Updated March 2026  | Dallas–Fort Worth, North Texas
What is the Reliant Energy CARE Program and how can it help with your electric bill?
The Reliant Energy CARE Program (Community Assistance by Reliant Energy) is a community-based assistance initiative that helps Reliant customers in Texas who are facing financial hardship pay their electricity bills. Since 2002, Reliant has provided more than $18 million in statewide agency assistance through CARE. Eligible customers can receive up to $500 toward their electric bill by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211texas.org.
When it comes to supporting the North Texas community, Reliant Energy is stepping in to help residents struggling with high electric bills. This includes residents of Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Frisco, Plano, and surrounding areas. That’s where the Reliant Energy CARE Program steps in—a beacon of hope for those facing financial difficulties in keeping their lights on and their homes comfortable.
This energy assistance program isn’t just about paying bills; it’s about extending a helping hand to low-income households, ensuring that they don’t have to make tough choices between electricity and other necessities. Whether you’ve experienced a sudden job loss, a medical emergency, or simply find yourself stretched thin during a brutal Texas summer, the CARE program is designed to provide short-term support when you need it most. Understanding how to access this program—and how it works alongside other Reliant bill assistance options—can make the difference between keeping the lights on and facing disconnection.
Key Programs and Resources for North Texas Energy Assistance
Reliant CARE Program
Community Assistance by Reliant Energy — provides up to $500 in bill payment assistance to customers facing extreme financial hardship.
LIHEAP / CEAP
Federally funded programs providing energy bill assistance to Texas households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
2-1-1 Texas
The statewide helpline connecting Texans with local assistance agencies, including those with CARE funding. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org.
Weatherization Assistance (WAP)
Free home energy efficiency upgrades—insulation, air sealing, HVAC repairs—for income-eligible Texas homeowners and renters.
Why the Reliant Energy CARE Program Matters for North Texas Residents
Life has its ups and downs, and financial hardships can hit any of us at unexpected times. That’s where the Reliant Energy CARE Program shines. Energy bills can sometimes feel like a heavy burden, especially when budgets are tight during the scorching North Texas summers, when electricity usage spikes dramatically. With the CARE Program, Reliant isn’t just providing utility bill payment assistance—it’s offering a lifeline that keeps families connected, comfortable, and secure.
As a single parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or as a retiree on a fixed income, the CARE program provides more than just financial support; it provides stability and peace of mind during uncertain times. But the program goes beyond bill payment. Through energy conservation education, Reliant equips residents with the tools and knowledge they need to use energy more efficiently and keep long-term costs down—empowering households to break the cycle of energy burden.
$18 Million+
In statewide agency assistance provided by the Reliant Energy CARE Program since 2002, helping thousands of Texas families keep their electricity connected during financial hardship.
How to Qualify for the Reliant Energy CARE Program: Eligibility and Application
You might be wondering, “Could I benefit from the CARE Program?” Reliant has designed it with families like yours in mind. The eligibility criteria are rooted in supporting those who need it most—customers facing extreme hardship such as loss of income, illness, or death in the family. If you’re in a low-income household and struggling to pay your Reliant electricity bill, you’re likely a strong candidate.
Here’s how the application process works:
Step 1: Call 2-1-1
Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Texas or visit 211texas.org to locate CARE-funded agencies in your area.
Step 2: Mention Reliant
Tell the 2-1-1 representative you are a Reliant customer and ask about agencies with CARE funding—even if you don’t meet federal guidelines.
Step 3: Gather Documents
Prepare proof of income, photo ID, your most recent electricity bill, and any disconnection notice you may have received.
Step 4: Apply Through an Agency
The partner agency will review your eligibility and process assistance. Note: it may take up to 8 weeks to receive funds, and assistance may not cover your entire bill.
You can also contact Reliant directly at 1-866-222-7100 or 713-207-7777 to discuss additional options, including payment extensions and deferred payment plans that may provide immediate relief while your CARE application is being processed.
