For Texas Panhandle residents facing high home energy bills, Panhandle Community Services affirmed that utility assistance is still available to eligible households across the region's 26 counties, provided they have not already received that help in 2026.
However, waiting to apply could make it harder to get that help in time, according to KFDA.
Here's what to know
For households that remain eligible in 2026, applications are available both online and on paper.
KFDA noted that the program helps with home energy costs across the Texas Panhandle's 26-county area. Paper applications can be picked up at local Panhandle Community Services offices by people who have not yet received utility aid in 2026.
The agency told the outlet that processing for pre-screening intake can take up to 90 days.
KFDA said that timeline may run longer if an application is missing information or if demand increases during busier parts of the year.
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More background
Home energy use can climb quickly in the Texas Panhandle during periods of extreme weather.
Higher utility bills tend to hit lower-income households the hardest, because energy costs take up a larger share of their monthly income.
A landing page for Panhandle Community Services' Utility Assistance program explained how and why the initiative was so critical to the area.
"Next to the cost of rent or mortgage, utility costs significantly impact family budgets and overall household stability for low-income families," it read in part.
"The Utility Assistance Program is designed to prevent disconnects and stabilize utility costs for low-income households," the page continued.
Panhandle Community Services uses a combination of "public and private funds" to assist eligible Texans with unpaid utility debt to prevent a potentially dangerous shutoff during extreme heat.
The program also "provides families and individuals with educational information to help reduce their utility costs and budget counseling to help them manage the cost of their utilities."
The landing page explains what documentation eligible families need to supply to obtain such assistance.
What can be done?
Because Panhandle Community Services said intake processing may take up to 90 days, people who think they may qualify should consider applying as early as possible.
Panhandle Community Services offers two ways to apply: through the online application or by picking up a paper form at a local office.
The agency also said delays can increase when an application is missing required information or paperwork.
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