San Antonio Utility Bill Help 2026–27: CPS Energy Discounts, REAP and SAWS Uplift
In San Antonio, two city-owned utilities send most households their bills: CPS Energy for electricity and gas, and the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) for water and sewer. Both run their own help programs, and some of them work year-round, not just during a crisis.
This guide covers the main options for 2026–27: CPS Energy's monthly Affordability Discount, the REAP bill-assistance fund, Bexar County's utility assistance and SAWS Uplift's reduced water rates.
Last checked October 2026. Funding windows and amounts change, so confirm with each program before you apply.
First Step If You're Behind: Call CPS Energy
If you're at risk of disconnection, Bexar County's utility assistance page says to contact CPS Energy directly at 210-353-2222 to make payment arrangements. Do this even if you're applying for assistance, since applications take time to process.
Residential billing and service: 210-353-2222
Electric or gas emergency: 210-353-HELP (4357)
CPS Energy Community Engagement (bill help questions): 210-353-4483
CPS Energy Affordability Discount Program (ADP)
The Affordability Discount Program gives eligible low-income customers a monthly discount on electric and gas service. Unlike a one-time grant, it lowers your bill every month for a year.
Who qualifies
Your household income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and you must meet at least one of these:
Age 60 or older
A documented disability
Use life-sustaining medical equipment, such as an oxygen concentrator or ventilator
Children in the home (preschool-aged, or school-aged 18 or younger)
Energy-burdened: you spend more than 10% of your annual household income on energy
2026 income limits (gross monthly)
1 person: under $1,995
2 people: under $2,705
3 people: under $3,415
4 people: under $4,125
5 people: under $4,835
6 people: under $5,545
Add $710 for each additional person over 8
How much it saves
CPS Energy lists these discounts (effective February 2025):
Electric: $13.48 a month
Gas: $4.88 a month
Combined: $18.36 a month, or $220.32 a year
How to apply and renew
Apply in person at a CPS Energy Customer Service Center with your supporting documents, or call 210-353-2222. Enrollment lasts one year, and you must recertify every year.
REAP: Residential Energy Assistance Partnership
REAP is a nonprofit partnership of CPS Energy, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County that helps families pay their CPS Energy bills. CPS Energy contributes at least $1 million a year to the fund and handles fundraising and administration. The City of San Antonio and Bexar County handle applications.
What REAP provides
You may apply twice a year, for a total of up to $480 in REAP bill assistance per year, according to CPS Energy's REAP page.
Help arrives as a credit on your CPS Energy bill, not a check.
You'll also get information about weatherization, energy efficiency, senior aid and critical care programs.
You'll need proof of income, hardship and the number of people in your household.
How to apply
San Antonio residents: Use the City of San Antonio's online application. It requires an email address, which lets you check your application status and see average processing times.
Bexar County residents outside the city: Call 210-335-3666 for help.
Bexar County Utility Assistance (Seasonal Window)
Bexar County runs its own utility assistance application, which uses the state CEAP income guidelines. For 2026, the county's online application was open August 5 through August 31, 2026, and that window has now closed. Watch the county's Utility Assistance page for the next opening.
The county's 2026 income limits (150% of the federal poverty level) are:
1 person: $23,940 a year
2 people: $32,460
3 people: $40,980
4 people: $49,500
Add $8,520 for each person over 8
You must live in Bexar County, be a U.S. citizen or meet non-citizen criteria, and provide documents including proof of all gross income for all household members (such as pay stubs, Social Security or SSI letters, unemployment, child support or a SNAP award letter). Eligibility ends December 31 each year, so you must reapply annually.
SAWS Uplift: Reduced Water and Sewer Rates
SAWS runs the Uplift Assistance Program, which puts eligible households on lower affordability water and wastewater rates. Households inside or outside San Antonio city limits can apply.
Who qualifies
Household income must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty level. SAWS lists these annual limits:
1 person: $19,950
2 people: $27,050
3 people: $34,150
4 people: $41,250
5 people: $48,350
6 people: $55,450
What the lower rates look like
Under the Uplift rate schedule, inside city limits:
The first 2,000 gallons of water each month carry no volume charge, and the monthly service availability charge is $0 in Tier 1.
Higher usage is billed at reduced per-1,000-gallon rates.
The first 2,000 gallons of sewer volume also carry no charge.
That structure rewards conservation, so fixing leaks and running full loads makes the discount go further.
How to get help
Visit uplift.saws.org, call SAWS customer service at 210-704-SAWS (7297) (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), or contact the CARE line at 210-233-2273 or uplift@saws.org, as listed in CPS Energy's customer reference guide.
Which Program Should You Apply For First?
Behind on CPS Energy right now? Call 210-353-2222 for a payment arrangement, then apply for REAP.
Low income with kids, a senior or a disability? Enroll in the CPS Energy ADP for a steady monthly discount.
Water bill hard to afford? Apply for SAWS Uplift if your income is at or below 125% of poverty.
Missed the county window? Mark your calendar and watch for the next Bexar County utility assistance opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the CPS Energy Affordability Discount?
CPS Energy lists $13.48 a month for electric, $4.88 for gas, or $18.36 combined, which is $220.32 a year.
How do I apply for REAP in San Antonio?
San Antonio residents apply through the City of San Antonio's online application. Bexar County residents outside the city can call 210-335-3666.
What's the income limit for SAWS Uplift?
At or below 125% of the federal poverty level, such as $41,250 a year for a family of four.
Is the Bexar County utility assistance application open?
The 2026 online application ran from August 5 to August 31, 2026. Check the county's Utility Assistance page for the next window.
Do I need to reapply for these programs?
Yes. CPS Energy's ADP enrollment lasts one year, and Bexar County utility assistance eligibility ends December 31 each year.
This guide is general information. Confirm current program rules with CPS Energy, SAWS, the City of San Antonio and Bexar County.
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