PILLAR: Vibrant
AGENDA DATE: August 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Office of Housing and Community Empowerment
PRIORITY: N/A
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Title
Authorize (1) the implementation of the Energy and Utilities Assistance Program; (2) the acceptance of donations from energy and utility providers in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00 to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis and who reside in the City of Dallas, as further described in the Program Statement attached as Exhibit A; (3) an increase in appropriations in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00 in the OCC Energy Assistance Fund; (4) the receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $1,900,000.00 in the OCC Energy Assistance Fund; and (5) the execution of agreements with energy and utility providers to implement this program, and any and all documents required by the agreements - Not to exceed $1,900,000.00 - Financing: OCC Energy Assistance Fund
*In alignment with Drivers of Opportunity nexus.
Body
BACKGROUND
The Office of Housing and Community Empowerment (OHCE) provides utility assistance to individuals and families experiencing a temporary financial crisis in the City of Dallas (City). Since 2019, the City has periodically accepted private donations from energy and water providers to provide temporary financial relief to households most vulnerable to the high utility costs. The donations received from these providers are reserved for their customers. Customers experiencing difficulty in paying their utility bills have an option to reach out to the OHCE’s community services intake line for assistance or apply in-person through social services provided at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. Provider rules limit how often the City may assist a customer within a 12-month period.
How the Program Works:
• City receives donations from energy and utilities providers (Provider) to provide financial assistance.
• Residential customers of Providers apply for bill assistance from the City.
• OHCE qualifies customers to be a client based on proof of financial hardship, Dallas residency, and the Provider’s established eligibility standards.
• If determined eligible, OHCE makes a pledge of payment on behalf of the client.
• City remits payment to Provider with supporting documentation of payment.
• Payment should be remitted within 30-45 days from the pledge date.
• OHCE sends the Provider a report monthly via email recording activity and balance of funds.
OCC Energy Assistance is the name of the fund. OCC refers to the former Office of Community Care.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On August 14, 2019, the City Council authorized acceptance of donations from electric and energy providers in the amount of $600,000.00, through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who were experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2019 through September 30, 2020, by Resolution No. 19-1111.
On September 9, 2020, the City Council authorized acceptance of donations from electric and energy providers in the amount of $500,000.00, through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who were experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2020, through September 30, 2021, by Resolution No. 20-1317.
On September 22, 2021, the City Council authorized acceptance of donations from electric and energy providers in the amount of $600,000.00, through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who were experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2022, through September 30, 2023, by Resolution No. 21-1546.
On August 23, 2023, the City Council authorized an extension to the current Office of Community Care (OCC) energy assistance program; the acceptance of donations in the amount of $1,900,000.00 from electric and energy providers through the social services teams at the West Dallas Multipurpose Center and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, to provide temporary financial assistance to individuals and families who are experiencing a temporary financial crisis for the period August 30, 2023 through September 30, 2026; and execution of agreements and any other necessary documents with electric and energy providers by Resolution No. 23-1143.
The Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on August 17, 2026. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=15764214&GUID=F856525C-CBAB-4536-8A4A-6FFEEF89687C>
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on August 21, 2026. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY25-26%20Memos/Upcoming%20OHCE%20Agenda%20Items%20Friday%20Memo.pdf>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2026 |
FY 2027 |
Future Years |
|
OCC Energy Assistance Fund |
$0.00 |
$1,900,000.00 |
$0.00 |