HOUSTON — Reliant launched its annual Beat the Heat program in Houston, providing free cooling centers, portable air conditioners, and financial assistance. These services are available across the Houston area for seniors, people with disabilities, and families who may not have adequate cooling at home.

The initiative includes cooling centers established through partnerships with the Houston Health Department, Harris County Precinct 2, Community Family Centers, and Tejano Center. These locations provide air-conditioned spaces for individuals to cool off when temperatures are high. Residents can sign up for AlertHouston notifications to receive updates on emergency cooling center openings. Reliant's portable air conditioner program also helps eligible seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families who do not have other means to cool their homes.

The program offers cooling center locations at several multi-service centers in Houston, including Acres Homes at 6719 W. Montgomery Rd., Alief Neighborhood Center at 11903 Bellaire Blvd., Denver Harbor at 6402 Market St., and Hiram Clarke at 3810 W. Fuqua St. Other locations include Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center at 4410 Reed Rd., Third Ward at 3611 Ennis St., West End at 170 Heights Blvd., Kashmere at 4802 Lockwood Dr., Magnolia at 7037 Capitol St., and Northeast at 9720 Spaulding St. Additional cooling locations are available through Harris County Precinct 2 community centers in Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Channelview, and Seabrook. Residents needing an air conditioning unit may qualify for assistance through Harris County Precinct 2's air conditioner program; information is available by calling 713-274-2222.

Reliant also provides financial assistance through its CARE program to help qualifying customers pay their electricity bills. Reliant states it has provided more than $18 million in statewide assistance through agency partners since 2002.