EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — As utility bills climb across the El Paso area, a key program that helps low-income residents keep the lights on is cutting back on how much assistance it can provide — and closing applications earlier than usual.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs distributes federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds to local organizations, including Project Bravo, a nonprofit that helps residents cover utility bills. According to TDHCA, the maximum assistance a household can receive is $12,600, but that soon may change.
Laura Ponce, executive director of Project Bravo, said rising utility costs are forcing the agency to reduce assistance per household, so it does not run out of money…