We want to give everyone in our communities access to the electricity they need to live comfortably, regardless of their financial situations. Please see the financial aid options below. You can contact us via online chat, 1-866-222-7100 or on the Reliant app to learn more.
Texas Rent Relief Program
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has emergency funds available to help Texas renters impacted by COVID-19. If you're unable to pay your rent or utility bills (including past-due balances), you may qualify for assistance. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are committed.
You can find out more information and apply online on the Texas Rent Relief website.
If you have questions, you can contact the Texas Rent Relief program at 1-833-989-7368 from Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. or email info@texasrentrelief.com.
Community Assistance by Reliant Energy (CARE) Program
Reliant provides financial assistance to customers facing hardship to help pay their electricity bill through our CARE program. This initiative is made possible thanks to Reliant and customer contributions.
If you need help paying your electricity bill, call 2-1-1 or visit 211texas.org for agency assistance near you. If you don’t meet the federal guideline criteria, inform the 211 representative that you are a Reliant customer and would like information on agencies that have support from the Community Assistance from Reliant Energy (CARE) program. If you qualify, it may take up to 8 weeks to receive financial assistance.
Please note that 2-1-1 Texas does not administer funds directly. Assistance is issued at the discretion of our agency partners to eligible customers, and it may not cover your entire electricity bill. We’re proud to say that in true Texas spirit, Reliant has provided more than $12 million in statewide agency assistance since 2002.
To find CARE agencies or donate to the program, click here.
Payment Extensions
Under certain conditions, we allow payment due date extensions. If granted an extension, you will be allowed extra time beyond your original due date to pay your balance without fear of disconnection. However, you may be assessed a 5% late fee, a disconnection notice fee (if you received a disconnection notice), and a disconnect recovery fee.
If you received a disconnection notice and a payment due date extension is needed, it must be requested prior to the disconnection notice due date.
If you are on AutoPay, you must contact us at least three business days before your bill is due so we can deactivate your automatic payment.
If you are seriously ill, you may qualify for other options. Please call 1-866-222-7100 to discuss your situation with an agent.
To request a payment extension, please call 1-866-222-7100 or apply online here.
Deferred Payment Plans
Deferred payment plans will be offered to all customers upon request. Deferred payment plans allow you to pay the balance you owe in installments along with your regular monthly bill.
On a deferred payment plan, you are typically expected to pay a percentage of what you owe upfront. You will pay the rest in installments along with your next few current monthly bills (invoices).
If you agree to a deferred payment plan, you will not be able to switch to another electricity provider until your deferred balance is paid in full.
If eligible, your outstanding balance for electricity and late charges can be paid off in a deferred payment plan. Amounts you owe for protection plan products (e.g., Surge Protect, AC/Heat Protect), enrollment deposits, final bills and write-off amounts may not be included. However, if you are seriously ill, you may qualify for other options. Please call 1-866-222-7100 to discuss your situation with an agent.
To request a deferred payment plan online, click here.
New! Borrow Money with Zirtue
We’re excited to offer even more ways to pay your bill using Zirtue.* It’s a quick, easy and secure way to get your bills paid fast by requesting a loan from your friends, family and close relationships via the Zirtue app.
What to expect
1. Click here to register for a free mobile Zirtue account. You will need to download the app. It’s easy!
2. Once fully registered, select "Borrow" from the app home screen and then "Direct-Bill Pay." This will ensure funds come straight to Reliant, paying your bill in real time.
3. Complete the bill payment details by selecting "Reliant" as the company and enter the mobile phone number of the person you're borrowing from.
4. Lastly, create a repayment plan with your lender that works for you. Get started ››
Reliant Energy Retail Services LLC dba Reliant is not affiliated with and does not endorse Zirtue or the products and services it offers. Reliant makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the products or services of Zirtue.
Lighting the Way in our Communities
Through the Reliant Gives community program, we’re supporting our neighbors and customers across Texas in the battle against COVID-19. Find out more.