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HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2016-10-25 Item 2C - Discussion - Customer Assistance Programs for Water, Sewer and Surface WaterCity of Tukwila Allan Ekberg, Mayor Public Works Department - Bob Giberson, Director INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM To: Utilities Committee From: Bob Giberson, Public Works Director By: Gail Labanara, Public Works Analyst CC: Mayor Ekberg Date: October 21, 2016 Subject: Customer Assistance Programs for Water, Sewer, and Surface Water ISSUE Discuss Customer Assistance Programs (CAP's) for the City's water, sewer, and surface water fees. BACKGROUND Tukwila Municipal Code 14.04.240 allows seniors (62 and older), as well as permanently disabled owners, purchasers, or renters making less than $32,000 annually, a 50% discount rate on City utility bills. Attached is the application for reduced rates. DISCUSSION The Customer Assistance reduced rates are based on status of age or disability only, with no considerations given to very low income households, (30% of median income) who make $24,030 or less for a household of two, using 2016 federal housing and urban development guidelines. Considering Tukwila's current demographics of poverty (23.1% of families in poverty and 24% of individuals), Council has suggested reevaluating the city's subsidized rates to be more inclusive of very low income residents, independent of their age and disability status. FINANCIAL IMPACT The City's proposed 2017 utility rate increases will cost a single family household an additional annual increase of $46.32 (or $5.66 /month). Currently 79 water accounts, out of 1,266 or 6 %, are currently signed up for senior /disabled low- income assistance through the City of Tukwila's water /sewer utility. Of note, in 2012, we had 62 accounts signed up for discounts. The approximate annual cost to each utility is; Water $17,064.00 (Avg water bill $432 /year, with $17.00 base * 79 accounts) Sewer 34,706.28 (50% of $73.22 * 79 accounts * 12 months) Surface Water 11,970.00 (Currently 140 accounts citywide, 50% of $171* 140) Total is $63,740.28 The 50% discount only applies to the City of Tukwila's utilities and does not apply to the entire City that also includes Water District 125, Highline Water District, and Valley View Sewer District. The other separate Utility Districts encompass most of the residential population as the City of Tukwila's water /sewer jurisdiction includes the Commercial Business District (CBD) and small pockets of residential customers. For example, the ratio for City of Tukwila's water /sewer customers has 79% commercial, 12% multi - family, and 9% residential. Attached is a spreadsheet for low- income discounts that are available citywide with all of the different utilities. Both Cascade Water Alliance and King County Sewage Treatment are increasing their charges every year and along with increases to the City's salaries and healthcare benefits, each of the water, sewer, and surface water funds use reserve balances for the annual operations and maintenance costs along with the capital projects. 39 W: \PW Eng \ OTHER \Gail Labanara Mater & Sewer Documents \Into Memo Low Income Discounts 2016 - sb.docx Informational Memo Page 2 The senior /disabled low- income discount allows for a 50% discount on the entire City of Tukwila's sewer bill. The proposed 2017 sewer charge will be $73.22 a month, with $44.22 submitted directly to the King County Sewage Treatment and the remaining $29.00 covers the City's operations and maintenance as well as any City capital projects. King County does not offer a discount to the $44.22, so the entire 50% discount is covered directly from the City's sewer ratepayers. Also affecting only the City of Tukwila's utilities is the 10% utility tax that has been incorporated for the City's water, sewer, and surface water funds. Tukwila's interfund utility tax is not citywide and is not shared by the other independent utilities in the City. The interfund utility tax has a significant financial impact to all three of the City's utilities. Capital projects are also a huge concern to each enterprise fund as most of the City's infrastructure was installed in the late 1960's and early 1970's. The water and sewer mains are now over 50 years old and are reaching their useful life cycle. The cost of each main break is significantly higher than completing an ongoing capital replacement project. There is currently a backlog of capital projects in the water and sewer fund as each fund has to balance expenditures with revenue. As revenue is reduced, so are the capital projects, which then cause the ongoing backlog and an increase in emergency breaks. Also, if we were to have the 50% discount available to all low- income households as opposed to just the senior /permanently disabled low- income households, we would have to require confirmation every year for qualification. The income status of households may change, so the low- income discount would have to be verified annually. With only the low- income senior /disabled discount that we currently have, we do not verify their status each year. The annual verification would require additional staff time. POSSIBLE OPTIONS 1) Increase the income limit, currently at $32,000, to $34,000 or $35,000. 