In this article we cut through a lot of online misinformation to give you the straightforward truth about senior citizen electricity discounts in Texas.
Key Takeaways
- Best Plan for Seniors 60+: Champion Energy’s Champ Silver 24 is the recommended plan for seniors, with a fixed-rate, no minimum usage fee and a senior discount.
- No Deposit for 65+: You can get no deposit senior citizen electricity from every electricity provider in Texas. Seniors 65+ can avoid deposits by providing an ID and a current electricity bill. This is mandated by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
- Payment Assistance Available: Low income senior citizens can qualify for LIHEAP, CEAP, and REP-sponsored assistance with eligibility based on income levels.
- No Universal Senior Discounts: Contrary to online rumors, major REPs like Reliant and TXU Energy do not offer senior-specific discounts.
Table of Contents
- Are there Electricity Discounts for Senior Citizens in Texas?
- Can Texas Seniors Age 65+ Get No Deposit Electricity?
- Should Senior Citizens Consider Average Billing to Budget Electricity Costs?
- What Electricity Bill Payment Assistance is Available for Low Income Seniors in Texas?
- What Free Energy Efficiency Upgrades are Available for Low Income Seniors
- Frequently Asked Questions
Are there Electricity Discounts for Senior Citizens in Texas?
Senior citizens on a fixed income want to find the the best deal on electricity. To get the best prices, avoid complicated bill credit plans. Instead choose a basic fixed rate plan, shop based on your usage, and select the cheapest price. These three basic steps will give you the cheapest overall electricity bill.
Or, select our recommended plan for senior citizens, Champion Energy Champ Silver 24, a discount plan for seniors over age 60.
Best Electricity Plan for Senior Citizens in Texas
Offered to consumers 60+ years old, Champion Energy Champ Silver 24 features:
- 2 years protection against energy rate increases
- Fixed energy rate with no monthly fee or minimum usage level
- Your choice of payment and billing methods (no e-bill or auto-pay required)
- 24/7 customer service based in Houston Texas
- Discounted rate vs. their standard 24-month plan (plus exclusive Electricity Plans promo code gives you an even deeper discount)
The Champ Silver 24 plan is 1/10¢ per kWh discount vs. their Champ Saver 24 month plan. Add in Electricity Plans’ exclusive discount? And you’ll bank a 1/2¢ per kWh total discount vs. their standard 24 month plan. (Promo code eplansb is automatically applied when you shop through Electricity Plans.)
Compare Electricity Rates Near You
Can Texas Seniors Age 65+ Get No Deposit Electricity?
If you’re age 65+ and pay your electricity bill on time, you can get no deposit electricity from any retail electricity provider. That’s required by law as established by the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
To get no deposit electricity if you’re over age 65:
- Shop electricity plans and choose your electricity provider.
- Complete the enrollment process.
- If a deposit is required, provide a copy of your state-issued ID as proof of age plus a current electricity bill showing no past-due balance. Your electricity provider will waive the deposit.
Should Senior Citizens Consider Average Billing to Budget Electricity Costs?
Average billing, also called budget billing, evens out seasonal usage and keeps monthly payments more predictable. Rather than paying for your current electricity usage each month, you’ll pay based on the monthly average energy usage over a 12 month period. Your monthly bill will vary slightly, since each month’s bill is based on a rolling average of the past 12 months.
At the end of the year, your REP will perform a true-up, comparing what you paid versus your actual usage. This could leave you with a balance to pay at the end of the year or a bill credit.
We cover the pros and cons of average billing in our article on that topic. If you decide it’s for you, contact your retail electricity provider to sign up.
Concerned about rising electricity costs? You’re not alone! A recent AARP survey showed that 83% of consumers over 50 are concerned about an increase in the cost of their electricity service.
What Electricity Bill Payment Assistance is Available for Low Income Seniors in Texas?
