HOUSTON, TX — As energy costs and economic pressures continue to affect households across Texas, Reliant Energy is reaffirming its commitment to supporting customers through financial relief programs. Designed to address various situations—from short-term payment issues to serious medical emergencies—the company’s offerings include the Reliant CARE Program, deferred payment plans, payment extensions, and more.
These utility bill assistance programs reflect Reliant’s ongoing efforts to ensure all residents have reliable access to electricity, regardless of financial circumstances.
Helping Texans Stay Connected: The Reliant CARE Program
The Reliant CARE Program (Community Assistance by Reliant Energy) is a cornerstone of the company’s customer support initiatives. Established to provide Reliant financial assistance to those facing economic hardship, the program partners with local nonprofit and social service agencies to deliver aid directly to eligible households.
Texans who need help paying their utility bills can dial 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org to be connected with nearby agencies. Those who do not meet traditional federal guidelines may still qualify under the CARE Program if they inform the representative that they are a Reliant customer.
“In true Texas spirit, we’ve contributed more than $18 million in agency assistance since 2002,” said a Reliant spokesperson. “The Reliant CARE Program is our way of giving back to the communities we serve.”
Important Details:
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Assistance may take up to eight weeks to process.
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Aid is not guaranteed and may not cover the full bill amount.
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Funds are distributed through partner agencies, not directly by 2-1-1 Texas.
For more information or to locate participating agencies, customers can visit Reliant’s financial assistance page.
Flexibility in Times of Need: Reliant Payment Extension Options
Reliant offers payment extensions for customers who need extra time to pay their electricity bills. A Reliant payment extension request gives customers the opportunity to avoid service disconnection, provided the extension is requested before the due date listed on a disconnection notice.
Key Features:
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Reliant disconnection notice extensions are available under qualifying conditions.
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A 5% late fee, disconnection notice fee, or disconnect recovery fee may apply.
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Customers on AutoPay must call at least three business days in advance to pause automatic payments.
Reliant encourages customers to act promptly when facing financial stress. Delays in requesting assistance can limit available options.
For customers dealing with a medical emergency, additional accommodations may be available. The Reliant medical emergency support team can be reached at 1-866-222-7100 to discuss tailored solutions.
Structured Support: The Reliant Deferred Payment Plan
In situations where the total past-due amount is too large for a one-time payment, customers can request a Reliant deferred payment plan. These structured agreements allow customers to pay off balances in installments, bundled with their regular monthly bills.
How It Works:
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Customers may need to pay a portion of the owed balance upfront.
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The remaining amount is divided across upcoming billing cycles.
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Once enrolled, customers must complete the plan before switching providers.
The deferred payment plan typically covers outstanding electricity charges and related fees. However, it may not apply to protection plan products, deposits, or previously written-off balances—unless the customer qualifies under a medical or hardship clause.
“We understand that a single month’s bill can sometimes be overwhelming,” said the Reliant representative. “Our payment plans for electricity are meant to provide breathing room without risking disconnection.”
Customers can request a Reliant deferred payment plan either online or by calling 1-866-222-7100.
Financial Aid Overview: A Quick Comparison of Programs
To help Texans better understand their options, here’s a side-by-side comparison of Reliant’s key utility bill assistance Texas programs:
| Program | Purpose | Eligibility | Processing Time | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliant CARE Program | Bill help for financially struggling customers | Based on agency partner evaluation | Up to 8 weeks | Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org |
| Payment Extension | Extra time to pay current bills | Must be requested before disconnection | Immediate | Call or apply online |
| Reliant Deferred Payment Plan | Installment plan for outstanding bills | Available upon request with conditions | Immediate | Call or apply online |
Each program serves a specific need—from immediate Reliant bill help to long-term payment planning.
What Customers Should Do Next
Texans struggling with electricity payments are encouraged to act early. Reliant offers multiple resources, but access to some programs may depend on timing, eligibility, or documentation.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Need help today?
Request a Reliant payment extension before the disconnection notice due date. -
Experiencing long-term hardship?
Contact 2-1-1 and inquire about the Reliant CARE Program. -
Need a payment plan?
Apply for a Reliant deferred payment plan to manage your balance over time. -
Medical emergency?
Call Reliant at 1-866-222-7100 and ask about Reliant medical emergency support options. -
Using AutoPay?
Don’t forget to contact Reliant three business days before your due date if changes are needed. - Download the Reliant App to keep tabs on your bill and electricity usage.
For full program details and links to online applications, visit the Reliant Financial Assistance page.