2) Increase the discount from 50% to 60 %. 3) Allow for temporary assistance up to a certain dollar amount for a specific period of time 4) Add funds to Human Services, which would assist the entire population of Tukwila, rather than subsidize a certain amount of Tukwila's population by other utility ratepayers. Again, as the CAP's utility discount is codified in the Tukwila Municipal Code, we will have to return with an Ordinance for any changes. RECOMMENDATION Information only. Attachments: Tukwila's application for reduced rates on water, sewer, and surface water Citywide Utility/Tax Discount Information Select pages from EPA April 2016 Report 40 W: \PW Eng \OTHER \Gail Labanara \Water & Sewer Documents \Info Memo Low Income Discounts 2016 - sb.docx CITY OF TUKWILA Finance Department 6200 Southcenter Blvd, Tukwila, WA 98188 -2599 Phone: 206 - 433 -1849 Fax: 206 - 433 -1833 APPLICATION AND AFFIDAVIT FOR REDUCTION IN WATER, SEWER, SEWAGE TREATMENT & SURFACE WATER RATES. As authorized by RCW 74.38.070 and Chapter 14 of the Tukwila Municipal Code, I hereby make claim for reduction in water, sewer, sewage treatment, and surface water rates for the following residential address: NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY ZIP PHONE # WATER/SEWER ACCT # STORM DRAIN ACCT # In support of my application, I do attest and certify that the following statements are true: 1. I am 62 years of age or older or (if married) my spouse is 62 years of age or older. Or I am years of age and totally and permanently disabled and I attach herewith a copy of the attending physician's statement verifying such permanent disability. 2. a. For water, sewer, and sewage treatment: I am the owner or renter and permanent resident of the above described residence. I further attest that the residence is billed on a separate meter and I pay for such billing directly. b. For surface water: I am the owner and permanent resident of the above described residence. I understand that only one parcel owned by myself within the City of Tukwila may receive the reduction in rates. 3. My disposable income from all sources is less than $32,000 per year if single, or if married, combined disposable income is less than $32,000 per year. Proof of qualified income is attached. 4. I promise that I will promptly notify the City in writing if I should move from the above described residence or in the event of any change in my financial condition that would disqualify me from receiving the special rates for utility services. 5. I further promise to pay the City for any undercharges that have been made if it is determined that I am not qualified. 6. I further agree to provide the City with such additional information about my income and residence as may be requested from time to time in order to establish eligibility. AFFIDAVIT I affirm that all of the above statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. State of Washington County of King Signature of Resident SUBSCRIBED AND AFFIRMED BEFORE ME THIS DAY OF , 20 Signature of Notary Public Name as commissioned My appointment expires 41 UTILITY / TAX DISCOUNT INFORMATION Utility Discount Applies To Eligibility Benefit / Discount Comments Tukwila Water, Sewer, and Surface Water - Senior, 62 or older, or permanently disabled; and - Household income less than $32,000 per year 50% Waste Management Garbage Service - Senior, 62 or older, or permanently disabled; and - Household income less than $32,000 per year 50% Comcast Cable - Senior, 62 or older, or permanently disabled; and - Household income less than $32,000 per year 40% Discount applied only on basic portion of cable bill. No discount on internet or phone. Highline Water District - Senior, 61 or older, or permanently disabled; and - Household income less than $35,000 per year 35% Discount applied only on base rate. Water District 125 N/A N/A No Discount Program offered. Valley View Sewer District N/A N/A No Discount Program offered. Seattle City Light Electric Seattle Public Utilities (water, sewer) - 18 years or older, and permanently disabled; or - Household gross yearly income limits: Varies depending on household size One person: $ 31,210.00 Two persons: $ 40,872.00 Five persons: $ 69,732.00 Eight persons: $ 82,956.00 Call 206 - 684 -5788. 