CPS Energy bills spike hard in Texas summers — and falling behind can snowball fast. The good news: there’s free help. This 2027 guide lists the utility assistance open to San Antonio residents: monthly bill discounts, up to $400 a year in direct bill help, free home weatherization that permanently lowers your bills, payment plans, and a late-fee waiver for seniors. Applying for all of these is free. (Honest note: these programs lower or cover parts of your bill — they don’t make your electricity itself permanently free.)
Amounts below are the most recently published program terms (2026 terms shown; 2027 updates labeled pending where applicable).
| CPS Energy Affordability Discount Program (ADP) | A monthly discount on your electric and gas service charges for low-income households: income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level PLUS at least one of — age 60+, documented disability, life-sustaining medical equipment in the home, children 18 or younger, or spending over 10% of income on energy. Recertify every year. | 210-353-2222 | Call to start |
| REAP — Residential Energy Assistance Partnership | Up to $400 per year in direct bill assistance for eligible households — including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children facing financial hardship. A nonprofit partnership between CPS Energy, the City, and Bexar County. | 210-353-2222 | Ask CPS Energy about REAP |
| Casa Verde — Free Home Weatherization | FREE energy-efficiency upgrades for qualifying homeowners and renters: attic and wall insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, LED bulbs. Lower usage means permanently lower bills. | 210-353-2222 | Call to arrange |
| CPS Energy Payment Plans & Extensions | Behind right now? CPS Energy can split a past-due balance into installments or extend your due date. The Budget Payment Plan evens out seasonal spikes into one predictable monthly amount. | 210-353-2222 | Call to arrange |
| Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver | If you’re 60 or older, your name is on the bill, and you meet the income criteria, CPS Energy waives late payment charges entirely. | 210-353-2222 | Call to enroll |
| City of San Antonio Housing Assistance Program (HAP) — Utility Help | Emergency utility assistance (2026 figures: up to $1,500 in utility help alongside rent aid; 2027 caps pending). Portal opens monthly on the 2nd Wednesday, 1:00–2:00 PM. Full details in our Housing guide. | 210-207-5910 | Apply |
| LIHEAP — Federal Utility Assistance (via Texas) | The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps with heating/cooling bills and weatherization. In Texas it’s administered through local community action agencies — call 2-1-1 to find your local provider and check current availability. | 2-1-1 | Start with 2-1-1 |
At a glance
- Monthly discount: CPS Energy Affordability Discount — 210-353-2222 (150% FPL + qualifying factor).
- Direct bill help: REAP up to $400/year — 210-353-2222.
- Lower bills permanently: Casa Verde free weatherization — 210-353-2222.
- Behind now: Payment plans/extensions — 210-353-2222.
- 60+: Late-fee waiver — 210-353-2222.
- Emergency: City HAP utility help — 210-207-5910; LIHEAP — 2-1-1.
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few questions in our free Apply for Me program and we’ll send you a personalized guide to utility help plus rent, food, and every other benefit your household qualifies for.
