MECHANICSBURG, PA — Pennsylvania American Water has announced a significant expansion of its H2O Help to Others™ customer assistance program, which has been supporting communities for over three decades. Starting August 7, 2024, the program has increased income level thresholds for grant and bill discount offerings and introduced a new Arrearage Forgiveness Program.
The expansion aims to help more customers manage their water and wastewater bills. The company has introduced a fourth tier in its bill discount program, now assisting households with incomes up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines (FPIG). This change is expected to make an additional 55,000 customers eligible for discounts ranging from 30% to 90% off monthly bills. Furthermore, water and wastewater grants of up to $500 per household are now accessible to those with incomes up to 250% of FPIG.
Justin Ladner, President of Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized the company’s dedication to affordability, stating, “As part of our commitment to affordability, we couldn’t be more pleased to share that we’ve expanded our H2O Help to Others offerings to help ensure that assistance is available to those who truly can benefit most.”
The new Arrearage Forgiveness Program also launched today. It allows customers to reduce their past due balances by $25 each month when they pay their current bill in full, plus a $5 co-payment. Tawana Dean, Senior Manager of Customer Compliance, remarked, “The addition of the Arrearage Forgiveness Program to our existing H2O Help to Others services is just one more way we can achieve that goal, and we couldn’t be more proud to offer it.”
Chad Quinn, CEO of Dollar Energy Fund, praised the company’s commitment, noting, “With the program’s most recent expansion, it boasts one of the most robust assistance offerings throughout the state.”
These enhancements coincide with new rates approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, reflecting $1 billion in investments to update infrastructure. These rates took effect on August 7, with exceptions for certain newly acquired systems.
Pennsylvania American Water encourages customers to explore these options and reach out for support. Those interested in applying for assistance can contact Dollar Energy Fund or visit the company’s website. Customers can also contribute to the H2O Help to Others program by adding donations to their monthly bills, ensuring that all contributions directly aid those in need.
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