There are programs in Texas that provide electricity bill payment assistance for low income senior citizens, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP), and programs offered by each retail electricity provider. A summary of these programs is below, including how to apply. We also include a chart of the qualifying income levels.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a combination state and federal program that can assist with heating and cooling bills and weatherization. To qualify, you must make at or below the greater of 60% state median income or 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Limits.
How to Apply for LIHEAP: To apply for LIHEAP bill payment assistance, visit the website for the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and select Utility Bill Payment Help or call the Texas Information and Referral Network by dialing 2-1-1.
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
CEAP provides low income residents with assistance for past due electric bills and help avoid electricity disconnection. To qualify your income must be at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Limits.
How to Apply for Texas CEAP: To apply for CEAP, call 877-399-8939 between 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday. You will be automatically directed to the CEAP service provider within your county. You can also dial 2-1-1.
Low Income Assistance from Your Retail Electricity Provider
As part of Texas Senate Bill 1976, as of September 2017, your retail electricity provider may provide a payment assistance program to their low income customers. These programs are funded by customer contributions and matched by the REP. Funds are administered by local community organizations.
Contact your REP or call Texas Lifeline at 866-454-8387 to ask for community assistance payment resources.
CEAP & LIHEAP: Income Guidelines for Senior Citizen Low Income Bill Payment Assistance Programs
Eligibility for CEAP, LIHEAP and REP-funded bill payment assistance depends on your income. General guidelines are below for 2025.
| Income Eligibility | 1-Person Household | 2-Person Household | 3-Person Household | 4-Person Household |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60% of Texas State Median Income | $32,202 | $42,110 | $52,018 | $61,927 |
| 150% of Federal Poverty Guidelines | $22,590 | $30,660 | $38,730 | $46,800 |
Texas CEAP Eligibility: Must make at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Income Level.
What Free Energy Efficiency Upgrades are Available for Low Income Seniors
While not a bill payment assistance program, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) can help lower your electricity bill through energy efficiency measures. You could qualify for an energy audit, plus installation of weatherization like caulking, weather-stripping, insulation, ductwork or HVAC repair/replacement.
You can apply for WAP online through Energy.gov or look for “weatherization” online at the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Eligibility for programs is 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Limits.
Texas Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Income Eligibility
| 1-Person Household | 2-Person Household | 3-Person Household | 4-Person Household | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines | $30,120 | $40,880 | $51,640 | $62,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no senior citizen discount electricity program in Texas. However, some retail electricity providers (REP) offer discounts, such as Champion Energy Champ Silver 24.
No, Reliant Energy does not offer a senior citizen discount. We found multiple websites stating that Reliant offers a 10% discount on electricity usage charges for seniors age 65+. However, Reliant confirmed that this is not true. Reliant does offer the Community Assistance by Reliant Energy (CARE) program which provides bill payment assistance based on income.
No, TXU Energy does not offer a senior citizen discount. We found several online resources that claim that TXU has a rewards programs and discount for seniors age 60+. However, TXU confirmed that this is not true. TXU Energy does offer a bill payment assistance program for low income customers that meet certain requirements. TXU Energy Aid works with local partners and agencies across Texas.
As a senior citizen age 65+, you can get no deposit electricity from any retail electricity provider in Texas. Simply enroll for service with the electricity plan you select. If you owe a deposit, provide a copy of your state-issued ID showing age 65+ and a current electricity bill with no past-due balance. This is not a special program from any specific provider; it’s required by law!
Many on a fixed income face juggling bills. That’s especially true with electricity bills, which are typically due within 14 days of your meter read date. While they don’t offer a senior citizen discount, Rhythm Energy lets you pick your bill due date. That give you great flexibility in managing your budget.
Call 2-1-1 or visit the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs website to start the application process.
Contact your retail electricity provider immediately if you can’t pay your electricity bill. Your REP is best suited to connect you to bill payment assistance programs and community resources. You may also qualify for a deferred payment plan.
