Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and Reliant officially launch the 2021 Beat the Heat Program

HOUSTON – Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia, and Reliant officially launched the 2021 Beat the Heat Program.

For the 16th consecutive year, Reliant’s Beat the Heat Program will help Houston-area residents stay cool and manage their electricity use during the hot summer months. Reliant’s $70,000 donation to the program will allow the Houston Health Department’s Area Agency on Aging to continue to offer portable air conditioners to qualifying individuals.

“The hot weather every summer takes a toll on our most vulnerable Houstonians,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This program gives them a chance to keep their homes cool and manage the potential for high electricity bills. I thank Reliant for making sure that Houstonians are equipped with the right tools to beat this summer’s heat and avoid any heat-related illnesses or complications.”

The City of Houston is encouraging older adults, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals/families who do not have means to cool their homes to call the Houston Health Department’s Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301 and apply for the program.

Due to the pandemic, the City of Houston, will open its cooling centers only in the event of heat emergencies. Proper social distancing and sanitation measures will be in place to ensure safety in the cooling centers. To be notified when emergency cooling centers open, please register for AlertHouston notifications. You may also call 3-1-1, or visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website for updates and locations.

Click here to learn more about the Beat the Heat Program and for tips on how to stay cool this summer.