4 Key Benefits of the Reliant Energy CARE Program for Low-Income Families
Participating in the Reliant Energy CARE Program isn’t just about financial relief; it’s about opening doors to a brighter energy future. Here’s what the program offers to qualifying North Texas families:
1. Direct Bill Payment Assistance
Eligible customers can receive up to $500 toward their electricity bill through CARE partner agencies, preventing disconnection during financial crises.
2. Budget-Friendly Payment Plans
Reliant offers deferred payment plans that allow you to spread your balance over multiple billing cycles, making monthly payments more manageable.
3. Home Weatherization Services
Through partnerships with local agencies, qualified families can access free weatherization upgrades—improving insulation, sealing leaks, and reducing energy waste.
4. Energy Conservation Education
Personalized advice and workshops help families learn energy-saving strategies—from thermostat scheduling to appliance efficiency—that reduce bills long-term.
“I had recently lost my job and reached out to an agency for assistance. I didn’t qualify for their programs but was surprised to see that I qualified for the Reliant CARE fund. I will forever be a Reliant customer and am so grateful for their help.”
— Reliant CARE Program Recipient, Texas
Struggling With Your Electric Bill?
Don’t wait until you receive a disconnection notice. Explore the Reliant Energy CARE Program and other assistance options available to North Texas families today.
Beyond CARE: Additional Energy Assistance Options for Texas Residents
The Reliant Energy CARE Program is one of several resources available to Texas families. If you don’t qualify for CARE, or if you need additional support beyond what the program covers, consider these complementary programs:
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, provides utility bill payment assistance to households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. CEAP can cover up to six or eight of the highest bills during the year for non-vulnerable households and all remaining bills for vulnerable households. You can apply by calling 1-877-399-8939.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded initiative that helps low-income families pay their heating and cooling bills. Texas received over $181 million in LIHEAP funding for fiscal year 2026, with maximum benefits reaching $12,600 for heating and cooling assistance. Households receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI automatically qualify.
If you’re not a Reliant customer, other Texas electricity providers offer similar programs. The TXU Energy Aid program has provided over $130 million in bill-payment assistance over the past four decades, helping approximately 20,000 households annually. As a North Texas resident with high utility costs, you may qualify for multiple programs simultaneously.
How Reliant Is Raising Awareness Across North Texas Communities
Community is at the heart of everything Reliant does, and that’s why the company is actively engaged in raising awareness about the CARE Program beyond the call center. Reliant has forged partnerships and collaborations with local nonprofit organizations, community action agencies, and social service providers to spread the word to those who might benefit most—including families who may not realize they qualify.
Reliant’s commitment extends to on-the-ground efforts. The company hosts community outreach events and workshops that educate neighbors about energy efficiency, equipping them with knowledge that can lead to lasting cost savings. The Reliant referral program also helps customers earn bill credits while connecting friends and family with affordable energy plans. And through seasonal initiatives like the Beat the Heat program, Reliant provides portable air conditioning units and cooling centers to seniors and disabled individuals in Houston, Lubbock, and cities across North and South Texas.
Author’s Pro Tip
Don’t wait until your bill is past due. If you sense a financial crunch coming, call 2-1-1 immediately and ask about CARE funding availability. Agencies distribute funds on a first-come, first-served basis, and waiting too long could mean the funds in your area have been exhausted for the quarter.
WATCH: HOW ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS HELP TEXAS FAMILIES
Learn about LIHEAP energy assistance and how it works alongside programs like Reliant CARE to help low-income families in Texas.
Real Stories: How the Reliant Energy CARE Program Has Made a Difference
Behind every program statistic, there are real lives being positively impacted. Reliant has heard from participants in North Texas communities who have faced unexpected financial challenges—from sudden job loss to health crises to the devastating effects of severe weather events like Hurricane Beryl.
These individuals share their stories of how the CARE Program provided more than just financial support; it provided hope and stability during uncertain times. Families have been able to keep their homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer without sacrificing groceries, medication, or other necessities. One family in Missouri City, working with a local CARE partner agency, received the maximum allowance of $500 toward their electric bill during the holiday season—a lifeline that prevented disconnection for a household with elderly members on fixed incomes.
