Dallas County proclaims National Energy Assistance Day as SEAP readies $13M budget for 2026
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Summary
The court proclaimed Feb. 2 as National Energy Assistance Day and heard that the county’s SEAP program has a 2026 budget of over $13 million and relies on utility partners to prevent disconnections for low‑income residents.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court on Feb. 3 unanimously proclaimed Feb. 2, 2026, as National Energy Assistance Day and recognized the county’s Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (SEAP) for its role aiding low‑income households.
Deepa Putupakam, program manager for SEAP, told the court the program received a 2026 budget of more than $13,000,000 and highlighted partnerships with utilities that supplement county funds to stabilize customers' accounts. "This year for 2026 we have received a budget of over $13,000,000 which I hope will go a long way in helping the residents of Dallas County," Putupakam said.
The program administers federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds, allocated through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, and provides crisis assistance during extreme weather or imminent disconnection. County staff said SEAP assisted approximately 8,936 unduplicated Dallas County households in fiscal year 2025 and that utility partners such as TXU Energy, NRG and Atmos Energy provide supplemental, one‑time donations when clients exhaust county funds.
Kim Campbell of TXU Energy and Diana Maron of Atmos Energy thanked the court and emphasized longstanding partnerships. "Dallas County's been a partner of ours for more than 20 years," Campbell said, noting the companies' roles in helping customers who do not meet program thresholds.
Health officials and commissioners framed SEAP as a public‑health and equity intervention that prevents utility disconnection and associated health risks. Dr. Wong (Public Health Advisory Committee) praised the program’s role linking social services and health protection, especially during extreme weather events.
The court’s proclamation encourages eligible residents to seek assistance and calls on partners to support outreach and service delivery. The court asked staff to continue reporting program outcomes and to coordinate with utility partners to maximize stabilizing funds.
Next steps: Dallas County Health and Human Services will continue outreach to eligible households, coordinate with utility partners for supplemental funds, and report program metrics to the court.
