Low-income Texans can qualify for an 82 percent reduction in their electricity bills f they apply by August 13. Customers with Austin Energy or electric co-ops don't qualify for the electricity credits because they didn't pay the surcharge that was created in 1999 and ends September 1. Customers who can choose their electricity providers are eligible for the credits on their bills.

To qualify, a customer must be at or below 125 percent of the federal poverty line. For a family of four that would be an income of $29,438.

Eighty-five percent of the Texans who would qualify are automatically enrolled because they are receiving food stamps or Medicaid. You still may qualify, but you must sign up for the program. Forms are available by calling 1-866-454-8387 or at www.liteuptexas.org . The state's 42 legal aid offices or www.Texaslawhelp.org also have forms.