Getting Help Paying Your First Choice Power Bill: Understanding the Care to Share Assistance Fund

Having trouble keeping up with your monthly electricity bill from First Choice Power? You’re not alone – thousands of Texas households struggle to afford their utility payments each year. The good news is that First Choice offers a bill payment assistance fund called Care to Share to help low-income customers in need.

Read on to learn all about eligibility, how to apply, and other ways to get help with your First Choice Power bill.

Overview of First Choice Power

First Choice Power is a retail electric provider serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers across deregulated energy markets in Texas. They offer competitive rate plans on month-to-month or fixed term contracts.

As an electricity supplier, First Choice Power delivers power over transmission lines owned by other utilities like Oncor or CenterPoint Energy. They handle billing customer service and competitive pricing.

Understanding the Care to Share Program

The First Choice Power Care to Share program provides emergency financial assistance to residential customers who are struggling to pay their electricity bill.

It is funded through donations from First Choice employees shareholders and other customers. Care to Share aid is administered locally in each county by nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

Some key facts about Care to Share assistance:

• Provides up to $750 per household in a 12 month period
• Helps avoid disconnection for non-payment
• Prioritizes seniors, families with children under 10, and disabled
• Requires meeting income eligibility guidelines
• Applicants must have a past due balance or disconnection notice

The funding is limited and applicants are not guaranteed help. But it can provide a lifeline for those facing utility shut offs.

Am I Eligible for Care to Share Bill Assistance?

To qualify for Care to Share assistance with your First Choice Power bill, applicants must meet criteria including:

• Having an active account with a past due balance
• Facing disconnection or already disconnected
• Meeting income thresholds based on household size
• Having a personal or financial crisis leading to non-payment
• Exhausted other utility bill aid programs
• No history of fraud or meter tampering

Income limits range from $24,120 annually for a single adult to $68,500 for a family of 4. Check with your local administering agency for full eligibility guidelines.

How Do I Apply for Care to Share with First Choice Power?

To seek Care to Share emergency bill payment help from First Choice Power:

• Contact First Choice customer service at 1-866-469-2464 for a referral
• Reach out to a local nonprofit social service agency
• Call 2-1-1 to be connected with resources in your area
• Apply directly through an approved partner agency

You’ll need to provide identity verification, income documentation, and a past due or disconnection notice. Agencies will determine final eligibility and aid amounts.

Other Ways to Get Help with Your First Choice Power Bill

In addition to Care to Share assistance, here are some other resources for managing First Choice Power bills:

• Payment arrangements – First Choice offers flexible payment plans to spread costs over time
• Energy efficiency upgrades – Reduce usage and bills through home weatherization
• Budget billing – Pay a fixed monthly amount to even out seasonal changes
• LIHEAP – Federally funded utility bill assistance program distributed locally
• State elderly and disability assistance – Programs like Energy Crisis Intervention for Texans over 60 and those with disabilities
• Churches and nonprofits – Some faith groups and charities offer limited utility bill aid

Every little bit helps when affording essential electricity service. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help with payment.

Tips to Reduce Your Monthly Electricity Bill

In addition to financial assistance, you can lower your First Choice Power bill by:

• Turning up your thermostat in summer and down in winter
• Switching old appliances and bulbs for more energy efficient models
• Unplugging devices and electronics when not in use
• Using power strips to cut phantom load waste
• Adding insulation and sealing leaks to improve efficiency
• Utilizing fans and window shades instead of A/C when possible
• Running large appliances like washers and dishwashers at off-peak times
• Entering a lower cost, pre-paid plan if eligible

Monitoring your daily use and implementing conservation measures at home makes a big impact on electricity costs!

Can I Donate to the Care to Share Fund?

Yes! Contributions from First Choice Power customers help provide emergency bill payment assistance to those in need.

You can easily donate online through your First Choice account. Even a few dollars makes a difference for struggling families.

100% of donations go to helping customers in crisis keep their lights on. There are no administrative fees taken from your gift.

The First Choice Power Care to Share program offers a valuable source of bill payment aid for eligible customers facing disconnection. In addition to applying for assistance, reducing energy use and entering payment plans can help manage electricity costs. Reach out for help to avoid service interruptions and keep your household powered.