60% SCL 50% SPU Note: Seattle City Light's energy discount program is different from Tukwila's Utility Tax Relief Program. Any questions/ inquiries regarding the SCL energy discount program can be directed to Seattle City Light. N Z: \Utility Discounts \Utility Discounts Excel gl 101416.xlsx UTILITY / TAX DISCOUNT INFORMATION Utility Discount Applies To Eligibility Benefit / Discount Comments City's Utility Tax Relief Program Rebates of Taxes and Surcharge Fees on Electricity — for Seattle City Light or Puget Sound Energy - Senior, 62 or older, or permanently disabled; and - Disposable income from all sources must not exceed $32,000 per household - Must be a Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light customer Required information (due by June 30, of each year): - Must complete application and notarized supplemental affidavit at the Finance Dept., City Hall. - Must provide copy of income tax return for the utility tax relief year applying for. - Provide copy of applicant's Puget Sound Energy or Seattle City Light 12/31/xx end of year billing statement as verification of customer account status. Payment Process: Those applicants determined to be eligible will receive a rebate check from the City based on the actual taxes and surcharges paid for the relief year. For additional information and inquiries regarding Tukwila's Utility Tax Relief Program, contact: Lily Jue, Fiscal Coordinator at 206 -433- 7190. Rebate Resolution No. 1547. Puget Sound Energy Lifeline or Weatherization Assistance In partnership with local agencies, PSE offers two programs to assist low income households: 1) Home Energy Lifeline Program - HELP 2) Weatherization Assistance Program The local agencies manage the discount program and provide bill payment assistance up to $2,000 per year. The Multi- Service Center (for South King County) in Kent is 253 -854- 4406 and serves Tukwila residents. Payment Assistance Z: \Utility Discounts \Utility Discounts Excel gl 101416.x]sx UTILITY / TAX DISCOUNT INFORMATION Utility Discount Applies To Eligibility Benefit / Discount Comments King County Property Tax Exemption Program via Assessor's Office There are two types of tax relief for Seniors and disabled on a limited income; Property Tax reduction /exemption if: - Annual income of $40,000 or less - Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo, or co -op as principle residence as of December 31 of the year prior to the year of application - You are 61 years of age or older - You are retired because of a physical disability or - You are a widow or widower at least 57 years of age, whose spouse had an exemption at the time of death. Property tax deferral if: - Combined disposable income of $45,000 or less - Own and occupy a house, mobile home, condo, or co -op as principle residence as of December 31 of the year prior to the year of application - You are 60 years old when you file or - You are retired because of a disability To apply for a property tax deduction for seniors /disabled, call King County at 206 - 296 -3920. Tax Relief Z: \Utility Discounts \Utility Discounts Excel gl 101416.xisx Mail Application: 810 3rd Ave, Ste 440 Seattle, WA 98104 OR Fax Application: 206.621.5012 OR Email Application: UDP @Seattle.gov 1 City of Seattle Human Services Department Assistance Program Application www.seattle.qov /UDP The City of Seattle is dedicated to assisting customers in accessing the assistance programs the city has to offer. The following application will be used to enroll customers in the following programs: Utility Discount Program, The Seattle Public Utility Emergency Assistance Program (SPU -EAP), Project Share, The Emergency Low - Income Assistance Program (ELIA), and the $20 Car Tab Rebate Program. Eligibility is based on meeting annual income criteria, and on the date the completed application is received by the city. Applications are processed in the order they are received. Government issued Identification for all persons 18 years and older; Please provide a copy of one of the items below for each adult: • State driver's license • State identification card • Passport or Permanent Resident Card Please provide your SNAP benefits client ID or your social security number below to provide verification of gross income. SNAP Benefits Client ID: OR Social Security #: If you are not on SNAP, please provide income documentation for ALL persons 18 years old and older living in your home. Please provide verification of GROSS income received in the following month: • Paycheck stubs/ Employer statement showing GROSS earnings • DSHS award letters (TANF, GAU /GAX) • Child support • Social Security /SSI award letter /Survivor benefits • Pensions /Annuity /IRA, Interest & Dividends • Labor and Industry (L &I) statement • Student financial aid and tuition statement • Rental /investment property income (Provide a copy of lease /rental agreement.) • Self employed (Most recent full tax return & 3 months profit & loss statements) • Other income: • Please have complete the highlighted sections and sign the enclosed "Request for Records" form and mail it with your application. Primary Name on Electric Bill: Physical Address: Mailing Address: Primary Phone: Last First Middle Seattle City Light CCB (Account) #: Seattle Public Utilities CCB (Account) #: Car License Plate Number: Date Registration Paid: Please complete the front and back of this form 45 HOUSING INFORMATION Household members include everyone living in the home, regardless relationship to applicant. Examples: roommates, relatives, tenants, children, Date of Relationship Name (Last, First) Birth Sex to You - M ❑ Myself of age, whether friends, Gross Monthly Income $ or not they pay rent, and their extended family members, etc. Income Source (employers name, Social Security, TT ers , etc.) -M ❑F❑ $ -M ❑F❑ $ -M ❑F❑ $ -M ❑F❑ $ Total number in household: _ If more than 5, list other household members on a separate page. Source of income or benefits (please check all that apply): ❑ Wages ❑ Unemployment ❑ Child Support ❑ Adoption Support ❑ Pension /Annuity ❑ IRA ❑ VA ❑ Rental income ❑ Social Security /SSI ❑ Other: HOUSING INFORMATION Amount you pay for rent or mortgage: $ If rent is subsidized (check one): ❑ TANF ❑ GAU ❑ SHA ❑ HUD ❑ Straight Tax Credit -Hope VI Housing Status: ❑ Section 8 ❑Scattered Site ❑ King County Housing Authority ❑ Senior BOND ❑Shelter + Care ❑ Other: ❑ Minimum Rent - Public Housing Housing Type: ❑ Single Family Home ❑ 2, 3 or 4 Units ❑ Apt. Building ❑ Condo ❑Mobile Home How do you heat your home? ❑ Electric ❑ Gas ❑ Oil ❑ Wood Other: Cable TV customers may qualify for a low- income discount. If you subscribe to Cable TV, which company? ❑ Comcast ❑ Broadstripe ❑ Other: OPTIONAL INFORMATION How do you identify yourself: El Multi Racial ❑ American Indian, Alaska Native ❑ Asian American /Asian ❑ Black, African American, African ❑ Hispanic, Latino ❑ Hawaiian Native, Pacific Islander ❑ White, Caucasian El Other? What is your primary language? How did you hear about our services? El Radio ❑ Television El Newspaper ❑ Newsletter ❑ Utility Bill insert ❑Website ❑ Family or friends ❑ Other: Would you like a home energy visit by Seattle City Light to help conserve energy? ❑ Yes ❑ No SIGNATURE This application and supporting documentation are used to review eligibility for additional City benefits and will NOT be shared with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I authorize the City to use these materials to enroll me in assistance programs for which I am eligible. I am aware that my information is subject to review and verification and that other documentation may be required. I grant permission to request or release information to, or from, the Seattle Housing Authority, Sec 8 HUD, King County Housing Authority, other government agencies, or their delegated agents; this may result in receipt or denial of City benefits. Submitting this application does not guarantee eligibility or enrollment in any programs. I certify that the information I provided is accurate and complete and that I may be subject to criminal prosecution if I have knowingly given false or misleading information. I agree to provide updated proof of eligibility at any time, if requested. I understand that if I am found to be in violation of program rules, and receive assistance and have not truly disclosed all information, I will be terminated from the program(s) and the City may recover the actual cost(s) for the periods I was not eligible. I will notify the City of Seattle if my income or living situation changes. Signature: Date: 46 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs 1110 I■pA C1 United States Environmental Protoction Agency Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Eligibility Criteria Vary by Utility As shown in Figure 1, the most common criterion considered for CAPs eligibility is status as a low- income household. Senior citizens are often eligible for assistance, as are households experiencing short -term financial hardships. EPA also found programs targeting assistance to disabled customers, as well as customers that are either active duty or veterans of the military. Specific eligibility criteria (e.g., the income threshold used to qualify) differ across programs. The way utilities determine customers' eligibility also varies, with some utilities conducting application reviews and approvals in -house and others collaborating with social service programs to accept their