Denton is Cool But It's Also Hot — Can You keep your cool without the bills burning you up?

Help with High Electric Bills for Low-Income Residents in Denton, TX

A high electric bill, like $350 for one month, can be a heavy burden for low-income households in Denton, Texas, especially during hot summer months. Turning off the AC to save money might feel necessary, but there are practical ways to reduce costs and access financial assistance to keep your home cool and affordable. Below, we share energy-saving tips and resources specific to Denton to help you manage your electric bills.

Immediate Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill

These strategies can help you reduce electricity usage and lower your bills:

1. Use Box Fans Effectively

  • Place box fans in windows to draw in cooler air at night or early morning.
  • Create cross-ventilation by using one fan to pull air in and another to push hot air out.
  • Avoid running fans during the hottest parts of the day when outside air is warmer.

2. Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

  • Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher to save energy. Each degree below 78°F significantly increases costs.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to limit AC use when you’re not home.
  • Block sunlight with curtains, blinds, or reflective window film to keep your home cooler.

3. Additional Energy-Saving Tips

  • Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to avoid "phantom" energy drain.
  • Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  • Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry them when possible.
  • Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to prevent cool air from escaping.

4. Explore Cheaper Electric Plans

  • Denton is in Texas’s deregulated energy market, so compare plans at PowerToChoose.org for lower rates.
  • Look for fixed-rate or prepaid plans, or ask your provider about "time-of-use" plans with cheaper off-peak rates (e.g., nights and weekends).
  • Contact your provider for low-income discounts, especially if you’re enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid. Some providers offer benefits under Senate Bill 1976.

Financial Assistance for Low-Income Households in Denton

Several programs and organizations in Denton can help with electric bills or improve home energy efficiency:

1. Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)

What it is: A federally funded program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) to help low-income households pay utility bills and cover heating/cooling unit repairs during crises.

(https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/comprehensive-energy-assistance-program-ceap)

Eligibility: Households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $21,870/year for one person or $45,000 for a family of four in 2025). Priority for elderly, disabled, or households with children under six.

How it helps: Covers up to 6–8 of your highest energy bills per year for non-vulnerable households, or all bills for vulnerable households.

How to apply: Contact Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), which serves Denton County:

  • Phone: (903) 893-2161, ext. 3541
  • Location: 306 N Loop 288, Denton, TX 76209 (drop-off only)
  • Website: Visit TCOG Energy Services to apply online or download an application. Mail applications to 1117 Gallagher Dr, Suite 200, Sherman, TX 75090.
  • Requirements: Proof of income, ID, recent utility bill, Social Security award letter (if applicable), and proof of residency. Processing takes about 8 weeks.
    • (https://tcog.com/energy-services/)

2. Christian Community Action (CCA)

What it is: A nonprofit providing critical utility assistance, food pantry access, and other support for low-income Denton County residents.

Eligibility: Low-income households in Denton County, including areas like Lewisville and Flower Mound.

How to apply: Contact CCA:

  • Phone: (972) 221-1224
  • Location: 200 S Mill St, Lewisville, TX 75067
  • Website: Search "Christian Community Action Denton" for details.
  • Requirements: Proof of income, residency, and utility bill. Call for intake or appointment.

3. United Way of Denton County

What it is: Connects residents to utility assistance and other resources through referrals to local agencies.

(https://studentaffairs.unt.edu/dean-of-students/programs-and-services/community-resources/denton.html)

Eligibility: Open to Denton County residents with financial need.

How to apply: Contact United Way:

  • Phone: (940) 566-5851
  • Location: 1314 Teasley Ln, Denton, TX 76205
  • Website: Visit United Way of Denton County for resource navigation.

4. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)

What it is: A federally funded program offering free home improvements (e.g., insulation, weatherstripping, efficient appliances) to reduce energy costs.(https://www.usa.gov/help-with-energy-bills)

Eligibility: Households with income up to 200% of the federal poverty level (e.g., $60,000/year for a family of four in 2025). Automatic eligibility if receiving TANF or SSI.

How to apply: Contact TCOG at (903) 893-2161, ext. 3541, or visit TCOG Energy Services for application details.

(https://tcog.com/energy-services/)

5. 211 Texas

Dial 211 or visit 211Texas.org to connect with local agencies in Denton offering utility assistance, cooling programs, or other support. Available 24/7, free, and multilingual.

(https://www.constellation.com/solutions/for-your-home/solutions-by-state/texas-energy/electricity-bill-assistance.html)

6. CoServ Charitable Foundation

What it is: Partners with social service agencies to assist CoServ customers with bill payments if served by CoServ Electric.

(https://www.coserv.com/financial-assistance/)

Eligibility: Low-income CoServ customers in Denton County.

How to apply: Contact CoServ at (800) 274-4014 or check with TCOG for referral to partnered agencies.

Additional Tips

  • Payment Plans: Contact your electric provider for a deferred payment plan to spread out a high bill like $350.78. Providers must offer plans during extreme weather emergencies.
    • (https://www.constellation.com/solutions/for-your-home/solutions-by-state/texas-energy/electricity-bill-assistance.html)
  • Check for Billing Errors: Review your bill for errors or request a meter test if usage seems high. Contact the Public Utility Commission at (888) 782-8477 for disputes.
  • Cooling Centers: Denton libraries or community centers offer cooling spaces if you turn off your AC. Contact Denton Parks and Recreation at (940) 349-7275 for locations.
  • Medical Needs: If someone in your household requires cooling for medical reasons, inform assistance programs to prioritize your application.

Next Steps

  1. Call TCOG at (903) 893-2161, ext. 3541, or CCA at (972) 221-1224 to apply for utility assistance. Have your bill, income details, and ID ready.
  2. Visit PowerToChoose.org to compare affordable electric plans.
  3. Implement energy-saving measures like box fans and weatherstripping to reduce future bills.
  4. Dial 211 or visit 211Texas.org for additional local resources in Denton.

Stay cool and financially secure with these resources tailored for Denton residents!

Note: This information is current as of July 24, 2025. Contact organizations directly for the latest eligibility and application details.

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