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Council adopts ordinance update to allow city-run low-income energy assistance program
Summary
Council adopted ordinance 8 77 updating rules to permit a city-run low-income energy assistance program and to align winter shutoff policy with changed law; staff said the program could operate year-round if funding is available.
The council unanimously adopted ordinance 8 77 on Oct. 27 to update the city's rules and rates so the city can provide a local low-income energy assistance program.
Amanda explained the change is required by new law, which now mandates either opting into a statewide program or establishing a local program; the utility has elected to pursue a local program. The ordinance amendment adjusts the city's shutoff rules (previously refraining from winter shutoffs) to reflect the new statutory requirements and enables a locally administered assistance program for electric and heating costs if funding allows.
Council moved to adopt ordinance 8 77, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff said program availability year-round would depend on funding and that further implementation details would come from the utility director and staff.
The council's action updates the municipal ordinance language to align with the state law change and authorize the city's low-income energy assistance approach pending funding and implementation by the utility department.