eligibility determinations. Who Needs Assistance? CAPs serve different segments of the population based on factors such as income level (e.g., low- or fixed - income), permanent disability, occurrence of temporary hardship (e.g., recent divorce, death of spouse, recently unemployed), age (e.g., senior citizens), and /or status as a veteran. Income is the most common criterion used to determine rate assistance eligibility. Some utilities offer a discounted rate for customers whose income is below a specified threshold. The threshold might be based on the poverty level (e.g., twice the federal poverty level) or on water bill charges exceeding a specified percentage of income (e.g., median household income, or MHI). Some utilities require customers to stay current on their water bills to remain eligible for assistance. Some utilities determine eligibility according to whether the customer receives assistance from other social aid programs. Under this criterion, eligibility for utility billing assistance is based on successful enrollment in assistance programs offered by other agencies or organizations, which lowers the administrative costs to the water utility, makes the process easier for recipients, and generally accelerates the reach of the water CAP. EPA's review of 795 utilities across the nation showed that almost 30 percent of utilities offer one or more CAPs, for a total of 365 active programs. Some CAPs provide assistance to more than one group of customers. Overall, the customers most frequently targeted by CAPs were those in low- income households (Figure 1). Types of Customers Assisted 124 Note: Of 795 utilities reviewed, 228 utilities offer a total of 365 CAPS. Many of the programs target more than one group. Figure 1. Types of customers assisted by CAPs at U.S. drinking water and wastewater utilities. 6 48 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Types of Customer Assistance Programs Utilities offer a variety of assistance programs to meet the needs of their customers. (See Appendix B: Utility Snapshots for more information on specific programs described in this section and their materials.) Common program types include: Bill Discount - Utilities reduce a customer's bill, usually long -term. Can be applied to nearly any type of rate structure or aspect of the bill (e.g., variable rate structure, fixed service charge, and volumetric charge). Also known as write -off, reduced fixed fee. Flexible Terms - Utilities help customers afford services and pay bills through arrearage forgiveness (e.g., rewarding timely bill payments by partially forgiving old debt and establishing a payment plan for future payments), bill timing adjustment (e.g., moving from quarterly to monthly billing cycles), or levelized billing (e.g., dividing total anticipated annual water and sewer bill by 12 to create a predictable monthly bill amount). Common categories of different program types include payment plans, connection loans, managing arrears, levelized billing, bill timing. Lifeline Rate - Customers pay a subsidized rate for a fixed amount of water, which is expected to cover that customer's basic water needs. When water use exceeds the initial fixed amount of water (i.e., the lifeline block), the rates increase. Also known as minimum bill, low- income rate structure, single tariff, water budget. Temporary Assistance - Utilities help customers on a short -term or one -time basis to prevent disconnection of service or restore service after disconnection for households facing an unexpected hardship (e.g., death, job loss, divorce, domestic violence). Also known as emergency assistance, crisis assistance, grant, one -time reduction. Water Efficiency - Utilities subsidize water efficiency measures by providing financial assistance for leak repairs and offering rebates for WaterSense- certified fixtures, toilets, and appliances. Also known as water conservation. EPA's review of 795 utilities across the nation showed that almost 30 percent offer one or more CAPs; of these, 155 included a bill discount in their CAP. The next two most popular CAP types were flexible terms and temporary assistance (Figure 2). Types of Customer Assistance Programs Bill Discount Flexible Terms Temporary Assistance Water Efficiency Lifeline Rate For5 87 98 Note: Of the 795 utilities reviewed, 228 utilities offer a total of 365 CAPS. Several programs fit under more than one program type. 155 Figure 2. Types of CAPs offered by U.S. drinking water and wastewater utilities. 