These stories remind us of the power of community support and the lasting impact of a helping hand. As one participant shared: “You have no idea how much this has helped my family.” The CARE program also supports victims of domestic violence, helping individuals start over and work toward self-sufficiency through stable utility access.
The Reliant Energy CARE Program Across Texas Regions
While this guide focuses on North Texas, the Reliant Energy CARE Program serves customers statewide. If you live outside the Dallas–Fort Worth area, CARE funding is available through partner agencies in your region as well. Here’s where to find region-specific information:
South Texas
Serving Houston-Galveston, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Victoria, and the Rio Grande Valley. Learn more about South Texas CARE.
East Texas
Serving Palestine, Nacogdoches, Tyler, Longview, and surrounding communities. Learn more about East Texas CARE.
West Texas
Serving Odessa, Lubbock, Midland, El Paso, and the Permian Basin region. Learn more about West Texas CARE.
Central Texas
CARE agencies are available across Central Texas. Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in the state to locate the nearest partner agency with funding.
Frequently Analyzed Topics
Who is eligible for the Reliant Energy CARE Program?
The CARE Program is available to current Reliant Energy customers who are facing financial hardship, such as loss of income, illness, or death in the family. Eligibility is income-based and assessed by local partner agencies. Even if you don’t meet federal poverty guidelines, you should still call 2-1-1 and ask about CARE-specific funding—the program has its own criteria that may be more flexible.
How much money can I receive through the CARE Program?
Eligible customers can receive up to $500 toward their electricity bill through a CARE partner agency. The exact amount is determined by the agency based on your circumstances and available funding. Note that CARE assistance may not cover your entire bill, and it may take up to 8 weeks to process.
How do I apply for the Reliant CARE Program?
Call 2-1-1 from anywhere in Texas or visit 211texas.org to be connected with a local agency that has CARE funding. You’ll need proof of income, photo ID, and your most recent Reliant electricity bill. If you have a disconnection notice, bring that as well. You can also call Reliant directly at 1-866-222-7100 for guidance.
Can I use the CARE Program and LIHEAP at the same time?
Yes. The CARE Program and LIHEAP/CEAP are separate programs with separate funding sources. You can apply for both simultaneously. The CARE program is funded by Reliant and customer contributions, while LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
What if I’m not a Reliant customer?
If you’re not a Reliant customer, you may still qualify for energy assistance through LIHEAP, CEAP, or your electricity provider’s own assistance program. TXU Energy offers TXU Energy Aid, and many other Texas providers have similar initiatives. Call 2-1-1 to find all available resources in your area.
How can I donate to the CARE Program?
Reliant customers can set up a recurring monthly donation to the CARE program through their Reliant account. Every contribution helps keep the lights on for fellow Texans facing financial hardship. Visit the Reliant CARE page on reliant.com to learn how to donate.
How You Can Get Involved and Support the Reliant Energy CARE Program
As we’ve walked through the journey of the Reliant Energy CARE Program, we hope you’ve gained insights into the significance of this initiative for North Texas residents and families across the state. The program has provided more than $18 million in assistance since 2002—but the need continues to grow as energy costs rise and economic pressures mount.
You can be part of this impactful mission. Spread the word—share this article with your friends, family, and neighbors. You never know who might need that extra assistance or who might benefit from energy conservation tips. If you’re in a position to support the program financially, consider donating through your Reliant account. Every contribution goes a long way toward ensuring that more families can find relief and stability through the Reliant Energy CARE Program.
Together, we’re not just making a difference—we’re building a stronger, more resilient community across North Texas and beyond.
Don’t Let High Electric Bills Overwhelm Your Family
The Reliant Energy CARE Program and other Texas energy assistance resources are available now to help you stay connected.
Up to $500 in CARE bill payment assistance
Free weatherization upgrades for eligible households
Payment extensions and deferred payment plans are available
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