Governor Greg Abbott announced $166 million in energy assistance funds to help low-income families maintain safe housing and manage utility costs. According to a June 9 press release from the Governor’s Office, the award funds will be administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), with program services set to roll out on Jan. 1, 2027.
The grant funding is intended to support income-eligible households through direct utility bill payment assistance, consumer counseling, and case management designed to help families achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
The funds can be used to purchase and install energy-efficient heating, cooling, or refrigeration systems for eligible residents. Abbott emphasized that the grants are aimed at providing critical support to households at risk of health or financial crises by ensuring their homes remain safe from extreme temperatures year-round.
The initiatives will be implemented at the local level by 35 government or nonprofit contract holders, covering all 254 counties across Texas. TDHCA Executive Director Bobby Wilkinson noted that the funding provides vital assurance to vulnerable populations—particularly families with young children or elderly residents facing steep medical bills—helping them avoid energy-related crises.
The total allocation is backed by federal resources provided through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).