7 49 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Funding Customer Assistance Programs As demonstrated in Figure 5, many possible sources of funds and revenue are available for utilities to support their CAPs, including: • Building the costs into the rate structure (utilities can structure it so resources come from all ratepayers, or only from those ratepayers not receiving assistance). • Give customers and employees an opportunity to make voluntary contributions (e.g., the popular "round up" bill option). • Seek donations from outside partners, including charities and other assistance programs and agencies. • Allocate a portion of the general tax revenues toward the program. • Find innovative new revenue streams (e.g., some utilities have generated revenue by allowing ads and antennas on water towers and other utility structures). How Utilities Fund Customer Assistance Programs' Nonprofits - 21% Utility Budgets - 14% Customers' Voluntary Contributions - 14% Local Government - 10% Other Sources - 4% Utility Employees and /or Stockholders - 3% Fundraising - 3% 'Numbers do not add up to 100 percent because utilities could select more than one option or leave fields blank. Source: WRF 2010, Page 18 Figure 5. A 2010 WRF survey found that utilities fund their CAPs through a variety of sources. CAP Experts in the Electric Industry Many communities have experts with decades of experience designing and implementing CAPs for utilities. Electric and natural gas utilities likely have some type of program or safety net to help their disadvantaged customers. These industries have been creatively addressing this issue for decades, largely driven by the policies, regulations, programs, and expectations of the federal government, state governments, or public utility commissions who oversee rates and assess customer needs. All the CAP types discussed in this report might already be in use by your local electric and gas utilities. Not only can these utility staff help you understand the opportunities and challenges to successfully implementing a program, but they might allow you to coordinate implementation of your program with their existing programs. 50 28 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Rate Assistance Programs at Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities in the United States Appendix A: Quick -Find Matrix Type of Utility Name of Utility /Agency Population Served Type of Program Bill Discount Flexible Terms Lifeline Rate Temporary Assistance Water Efficiency ill f 1: City of Fort Worth 812,238 • • City of Grand Prairie 171,028 •. 1 1 rt City of Houston Public Works and Engineering Department 2,099,000 • V,:. City of Laredo Utilities Department 199,715 • i . � City of Odessa 113,033 • •• rv City of Round Rock 100,707 • San Antonio Water System 1,596,714 • • • • in;S Utah Granger- Hunter Improvement District 106,000 • • ,t: • Virginia • Alexandria Renew Enterprises 257,767 Virginia American Water 57,946 • • ,s; Hampton Roads Sanitation District 538,646 • int Prince William County Service Authority 250,000 • 4 : City of Richmond Public Utilities 197,000 • Vl Washington Alderwood Water & Wastewater District 171,500 • in O 6 City of Bellevue 135,100 • 01 0'' O, City of Everett Public Works Department 580,000 • 0 ' Lakehaven Utility District 112,000 • 0 0" O, City of Redmond 100,422 • riSeattle Public Utilities 1,400,000 • • A -13 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Rate Assistance Programs at Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities in the United States Appendix A: Quick -Find Matrix Type of Utility Name of Utility /Agency Population Served Type of Program Bill Discount Flexible Terms Lifeline Rate Temporary Assistance Water Efficiency il 0 * Spokane Public Works & Utilities 200,000 • Tacoma Public Utilities 318,403 • • City of Vancouver 231,000 • • West Virginia 0 West Virginia American Water 198,521 • • Wyoming 0 E City of Evanston 12,000 • A -14 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Washington Alderwood 1 Alderwood Water & Wastewater District 171,500 population served 1' • Program: Low Income Senior Citizen Discount Households Targeted: Low - Income Seniors Program Description Offers reduced rates on utility bill. Eligibility Information • Applicant must be at least 62 years of age at the time of the application. • Applicant must own or rent and reside in the residence where the discounted rate(s) is being requested. • Residence has a separate water meter. • Household income must not exceed $30,000 per year, including that of a spouse or any co- tenant(s). • Applicant is named in the District's utility billing. • Annual water consumption is not in excess of 100 ccf (hundred cubic feet). More Information http: / /www.alderwoodwater. com/ Site / Content / Documents /YourAccount /Forms /Senior%20Discount %20Applic ation. pdf Type: Bill Discount Program: Low Income Disabled Discount Households Targeted: Low - Income Disabled Persons Program Description Offers reduced rates on utility