State: Texas

Funding

 

Yes or No

Comment

1

Do annual SBC dollars directly go up/down based on the level of LIHEAP dollars?

No

 

2

Do SBC benefit levels directly go up/down based on the LIHEAP benefit provided?

No

Universal service provides a percentage discount off bill.

3

Does LIHEAP/WAP determine the allocation between program components?

No

Texas PUC determines allocation.

4

Do LIHEAP benefits go up/down depending on the level of the SBC benefit.?

No

 

Oversight

1

Does LIHEAP/WAP set the size of the overall budget?

No

PUC sets size of rate discount.

2

Does LIHEAP do the program evaluation for SBC expenditures?

Yes

 

3

Does the LIHEAP office audit whether utilities make correct SBC payments?

No

 

4

Does LIHEAP provide the daily staffing for SBC program administration?

No

 

5

Does LIHEAP do data collection on SBC recipients?

Yes

 

Administration

1

Are there explicit differences in SBC and LIHEAP eligibility?

Maybe

Universal service eligibility set by statute: 125% Poverty.

2

Are there explicit differences in the energy bill paid by SBC and LIHEAP?

No

 

3

Does LIHEAP set the amount of the SBC benefit?

No

 

4

Does LIHEAP/WAP promulgate SBC program rules?

Yes

Recommends rules to PUC which then approves.

5

Does LIHEAP provide the computer connection between utilities and the SBC program?

None

 

6

Is SBC administration centralized at the state level?

Yes

 

Outreach

1

Does receiving LIHEAP automatically enroll a consumer to receive SBC?

Yes

Automatic enrolllment based on three programs, one of which is LIHEAP.

2

Can a household receive SBC without receiving LIHEAP?

Yes

 

3

Are there explicit differences in the target population for SBC and LIHEAP?

No

 

4

Does LIHEAP provide consumer outreach unique to the SBC program?

Not Applicable

Texas has automatic enrollment for LIHEAP.

Delivery

1

Do all SBC recipients also receive LIHEAP?

No

 

2

All application forms for LIHEAP and SBC the same (WAP and SBC)?

No

 

3

Are time periods within which consumers may apply for LIHEAP and SBC the same?

No

 

4

Are intake agencies identical for SBC and LIHEAP?

No

 

5

Do LIHEAP pay SBC benefits directly to the consumer or to utility on consumer's behalf?

No

Universal service benefits are a percentage discount off electric rates.

6

Does LIHEAP provide notices of the need for periodic income recertification?

No

 

Contact Person

 

Ms. Peggy Colvin
Program Manager
Energy Assistance Section
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs
and Community Affairs
P.O. Box 13941
Austin, Texas 78711-3941
TEL: (512) 475-3864
FAX: (512) 475-3935
E-MAIL: pcolvin@tdhca.state.tx.us