Reliant Energy is sponsoring cooling centers across Texas as an early stretch of triple-digit heat continues across much of the state. In Dallas, Reliant has "Beat the Heat" centers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center near Fair Park and West Dallas Multipurpose Center.
"One thing I think we can all agree on is no one should have to put their health at risk by choosing not to run their A/C," says Reliant's Phillip Fite.
"If you just want to come hang out, we play TV, movies and all kinds of things during the day," says Dallas City Councilman Omar Narvaez. "Of course, we'll have water, light snacks if you need to stop and beat the heat."
Reliant is also sponsoring cooling centers operated by the Salvation Army in other North Texas cities and has cooling centers in other parts of Texas. A complete list is available at https://www.reliant.com/en/about/community/beat-the-heat.
Dallas County Health and Human Services says it also has case workers available to help low income residents apply for help.
The county's Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program can provide help paying electricity and natural gas bills for low income residents. The health department's Marisa Gonzales says this year, the program is also providing help with water bills.
She says households with elderly residents or kids five and younger will be given priority.
"Statistics show they are the most vulnerable to the high cost of energy," Gonzales says.
More information is available by calling (214) 819-1848 or visiting https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/comprehensive-energy-assistance-program.php.
Dallas County can also provide weatherization assistance. People can apply by calling (214) 819-1909 or visiting https://www.dallascounty.org/departments/dchhs/weatherization.php.
"The purpose of this program is to reduce household energy usage, address health and safety needs and offer minor home repairs through the installation of approved weather materials," Gonzales says.
People who meet income guidelines can also get a free window air conditioner.
Reliant says it has provided $1 million in customer assistance and will donate 1,000 evaporative coolers.
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