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 & Prevention Programs
The PUD does not want to shut off any customers. 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. We have multiple payment assistance programs and can make payment arrangement agreements to help customer with past due balances of $75 or more. 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.
We also urge customers with past due balances to reach out for OlyCAP funding assistance.
Low-Income Rate Reduction Program
Jefferson PUD’s Board of Commissioners approved updates to make the utility’s rate reduction program more equitable, sustainable, and consistent with current Washington State clean energy requirements. The new program directs the greatest level of assistance to customers with the highest energy burden while allowing the PUD to serve more qualifying households over time. The FAQ that follows will provide insight into the changes and our goals for supporting our community.
The updated program takes effect July 5, 2026.
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The updated program includes several important changes:
- New income qualification tiers.
- Percentage-based bill discounts rather than a single flat monthly credit.
- A new Rate Reduction Funding Charge that funds customerassistance.
- An exemption from the funding charge for qualifying income-qualified customers.
- A transition period for current program participants.
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A percentage discount provides assistance that better reflects a customer’s actual electric bill. Customers with higher energy needs generally receive more meaningful bill relief than under a one-size-fits-all credit.
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Tier 1 is available to households with gross household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Tier 1 participants receive:
- A 30% discount on qualifying electric charges.
- Exemption from the $4.00 Rate Reduction Funding Charge.
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Tier 2 is available to households with income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (or 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, whichever is greater) whose household energy burden exceeds 6%. For 2026 80% AMI is greater than 200% FPL for all household sizes.
Tier 2 participants receive:
- A 10% discount on qualifying electric charges.
- Exemption from the $4.00 Rate Reduction Funding Charge.
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Tier 3 is designed for households that meet the Tier 2 income requirements but whose energy burden is below 6%.
Tier 3 customers do not receive a monthly electric discount but are exempt from paying the $4.00 Rate Reduction Funding Charge.
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Energy burden is the combined cost of annual household energy usage, excluding transportation, divided by the household’s gross annual income.
Energy usage includes electricity, propane, firewood, or other fuel used to heat and maintain the home. Applicants will be asked to provide invoices for other fuels used in the home for that consumption to be included in the energy burden calculation.
Why does the program consider energy burden?
Energy burden measures how much of a household’s income is spent on energy costs.
Using energy burden helps ensure assistance reaches households experiencing the greatest financial hardship from utility costs.
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The Rate Reduction Funding Charge is a $4.00 monthly charge that helps fund the Income Qualified Rate Reduction Program.
This creates a dedicated funding source to support assistance for customers who need it most.
Who does not pay the funding charge?
Customers approved for Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 are exempt from the charge.
Why is the PUD adding a funding charge?
The dedicated funding charge creates a transparent and stable way to fund income-qualified assistance rather than embedding those costs within electric base rates.
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No, you do not need to reapply right away.
Current participants will transition into the new program and continue receiving assistance until their current certification expires. Customers will be evaluated under the new eligibility requirements when they renew.
Renewal timeline:
Customers will need to renew on an annual basis.
During renewal, income and eligibility will be verified using the updated program requirements.
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No.
Existing participants will remain in the program through the end of their current certification period before renewing under the updated policy.
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Applicants must provide documentation of gross household income for all qualifying household members as outlined in the Customer Service Policy.
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Some customers may receive a different level of assistance depending on their income and energy burden. The updated program is designed to better match assistance with household need while allowing the PUD to maintain the program over the long term.
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The Board reviewed the program after evaluating:
- State policy requirements.
- Program sustainability.
- Customer affordability.
- Equity among participants.
- Long-term funding needs.
The goal is to ensure assistance remains available for future customers while directing resources where they have the greatest impact.
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Customers can contact Jefferson County PUD Customer Service for assistance with:
- Eligibility questions.
- Completing an application.
- Required documentation.
- Program renewal.
- Other available assistance programs, including weatherization and energy efficiency resources.
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Energy Efficiency Assistance
Stay Warmer (or cooler) and Save Money by Saving Energy with efficiency incentives from the PUD. The PUD has multiple programs and to help improve your home for low or no expense out of pocket depending on your annual income level. Windows, insulation, heat pumps, smart thermostats, or all of the above are available.
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 or call 360-452-4726 for a mail-out application.
Apply ASAP to determine program eligibility and assistance levels from OlyCAP.
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./p>
Seasonal 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.
Heat 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
Rainy Day Fund
The PUD partners with Olympic Community Action Program (OlyCAP) [360-452-4726] 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.
