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DPU proposes small increase to utility-assistance payments ahead of winter season
Summary
Department staff proposed raising the minimum and maximum amounts for the utility assistance program (winter and year‑round) to reflect rising rates: minimum from $17 to $20 and maximum from $138 to $158. The board accepted the proposal for return and formal approval in two weeks.
Department of Public Utilities staff proposed a modest increase to the utility assistance program amounts and presented the fiscal-year‑end fund balance and donation options at the Sept. 3 board meeting.
Staff summary and rationale
Joanne (DPU staff) told the board staff reviewed historical program levels (last updated in July 2023) and compared typical household bills using October 2023 and projected October 2025 rates. Staff calculated roughly a 14% increase in typical bills and proposed increasing the program minimum from $17 to $20 and the maximum from $138 to $158, rounded to the nearest dollar.
Program details and funds
Staff reported the assistance fund ended the fiscal year with a balance of $26,013 and that the program provided $26,529 in assistance during the fiscal year to 86 customers. Staff noted additional community resources (self-help agencies, county social services) and described donation options: monthly bill add-ons, one‑time donations, and sales of branded items whose proceeds support the fund.
Next steps
Staff said they are not proposing an increase to the one‑time emergency assistance maximum at this time. The board asked questions about donation processing (Paymentus portal vs. check) and staff confirmed monthly bill donations appear on customer bills and can be paid through the payment portal once set. The board directed staff to return the updated rule language (redline to GR Rule 18) for formal approval in two weeks.
Ending: The board asked staff to bring the formal rule revision for adoption at the next meeting; staff will finalize language and return with the redline showing the $20/$158 changes.
