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Utility to replace flat low-income discount with income-based tiers; larger cuts for highest energy burdens
Summary
Staff outlined a shift from a flat low-income credit to a tiered discount tied to households' energy burden; households spending more than 6% of income on energy would get a 30% discount and targeted weatherization support. Implementation is slated for late summer/early fall.
Utility staff presented a proposed change to the low-income customer assistance program, moving from a flat monthly credit to a tiered model that targets households with the highest energy burden. Under the current flat system, qualifying customers receive a roughly $71–$73 bill credit; the proposal would grant a 30% discount to households that spend more than 6% of their income on energy and smaller discounts for lower tiers.
Staff said the tiered approach will help the utility identify customers most at risk and deploy energy-efficiency specialists to provide on-site audits and weatherization recommendations. "If you have greater than 6% energy [burden], 30% off," the staff member said, explaining the top tier. The transition will rely on an attestation process when customers apply; qualifying receipts for fuels such as propane or wood can be included in the eligibility review.
Officials said the change would take effect in early fall or late summer after outreach and website updates to make the new rules clear to customers. The program also includes bringing some assistance functions in-house (previously handled by local charities) to speed delivery of funds and services.
