City of Austin Utilities steps up to aid those affected by the government shutdown
November 3, 2025
City of Austin Utilities is taking proactive steps to help those affected by the SNAP benefit disruptions during the ongoing federal government shutdown.
As customers reach out for information on assistance due to the shutdown, Austin Energy, which manages customer care and billing for City of Austin Utilities, is:
- Providing immediate information on payment flexibility options including payment arrangements.
- Offering a 30-day pause on any immediate collections activity and providing flexible reconnection options should a household be impacted with a service interruption.
- Providing direction to possible assistance beyond the utility through United Way’s 2-1-1 resource line.
The Customer Assistance Program (CAP), administered by City of Austin Utilities, provides a suite of support services for community members experiencing financial hardship, serious medical conditions or other vulnerabilities that may impact their ability to pay for or maintain utility services. These efforts align with the city ’s broader goal of ensuring equitable access to essential services for all Austinites.
Approximately 33% of participants who qualify for the CAP do so through SNAP enrollment.
Other Customer Assistance Programs include:
- CAP Utility Bill Discounts. Eligible Austinites can receive automatic monthly discounts on electric, water, wastewater and drainage charges.
- Financial Support Plus 1. A crisis assistance fund designed to help customers facing temporary financial hardship due to medical emergencies, job loss or other urgent needs.
- Services for the Medically Vulnerable. Provides individualized utility account support and emergency planning resources for community members with a qualifying medical condition.
- Weatherization Assistance. In partnership with Austin Energy, CAP offers no-cost home energy improvements to reduce energy usage and enhance safety and comfort. The goal is to reduce energy burden, improve health and safety outcomes and support climate resilience.
Additionally, community members are invited to attend Austin Energy’s annual Community Connections Resource Fair. It’s a free, family-friendly event that connects our community to more than 100 City of Austin, nonprofit and local service providers.
This year’s event will be:
Saturday, Nov. 15
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Eastside Early College High School
900 Thompson St.
Austin, TX 78702
The Community Connections Resource Fair will provide:
- A drive-thru food bank,
- Access to health services and vaccinations,
- Useful information from Austin Resource Recovery, Austin Water and other City and county agencies, and
- City resources designed to help lower utility bills.