Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund – Assistance Program

Do you need help covering the cost of the new charge on your electricity bill associated with the 2021 Winter Storm Uri?

The Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund assistance program provides bill credits to eligible low-income residential cooperative members to cover the cost of recently added bill charges due to the high costs incurred during Winter Storm Uri.

The Brazos Electric Ratepayer Hardship Fund has recently updated its eligibility criteria. Beginning October 1, 2023, households whose income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, instead of the previous 150% level, will be eligible. The fund has also extended the benefit period from 12 months to 24 months. For those who applied and were denied due to the previous income requirement, you may be eligible now. You may reapply under the new rules.

This Uri-related charge is labeled as the Securitization Fee on your cooperative’s electric bill.

  • Are you eligible?
    • Only current members are eligible to participate.
    • If member of your household meets the criteria for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), your household may qualify.
    • If not already a LIHEAP or SNAP participant, you may still qualify for assistance if your household income is at or below 200% of the poverty line.
  • Eligibility will last two years and can be renewed if eligibility requirements are still met after that period when you reapply.
  • If you qualify, the credit you receive may be the actual amount of the Uri-related charge or an estimated amount calculated pursuant to program rules. The assistance is intended to offset the amount of the monthly securitization fee that you are charged.

See brazoshardshipfund.com for information about the program and to submit your application. If you have questions about the program, you can also call 844-770-8549 during the hours of 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time.