bill. Eligibility Information • Applicant must be permanently disabled at the time of the application. • Applicant must own or rent and reside in the residence where the discounted rate(s) is being requested. • Residence has a separate water meter. • Household income must not exceed $30,000 per year, including that of a spouse or any co- resident(s). • Applicant is named on the District's utility billing, or can prove that they are the named tenant in a lease agreement for the residence. • Annual water consumption is not in excess of 100 ccf (hundred cubic feet). More Information http: / /www.alderwoodwater. com/ Site / Content / Documents /YourAccount /Forms /Low- Income% 20Disabled %20Discount %20Application.pdf Type: Bill Discount B -140 53 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Bellevue 1 City of Bellevue 135,100 population served Program: Utility Rate Relief Households Targeted: Low - Income Seniors, Low - Income Disabled Persons Type: Bill Discount Program Description Offers up to 75% reduction on water, wastewater, and drainage service costs for qualifying customers. Eligibility Information • Low - income senior at least 62 years of age or low- income permanently disabled persons receiving disability benefits from Social Security and /or Veteran's Administration. Applicant must permanently reside at the address receiving service within the service area of City of Bellevue Utilities. • Household income must meet program guidelines starting at $30,860 /year for 1 person in household to $51,190 /year for 6 persons per household. More Information http : / /www.ci.bellevue.wa.us /pdf /Utilities / 2016 _Rate_Relief_REDUCTION_Packet = _FINAL.pdf Program: Utility Tax Relief Households Targeted: Low - Income Type: Bill Discount Program Description Offers a year -end rebate check for a portion of the Utility Occupation Taxes paid to the city. Eligibility Information • Must live in the service area of Bellevue Utilities. • Meet low- income guidelines. More Information http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/utilityrelief.htm Everett 1 City of Everett Public Works Department 580,000 population served Program: Discounted Rates Type: Bill Discount Households Targeted: Low - Income Seniors, Low - Income Disabled Persons Program Description Provides discounted rates to qualifying customers. Eligibility Information Own and occupy a single - family residence within the Everett city limits. ▪ Customer of City of Everett Public Works Department. At least 62 years of age or have a permanent disability. Household income must be under $35,000. • Have a property tax exemption from Snohomish County. More Information https://everettwa.gov/916/Discounted-Rates B -141 54 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Lakehaven 1 Lakehaven Utility District 112,000 population served Program: Customer Assistance Program Households Targeted: Financial Hardship Program Description Helps customers who are having difficulty paying water /sewer bills. Administered by the Multi- Service Center in Federal Way. Eligibility Information • Must contact the Multi- Service Center in Federal Way to determine eligibility. More Information http://www./akehaven.org/210/Customer-Assistance-Program Type: Temporary Assistance Redmond 1 City of Redmond 100,422 population served Program: Low Income Discounts Households Targeted: Low - Income Seniors, Low - Income Disabled Persons Program Description Provides 50% discount on utility bill. Eligibility Information • At least 62 years of age or a disabled person at least 18 years of age. • Must be a customer of city of Redmond utilities. • Reside in a single - family residential living unit. • Household income must meet not exceed the amount specified as "very low- income" under the regulations of the United States Department of Housing and Development (HUD) for Section 8 programs starting at $31,400 /year for 1 person in household to $44,800 /year for 4 persons per household. More Information http://www.redmond.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalld=169&pageld=2183 Type: Bill Discount B -142 55 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Seattle 1 Seattle Public Utilities 1,400,000 population served Program: Utility Discount Program (U DP) Households Targeted: Low - Income Program Description Type: Bill Discount Offers qualifying customers a discount of about 60% on Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on Seattle Public Utilities bill. Eligibility Information • Household income must be at or below 70% of Washington's state median income starting at $30,840 /year for 1 person per household to $85,392/year for 10 persons per household. • Must be a homeowner or renter; if a landlord pays all utilities, qualifying