ByWhat You Must Know About Electric Bill Assistance Programs In San Antonio
Millions of people in the United States struggle to meet their utility bills. The situation worsens during natural disasters like tsunamis and pandemics like the current COVID-19. The National Energy assistance Directors' Association (NEADA) report indicates that the American utility bill debt almost tripled from $12bn at the onset of the pandemic to approximately $32 by the end of 2020. Such trends make people's lives difficult, making it necessary for the government to come up with ways and programs to alleviate the struggle.
It's upon you to diligently manage your utility bills, including electricity bills to avoid being caught in an unending cycle of debts and disconnections. It would also help you greatly if you are aware of any government assistance programs from which you can benefit from and ease your burden of paying bills.
While managing utility bills can be overwhelming, there's no need to worry. DoNotPay can help you lower your monthly:
- Water bill
- Electricity bill
- Internet bill
- Gas bill
- Cellphone bill
- Medical bill
The world’s first AI Consumer Champion can assist you to get easily.
Understanding Your CPS Electric Bill
It's crucial to understand your CPS electric bill before even thinking about getting electric bill assistance in San Antonio since it's the first way to avoid paying a lot. You need to know the various costs that make up your electric bill, including the base rate costs and components, the fuel adjustment, and the regulatory adjustment.
Base Rate Components
Your residential electric base rate comprises of:
| Service Availability Charge | Covers metering and billing costs regardless of consumption. |
| Energy Charge | Recovers the costs for power plants and other infrastructure based on how much electricity you consume. |
| Peak Capacity Charge | Applies during summer from June through September. It's an additional $0.0198 to the regular energy charge for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) used in excess of 600 kWh. |
Fuel Adjustment Components
Fuel adjustment factors vary and are adjusted every month, depending on how fuel costs relate to the amount built into the base rate. Thus, a fuel adjustment charge may appear as a charge or credit on your monthly electric bill. Some costs here include:
- Generate Power Costs
- Renewable Power Costs
- Market Power Purchases, and
- Save for Tomorrow Energy Plan (STEP) for costs associated with energy efficiency programs.
The City of San Antonio may include other costs in your monthly energy or electric bill, including:
- Garbage Collection Services Costs
- Brush Free Environmental services Fee, and
- Environmental Services Fee.
How to Get Electric Bill Assistance in San Antonio by Yourself
Times get tough and what you have isn't enough to pay your electric bills. When this happens, you can ask for an extension to pay your bill and avoid the inconvenience of being disconnected. You can also utilize local and federal assistance programs.
The City of San Antonio Utility/Electric Bill Assistance Program
San Antonio families can enjoy financial assistance for various needs like emergency funds, charities, rent, free medication, and utility bills through multiple programs, charities, and lobby groups.
Through Bexar County's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), you can get help settling your energy bills, including electric ones, by calling (210) 335-6770.
You can also apply to the CPS Energy Utility Assistance Program in the following ways:
- In-person by visiting any walk-in center or community event
- Online by visiting their website in English or Spanish
- By phone at 210-353-6110
CPS Energy Utility Assistance Program Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for assistance, you must:
- Show proof of hardship for the designated period.
- Be enrolled in CPS and/or SAWS affordability or payment plan programs.
You can also find more utility and electric bills assistance by programs provided by the State of Texas and the Federal government, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Block Grant and free HVAC equipment during summer.
A Recent Example of Utility Bills Assistance Program in San Antonio
Owing to the COVID-19 crisis, the San Antonio City Council, on November 18, 2021, effected a $30 million assistance program funded using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist low-income residents with utility payments.
Every eligible resident must register for affordability and payment programs at SWAS and CPS Energy. The program aimed to help residents settle past due bills incurred from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021. I hope you benefited from the program.
Get Electric Bill Assistance Using DoNotPay
The options for getting electric bill assistance in San Antonio are many and can easily confuse or overwhelm you. That's why DoNotPay is here to assist you to negotiate for bills assistance in 4 simple steps:
- Go to the Negotiate Bills product on DoNotPay.
- Choose whether you want us to call and negotiate your bill for you or send a bill negotiation letter on your behalf.
- Provide the details that will help us negotiate your bill including the company name and how much your current plan costs.
- Enter your contact information, including email, address, and phone number.
That's it! Just sit back and let DoNotPay do all the work for you.
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