Christian Assistance Ministry sees the need firsthand. At the beginning of each month, its waiting room fills with people needing help to pay their energy bills.
SAN ANTONIO — On Thursday, San Antonio City Council will decide if more families will be able to save money through CPS Energy’s Affordability Discount Program.
Currently, in order to qualify, households must meet one of five criteria:
- Be 60 years of age or older
- Have a disability
- Use life-sustaining medical equipment
- Have children 18 years old or younger
- Or have proved their energy bill is more than 10% their annual household income
In addition, a family’s household income must be at or below 125% the federal poverty level.
City Council is considering an ordinance that will expand eligibility by increasing the household income requirement to at or below 150% the federal poverty level.
If passed, a family of four, for example, would have to make $46,800 per year or less to quality for the discount program. Currently, they have to make much less: $39,000 or less.
Here’s how other family sizes would be impacted:
“I’m hoping that we get a consensus and we were able to highlight this and speak on how important it is that we take care of those that are kind of struggling after COVID, and also with the growing prices of just about everything,” said Phyllis Viagran, the council member who represents District 3. “This was a long time coming. This is going to help my residents. It’s going to help a lot of residents city-wide.”
The change, if approved, will be temporary, lasting only two years.
“I think the two years is currently (what) we have funding for,” Viagran said. “I think now we’re going to lead into a bigger conversation as we look at CPS, and what we are getting from CPS annually, and see how we can contribute to this program specifically.”
Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM) sees the need firsthand. At the beginning of each month, their waiting room fills up with people looking for help paying their energy bills.
“Any help that the city can give in decreasing the burden that people are carrying… we are carrying a burden, especially after COVID,” said Diane Trujillo, director of social services with CAM. “With the CPS, many people are playing catch up. It would relieve the burden for them, for many of them.”
San Antonio City Council will be voting on the proposed ordinance Thursday when it convenes at 9 a.m. at City Hall. The council meeting will be held at City Hall. For more information on CPS Energy’s Affordability Discount Program, click HERE.
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