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WAP, CEAP, LIHEAP & Utility Programs
Complete guide to every income-eligible energy program available to Texas households in 2026 -- from free weatherization and crisis bill assistance to utility-specific discount programs like Austin Energy CAP and CPS Energy REAP.
Updated February 2026
Five active programs serve low-income Texas households today. All are free to qualifying households.
Your eligibility for each program depends on your household size and annual income. Below are the 2026 Federal Poverty Level thresholds used by Texas programs.
CEAP & LIHEAP = 150% FPL | WAP & Austin CAP = 200% FPL
| Household Size | CEAP / LIHEAP (150%) | WAP / Austin CAP (200%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $22,110 | $29,480 |
| 2 persons | $29,940 | $39,920 |
| 3 persons | $37,770 | $50,360 |
| 4 persons | $45,600 | $60,800 |
| 5 persons | $53,430 | $71,240 |
| 6 persons | $61,260 | $81,680 |
| 7 persons | $69,090 | $92,120 |
| 8 persons | $76,920 | $102,560 |
Based on 2026 HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines. For households larger than 8, add $7,840 per additional person (200% FPL) or $5,880 (150% FPL). Some utility-specific programs (CPS REAP) have different income criteria.
Your path to assistance depends on which utility serves your area. Here are the utility-specific income-eligible programs and how to apply.
Oncor customers should apply for WAP/CEAP through TDHCA for income-eligible assistance.
Houston-area low-income residents should apply for WAP/CEAP through the local CAA or dial 2-1-1.
Austin has the best utility-specific low-income programs in TX. CAP discount is automatic once approved.
CPS Energy REAP is the most comprehensive municipal low-income energy program in TX.
For income-eligible households: WAP, CEAP, and LIHEAP provide direct assistance regardless of tax liability. Austin Energy CAP and CPS Energy REAP provide additional utility-specific assistance. These programs are funded separately from federal tax credits and remain available.
Not sure where to start? Follow this decision tree to find the right program for your situation.
Call 2-1-1 immediately. CEAP provides crisis intervention within 48 hours. Available 24/7. Requires 150% FPL.
Call 2-1-1 for CEAP bill payment assistance ($300-$1,500) and LIHEAP seasonal assistance ($200-$600). Requires 150% FPL.
Call 800-525-0657 for WAP free weatherization ($5,000-$8,000 value). Requires 200% FPL. Wait list: 6-18 months.
Austin: Call 512-494-9400 for CAP (10% bill discount). San Antonio: Call 210-353-2222 for REAP (free weatherization + bill help). Both have utility-specific programs in addition to WAP/CEAP.
Call 2-1-1 -- the statewide helpline will assess your situation and connect you to every program you qualify for: WAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, utility discount programs, food assistance, and more.
Texas offers five main income-eligible energy programs: (1) WAP -- free weatherization at 200% FPL, (2) CEAP -- crisis bill assistance at 150% FPL, (3) LIHEAP -- seasonal bill assistance at 150% FPL, (4) Austin Energy CAP -- 10% discount for Austin residents at 200% FPL, and (5) CPS Energy REAP -- free weatherization and bill assistance for San Antonio residents.
CEAP requires household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a family of four, this is $45,600 in 2026. WAP requires income at or below 200% FPL -- $60,800 for a family of four. Both programs are free. CEAP is for crisis situations (imminent disconnection, broken HVAC). WAP is for comprehensive home weatherization but has a 6-18 month wait list.
Yes. Many families receive CEAP crisis assistance for immediate bill relief or emergency HVAC repair, then go on the WAP wait list for comprehensive home weatherization. Both programs are administered by TDHCA through the same network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Your local CAA will help you navigate both programs and connect you with LIHEAP and other assistance.
Austin Energy Customer Assistance Program (CAP) provides a 10% discount on electric bills plus fee waivers for Austin residents at or below 200% FPL. This is separate from the statewide WAP and CEAP programs and is only available to Austin Energy customers. Apply by calling 512-494-9400 or visiting an Austin Energy office. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
CPS Energy Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) provides free weatherization and bill payment assistance for San Antonio and Bexar County residents. REAP is operated by CPS Energy (the municipal utility serving San Antonio) and is separate from the statewide WAP and CEAP programs. Contact CPS Energy at 210-353-2222 to apply. Wait time is typically 4-8 weeks.
No. The federal Section 25C energy efficiency tax credit expired December 31, 2025 and provides $0 in 2026. The Section 25D residential solar tax credit also expired. These were tax credits (not direct assistance), so they primarily benefited households with enough income to owe taxes. For income-eligible households, WAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, Austin Energy CAP, and CPS Energy REAP provide direct assistance regardless of tax liability.
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone in Texas (available 24/7, multilingual). You can also call TDHCA directly at 800-525-0657 or visit tdhca.texas.gov/weatherization to find the CAA serving your county. Texas has 38 CAAs statewide. Most require an in-person visit for the initial application, though some accept phone or online applications during extreme heat emergencies.
NuWatt Energy provides this guide as an educational resource. WAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, Austin Energy CAP, and CPS Energy REAP are government-administered programs -- NuWatt does not administer, fund, or process applications for these programs. All program details are sourced from TDHCA, SECO, and DOE documentation. For immediate assistance, dial 2-1-1 (available 24/7) or call TDHCA at 800-525-0657.
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Free weatherization, bill payment assistance, and crisis intervention are available for qualifying Texas households. Start by calling 2-1-1 -- one call connects you to everything.
Visit 211texas.org or tdhca.texas.gov/weatherization for more information.