, weather‑stripping, caulking, duct sealing and repair or replacement of inefficient heating/cooling systems. These repairs lower energy usage and improve comfort. The program has two funding streams:

• LIHEAP WAP – eligibility at 150% of FPG.
• DOE WAP – eligibility at 200% of FPG, which means a single‑person household can earn up to US $31,300 and a four‑person household up to US $62,400.

 
Older adults (60+), people with disabilities and households with children under five receive priority. Funds are limited, so apply early through your local WAP provider or call (888) 606‑8889 for assistance. Typical upgrades include insulation of doors, windows, floors and walls; duct sealing; weather‑stripping and caulking; replacing inefficient appliances; and tuning up or replacing HVAC systems.

Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program (CAP)

Austin Energy’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) offers discounts on monthly electric, water and wastewater bills and waives certain customer charges. This program is eligible to people who participate in Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, Lifeline, the state’s CEAP, SSI, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing or the local Medical Access Program (MAP), or whose household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level (see table 2). CAP can reduce electric bills by roughly $560 a year and also provides weatherization and emergency assistance. Customers apply online here.

CPS Energy (San Antonio)

CPS Energy offers several programs that can benefit seniors:

• Senior Citizen Billing Program – allows qualifying customers aged 60+ more time to pay their monthly electric bill. Instead of paying within the usual 16 days, they receive 25 days to pay. This can help seniors on fixed incomes align their payment with pension or Social Security deposits. Apply here.
• Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver – waives late‑payment fees for customers aged 60+ whose name is on the account and whose household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. In 2025 the monthly income limits are about $19,562.5 for one person and US $26,437.5 for a two‑person household. Customers must re‑apply annually; the only benefit provided is the waiver of late‑payment charges.

Applications for both programs are available online at cpsenergy.com or by calling (210) 353‑2222.

• Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) – it provides up to $400 per year in direct assistance toward utility bills for eligible residents whose income is at or below 150% (see table 1 above) of the federal poverty guidelines and who meet at least one of the following:
  • Are aged 60 or older
  • Have a documented disability
  • Rely on life‑sustaining medical equipment
  • Have children under age 16 living in your home

To apply click here. 

• Affordability Discount Program (ADP) – it provides a monthly reduction on electric and gas service charges for low‑income residential customers whose household income is at or below 150%  (see table 1 above) of the FPG and who meet at least one of the following:
  • Are aged 60 or older
  • Have a documented disability
  • Rely on life‑sustaining medical equipment
  • Have preschool or school‑aged children
  • Spend more than 10% of their income on energy costs.

As of February 2025, the discount amounts to $13.48 per month for electricity and $4.88 per month for gas, totaling $18.36 each month (or approximately $220.32 annually). Apply here.

New Braunfels Utilities (NBU)

NBU offers two programs that can benefit seniors:

• NBU’s Senior Citizen Billing program lets customers aged 60 years or older defer payment on their electric, water and wastewater bills. Under the policy, the due date is extended 25 days after the statement date without penalty. The deferral applies only to the customer’s primary residence and NBU may require proof of age. Eligible seniors fill out a one‑page form and submit it by mail or fax. Find the form here.
• NBU Utility Bill Assistance Program helps individuals experiencing financial hardship pay for electric, water, and wastewater charges. To apply, applicants need:
  • A valid government-issued photo ID matching the name on the utility bill (birth certificates and Social Security cards are not accepted)
  • Proof of income (like recent pay stubs, SSI letters, SNAP or Medicaid documentation, or W‑2/tax returns—with bank statements not accepted
  • A full copy of the current utility bill showing charges for electricity, water, wastewater, and city services
  • Income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guideline

El Paso Electric

El Paso Electric offers several options that can benefit seniors:

