CPS Energy bills spike hard in Texas summers — and falling behind can snowball fast. Here’s the good news: there’s free help available. CPS Energy and the City of San Antonio run several free programs specifically for struggling households, from monthly discounts to free home weatherization. Here are all five.
Key takeaways
- Free programs exist: 5 CPS Energy and City programs offer free discounts, bill assistance, and weatherization for qualifying San Antonio households.
- Up to $400/year free: The REAP program provides up to $400 per year in direct bill assistance at no cost to you.
- Free weatherization: Casa Verde provides free energy-efficiency upgrades that permanently lower your bills.
- Act early: City-run utility assistance takes 30+ days to process — apply before you’re in crisis if you can.
In this guide
- 1. Affordability Discount Program (ADP)
- 2. REAP — up to $400/year toward your bill
- 3. Casa Verde — free home weatherization
- 4. Payment plans and extensions
- 5. Senior Citizen Late Payment Waiver
- How to apply
1. Affordability Discount Program (ADP)
A free monthly discount on your electric and gas service charges for low-income households. To qualify in 2026: household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level (under $1,995/month for a single person, under $4,125 for a family of four) plus at least one of: age 60+, a documented disability, life-sustaining medical equipment in the home, children 18 or younger, or spending over 10% of income on energy. You must recertify every year.
2. REAP — up to $400/year toward your bill
The Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (a nonprofit partnership between CPS Energy, the City, and Bexar County) provides up to $400 per year in free direct bill assistance to eligible households — including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children facing financial hardship.
3. Casa Verde — free home weatherization
If high bills are caused by a drafty, inefficient home, Casa Verde provides free energy-efficiency upgrades to qualifying homeowners and renters: attic and wall insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and LED bulbs. Lower usage means lower bills permanently — at zero cost to you.
4. Payment plans and extensions
Behind right now? Call 210-353-2222 and ask about free payment arrangements — 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.
5. 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 will waive late payment charges entirely — for free.
How to apply
Most programs start with a free call to 210-353-2222 or a visit to a CPS Energy customer service center with your ID, proof of income (last 30 days), and a copy of your CPS bill. City-run utility assistance takes 30+ days to process, so apply before you’re in crisis if you can.
Get help with every bill, not just this one
Our free Apply for Me program screens you for utility help, rent assistance, food benefits, and more — one free application, every program you qualify for.
