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,  at  1-866-222-7100 or on the Reliant app to learn more.

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 generous customer, corporate and employee 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 qualify for federal assistance, 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. Since 2005, more than $11 million has been distributed.

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

As part of our COVID-19 relief efforts, 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 50% 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.



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.

What our customers are saying

Having electricity is very important during this pandemic, so it is reassuring to know that Reliant is available to help in whatever way we need them.

– Lesley T., Dallas, TX

They're understanding and always willing to work with me if I can't pay all my bills on time, especially during the pandemic.

– Yvette J., Arlington, TX

Kept their word on transferring my services — even with the pandemic.

– Anna Z., Houston, TX

I have been on many phone calls recently where companies are asking for payment, but I don’t have any money. It’s a hard time, and nobody wants to be in this situation. Your staff was very kind and helpful, and they treated me with empathy and respect. It was really the best call I’ve been on in these circumstances.

– Micah H., Waco, TX

They helped me get small savings on my bill. With this pandemic going on, it helps financially.

– Adrian A., Mission, TX

The assistance is appreciated during this time of crisis.

– Carmelita B., Houston, TX

The representative was friendly and helpful and adjusted our bill during the pandemic.

– Mary H., Houston, TX

My family has been affected by COVID-19 and had to terminate the lease for our Daughter's home early. The Reliant representative I spoke with kindly waived the early termination fee of $150 for our 12-month agreement with Reliant. There have already been financial burdens associated with COVID-19 impacting our home and to know there was some relief in not having to pay this was a blessing!

– Richard W., Belton, TX

I’m affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and Reliant didn’t shut off my power. Instead, they extended my due date, so I can have electricity through these hard times!

– Darrell W., Fort Worth, TX

Reliant appeared to really care about my financial struggles through my layoff due to the Coronavirus. I’m awaiting word from unemployment. I’ve been a Reliant customer for 11 years.

– Mary B., Arlington, TX

Extremely helpful. Considering the situation with COVID-19, Reliant is willing to work with me since my hours are cut.

– Natasha L., Midland, TX

Customer service is very understanding, especially with what’s going on with this virus. People are out of work and Reliant is helping to keep the lights on for family, children, and friends so that’s very important.

– Norma C., Houston, TX