• Low‑Income Rider (LIR) – The El Paso Electric LIR program waives the utility’s $8.25 monthly customer charge for 12 months, saving eligible households up to US $111 per year on their electric bill. Households qualify if they have a Texas SNAP card or earn 125% (see table 3 above) of the federal poverty level or less. Applicants mail a copy of their Food Stamp Eligibility Form and service account number to El Paso Electric Customer Services; once verified, the customer charge is removed for one year and may be renewed annually. For information about applying visit epelectric.com.
• Bright Hearts Fund – An assistance program that helps eligible customers avoid disconnection by covering overdue balances. For details on eligibility or how to apply, contact El Paso Electric Customer Care.
  • Emailing CustomerCare@epelectric.com
  • Calling (800) 351-1621
• Payment arrangement – offers payment arrangements that let customers spread past-due balances into monthly installments while keeping their accounts in good standing. Customers must pay both the installment and their current monthly utility charges by each due date to stay on track.
• Payment Plan Extensions – help customers extend the bill’s due date by up to 14 days.

Entergy Texas – The Power to Care

Entergy does not have a senior‑specific electricity discount, but it partners with nonprofit agencies through The Power to Care program. This program provides emergency bill‑payment assistance to older adults and disabled customers when they face a crisis. Funding comes from contributions by Entergy shareholders, employees and customers. Eligible customers apply through partner agencies in Southeast Texas.

Deregulated markets allow seniors to shop for plans tailored to them or any plan that fits their lifestyle. Many REPs offer budget‑billing, average‑billing, assistance programs or many other plan types, for example:

Electricity Plans for Seniors

Companies in deregulated areas of Texas offer plans tailored to senior citizens. For example:

• Gexa Energy offers the Gexa 55+ plan with a “discounted” fixed-rate for 2 years.
• Champion Energy’s Champ Silver 24 is designed for customers aged 60 or older. It provides a two‑year fixed rate with no monthly base charge or minimum usage fee and includes a small per‑kWh discount compared with Champion’s standard fixed‑rate plan.
• BKV Energy offers a fixed-rate plan for seniors 65 or older. This plan waives any deposit requirement, monthly base charges, and offers a grace period of 30 days to opt-out of the plan without cancellation fees.

No Deposit Electricity for Seniors

Most Texas’ REPs waive the deposit requirement for customers aged 65 or older who provide proof of age and a recent electric bill showing no delinquent balance. This rule applies to all REPs in deregulated areas. To avoid high deposits, seniors should ask for the deposit waiver and provide a driver’s license or other ID.

General tips for choosing a plan

• Understand the type of plans offered by REPs
• Prefer fixed‑rate contracts (12–24 months)
• Understand your past electricity usage and lifestyle. This can give you a better idea of what type of plan will benefit you more
• Avoid door‑to‑door sales and phone solicitations
• Compare before renewal. Deregulated REPs can raise your rate dramatically after your contract expires, so shop for a new plan before the end date. You can use a comparison site like powerwizard.com

• Take advantage of weatherization and efficiency programs. WAP measures like insulation, duct sealing and HVAC tune‑ups can significantly reduce consumption. Even if you are not eligible for free services, installing LED lighting or smart thermostats often qualifies for rebates through your utility.
• Shift usage to off‑peak hours. Some REPs offer “time‑of‑use” or free‑nights plans; if you can run large appliances or charge devices at night, these plans may lower costs.
• Monitor your usage. Many utilities offer free online portals; knowing when and how you use electricity can help you adjust habits.
• Enroll in autopay or e‑billing. Doing so can prevent late fees and, in some cases, qualifies you for small discounts or bill credits.

Although there is no single “Texas senior electricity discount,” older adults have multiple avenues to reduce their electric bills. Federal programs like LIHEAP, CEAP and WAP provide bill assistance and free efficiency upgrades for households near the poverty line. Municipal utilities such as Austin Energy, CPS Energy and New Braunfels Utilities offer discounted charges or extended payment windows for seniors. In deregulated markets, providers often offer plans tailored to seniors, while some REPs waive deposits for customers aged 65 or older and are not delinquent on their electricity bill. Seniors can further reduce bills through weatherization, smart usage habits and by avoiding predatory variable‑rate plans. If you or a loved one needs help paying a Texas electric bill, use the contacts in this guide to apply—assistance is available, but you must reach out to claim it.