Bill Payment Assistance

Operation Round-Up: Neighbors Helping Neighbors

At San Bernard Electric Cooperative, we believe in the power of community—neighbors looking out for one another. That’s exactly what Operation Round-Up is all about.

When you choose to participate, your spare change becomes a lifeline for members who may be struggling—often elderly or disabled neighbors on fixed incomes, or families facing unexpected hardships. It also helps strengthen the very fabric of our communities by supporting local non-profits, including volunteer fire departments and other organizations that keep us safe.

Here’s how it works: SBEC simply rounds your monthly bill up to the next dollar. For example, if your bill is $126.50, we round it to $127.00. That extra 50 cents goes directly into the Operation Round-Up Fund. While no member contributes more than $11.88 a year, when we join together, these small amounts add up to make a big difference.

Your generosity not only helps keep the lights on for fellow members but also provides hope, dignity, and support in times of need. It’s a simple way to live out the cooperative spirit and remind each other that no one stands alone.

If you’d like to give a little extra, or if you know someone who may need assistance, please call us at 979-865-3171 or visit our Bellville office. Every dollar is distributed fairly and with care, ensuring it goes where it’s needed most.

Together, we can turn small change into big change—for our members, for our neighbors, and for the communities we call home.

Members who are facing financial hardship may apply for assistance through Operation Round-Up.

To qualify, applicants will complete a phone interview with an SBEC employee, who will gather information such as household income, sources of income, number of people in the home, and any documentation of disability or crisis. Assistance is available only to SBEC members and is applied directly to the member’s utility bill.

Each request may provide up to $150 in assistance, with a maximum of $500 per year, per member. All applications are reviewed and distributed fairly in accordance with SBEC guidelines, without regard to race, national origin, age, disability, religion, or lifestyle. To request assistance, please call our Bellville office at (979) 865-3171.

The following governmental or social service agencies may be able to assist you if your are having trouble making your payment for electric service to SBEC.

Austin County, Colorado County

Combined Community Action
165 West Austin
Giddings, TX 78942
(979) 540-2980, 1-800-688-9065

Lavaca County

Combined Community Action
4007 Halsey Street
P O Box 3607
Victoria, TX 77903
(361) 578-2989, 1-800-695-0314

Montgomery County

Society of Samaritans
31355 Industrial Lane, Suite 500
Magnolia, TX 77353
(281) 252-9647 or (281) 259-8452

Waller County

Brazos Valley Community Action Agency
1500 University Drive East
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 846-1100

United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast

531 - FM 359 South
Brookshire, TX 77423
(281) 822-4200, 1-800-366-3025

Grimes County

Brazos Valley Community Action Agency
1500 University Drive East
College Station, TX 77840
(979) 846-1100

Public Utility Commission

1701 North Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 936-7000
Link to Public Utility Commission of Texas
The telephone number for the teletypewriter for the deaf is (512) 936-7136 TTY.