Falling behind on your electric or water bill is stressful, but you are not alone. Houston has several programs that can help you catch up or stay current. This guide walks you through each option so you can find the one that fits your situation.
Several sources of help are available to Houston households. The federal LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) offers one-time or ongoing bill assistance for qualifying families. The City of Houston also provides emergency funds, and local nonprofits add another layer of support. On the utility side, CenterPoint Energy and Houston Water each run their own customer assistance programs. Together, these options cover a wide range of income levels and situations.
Start by gathering a recent copy of your bill and basic household information, including income details. Check whether you meet the income guidelines for LIHEAP first, since it is a federal program with set rules. If you do not qualify there, explore the City of Houston or nonprofit emergency funds, which may have more flexible criteria. You can also contact CenterPoint Energy or Houston Water directly to ask about their in-house programs. Acting before a shutoff notice arrives gives you more choices and more time.
No fixed date
Not location-specific
This guide connects to broader topics around household financial stability, including food assistance, rental help, and health coverage. If a high utility bill is part of a bigger budget crunch, other Community Exchange guides on emergency resources and benefits enrollment may also be useful.
A shutoff notice can arrive fast. Knowing your options before service is interrupted gives you the best chance of keeping the lights on and the water running. These programs exist for exactly this kind of moment.