low- income tenants may still be eligible for utility financial help. • Have a Seattle City Light and /or Seattle Public Utilities bill in applicant's name. • Applicant must not receive a Section 8 housing voucher or live in subsidized housing. More Information http: / /www.seattle.gov /util/ MyServices / MyAccount /GetHelpwithUtilityBill /index. htm Program: Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) Households Targeted: Emergency Relief Program Description Provides a 50% credit for a customer's delinquent bill, up to $371 for the 2016 program year. Customers may only receive a credit once in a 12 -month period. The program is intended to provide emergency assistance for low- income customers who are in jeopardy of having their utility services disconnected or who have already had their services disconnected. Type: Temporary Assistance Eligibility Information • Property must be a single - family residence. • Household income must be at or below 70% of Washington's state median income starting at $30,840 /year for 1 person per household to $85,392/year for 10 persons per household. • Customer of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) account. • Applicant must have received an Urgent Notice or Final Shut -off notice. • Applicant's water has been shut off. • Applicant has not received SPU Emergency Assistance Program funding within the last 12 months. More Information http: / /www.seattle.gov /util/ MyServices / MyAccount / GetHelpwithUtilityBill /EmergencyAssistance /index. htm B -143 56 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Spokane 1 Spokane Public Works & Utilities 200,000 population served Program: UHeip Program Households Targeted: Emergency Relief Program Description Helps customers who are having difficulty paying water /sanitation bills. The City of Spokane's UHeip program provides low- income households with one -time emergency financial assistance to help pay for their city utility bills, which includes charges for water, wastewater, stormwater, and garbage collection. Administered by the Salvation Army. Eligibility Information • Must contact Salvation Army to determine eligibility. More Information https://my.spokanecity.org/publicworks/utility-billing/uhelp/ Type: Temporary Assistance Tacoma 1 Tacoma Public Utilities 318,403 population served Program: Discount Rate Program Households Targeted: Low - Income Seniors, Low - Income Disabled Persons Program Description Provides eligible customers a 30% discount on their utility bill. Eligibility Information • At least 62 years of age, or disabled adults receiving disability income. • Be a single occupant, head -of- household, or spouse of the head -of- household. • Live in the unit, and the accompanying Tacoma Public Utilities account must be in the applicant's name. • Have a single- metered account. • Household income must meet program guidelines starting at $1,471 /month for 1 person in household to Type: Bill Discount $4,071 /month for 6 persons per household. More Information http://www.mytpu.org/your/payment-assistance.htm B -144 57 Drinking Water and Wastewater Utility Customer Assistance Programs Appendix B: Utility Snapshots Program: Water & Environmental Services Assistance Type: Temporary Assistance Households Targeted: Low - Income Program Description Provides a one -time credit toward water service in the amount of $65.00. Available once in a 12 -month period. The difference of delinquent account charges must be paid before the funds can be received. Eligibility Information Must pay the difference of delinquent account charges before receiving assistance funds. Be a single occupant, head -of- household, or spouse of the head -of- household. Live in the unit, and the accompanying Tacoma Public Utilities account must be in the applicant's name. • Have a single- metered account. • Household income must meet program guidelines starting at $1,471 /month for 1 person in household to $4,071 /month for 6 persons per household. More Information http://www.mytpu.org/your/payment-assistance.htm Program: Budget Billing Type: Flexible Terms Households Targeted: All Residential Customers Program Description Provides a consistent monthly utility payment amount. Eligibility Information • Must contact the utility to determine eligibility. More Information http://www.mytpu.org/your/budget-billing.htm Vancouver 1 City of Vancouver 231,000 population served Program: Help to Others (H2O) Type: Temporary Assistance Households Targeted: Emergency Relief Program Description Provides help to customers who are having difficulty paying water /sanitation bills due to crisis situations. Eligibility Information • (information not found) More Information http://www.cityofvancouver.us/publicworks/page/h2o-help-others B -145 58