RESIDENTIAL ENERGY ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP (REAP) HELPS THOSE STRUGGLING TO PAY THEIR ENERGY BILL
Community is encouraged to learn more about REAP and how to help those in need.
San Antonio, Texas – (April 29, 2020) – Over the past several weeks, COVID-19 has presented many opportunities for our community to band together and assist those who have been severely impacted by the pandemic. The need to help those struggling to pay for necessities like food, water, and energy has never been so important.
CPS Energy continues to partner with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, to assist our community’s most vulnerable citizens who are struggling to pay their energy bill. Specifically through the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP), the City of San Antonio and Bexar County process thousands of customer applications, while CPS Energy contributes at least $1 million a year to the program and handles the program’s marketing, fundraising, and back office administrative requirements.
In 2019, CPS Energy raised an additional $367,000 for REAP through extra contributions on CPS Energy bills, employee United Way pledges, and the company’s November GrillsGiving event. REAP provides energy bill assistance, up to two times a year to qualifying customers based on annual funds available.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created greater needs in our community and has put unanticipated financial pressure on our neighbors, friends, and relatives. It is so encouraging every day to hear stories of San Antonians stepping up to help each other. So, no matter how big or small, if you can, please donate to REAP or other local organizations to help our community stabilize, rally, and rebuild during these challenging times,” said Paula Gold-Williams, President & CEO of CPS Energy.
Established in 2002, REAP has provided financial assistance for energy services to more than 7,000 families per year. REAP participants receive credits directly to their energy bills, ensuring they don’t have to wait for a check or worry about managing those funds.
Giving to REAP is easy via cpsenergy.com/REAP. Customers can also add a few dollars to their utility payment online or indicate the amount they would like to give on their paper bill stub. Customers can contribute by texting “REAPSATX” to “41444.” Once the text is sent, a link will be provided to make a secure credit card or PayPal donation. For additional assistance with contributing to REAP, customers and community partners can e-mail [email protected] or call (210) 353-GIVE (4483).
CPS Energy continues to stand ready to help any customer in need and has suspended disconnecting service due to non-payment. Customers are encouraged to call CPS Energy at 210-353-2222 to discuss payment plan options. Participating in a payment plan allows a customer’s applicable late fees to be waived. CPS Energy has a variety of money-saving and general assistance programs designed to help all customers who are experiencing a hardship. For a list of money-saving and assistance programs, visit www.cpsenergy.com/assistance or call 210-353-2222 to speak to an Energy Advisor. To pay by phone, call (877) 257-1172. To mail a payment, include your bill and payment to CPS Energy, P.O. Box 2678, San Antonio, TX 78289.
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