Payment Assistance Programs
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The PUD offers a handful of programs to help customers who struggle to afford their utility bills. Each program has different requirements and benefits. Please review these programs carefully.
Shutoff Avoidance Assistance
The PUD does not want to shut off any customers. It is our goal to connect every customer with a past due balance of $75 or more with a payment assistance program and/or a payment arrangement agreement. But we can’t do it on our own, we need customers with past due balances to contact customer service ASAP at (360) 385-5800 between 9:00am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday.
We also urge customers with past due balances to reach out for OlyCAP funding assistance.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
If your household income is at our below 150% of the poverty rate, you may be eligible for anywhere from $200 to $1000 in utility assistance. The amount of funding offered is based on income, household size, and energy usage. Apply online at olycap.org/energy-assistance-program or call 360-452-4726 for a mail-out application.
Apply ASAP to determine program eligibility and assistance levels from OlyCAP.
Low Income Bill Credit Programs
Currently, Jefferson County PUD offers three types of rate reductions in the form of monthly credits are available to qualifying low income customers to help assist with their utility bills:
- Standard Low Income Program Credit: A $60.85 monthly bill credit is available for all electric customers who meet qualifying income standards.
- Senior Low Income Program Credit: A $60.85 monthly bill credit is available to senior citizens, age 62 and older, whose monthly income exceeds the qualifications of the standard credit, but remains at or below the qualifying threshold level of the senior program.
- Water/Wastewater Low Income Program Credit: All customers who qualify for either the standard or senior low-income electric bill credit will also qualify for a $19.78 credit on their PUD water charges and a 30% discount on the PUD wastewater charge, should they receive those services from the PUD.
Budget Billing
Depending on the season, the amount due on your utility bill can vary widely. PUD Budget Billing program provides customers with more predictability. Budget Billing provides a monthly average payment calculated from the twelve months preceding each month’s bill. Each bill will be slightly different, but the changes will be small and provide the least surprises. A true-up process does apply annually (July of each year) with budget billing prior to beginning a new year of budget bill pay. Learn more about Budget Billing here.
MORE INFOSeasonal Shutoff Protection & Heat Moratorium
Having trouble paying your winter season bills? You may qualify for protection from disconnection for non-payment of your electric service from November 15 through March 15 under RCW 54.16.285. Notify our Customer Service Department within (5) business days after receipt of a Past Due Notice that you are unable to pay your utility bill. The employees of the District will assist you in meeting the requirements.
MORE INFOHeat Moratorium for service disconnects & re-connect services. In April of 2023, Gov. Jay Inslee signed into law HB1329 prohibiting utilities from disconnecting water and electric customers for non-payment should the National Weather Service (NWS) issue an excessive heat watch, warning, or advisory for Jefferson County. Learn more about the Heat Moratorium here. Call PUD customer service for additional information and re-connect service next steps here: (360) 385-5800
Late Payment Arrangements & Shut Off Info
Shutoffs for non-payment, when they occur, only come at the end of a lengthy process, with many notifications and chances to avoid shutoff along the way. If you are struggling to pay your bill, don’t wait to let us know. We are here to help. Call Customer Service as soon as you can at (360) 385-5800, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–4:30pm.
MORE INFORainy Day Fund
The PUD partners with Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) [360 385-2571] and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul [360 379-1325] to distribute the funds to qualifying low income families, individuals, and seniors. The PUD does not deduct any administrative costs from your donations. This program can assist with up to $500 for those who have a shutoff notice. The program relies on customer donations and distributes an average of $30,000 per year to customers struggling to keep the lights on and water flowing.
WANT TO HELP? Customers can donate to the Rainy Day fund by checking the box on your bill to round up to the nearest dollar this month and every month.
MORE INFO
