City Moves Closer to Final Approval of Participation in State Programs to Help Past-Due Utility Customers

The Municipal Services Committee on Tuesday unanimously adopted a resolution approving the City’s participation in new state programs that provide one time assistance to residents and business owners who have fallen behind on their energy and water bills during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Committee adopted resolutions approving the Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) Department’s participation in the California Arrearage Payment Program (CAPP) and the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program (CWWAPP).

The matters now head now to City Council for final consideration.

According to City Management Analyst Jennifer Guess, customers who have fallen into delinquent status on their utility bills from March 4, 2020 to June 15, 2021, need not apply to receive assistance under these programs if the programs are approved by the Council.

If a customer’s account is found to be eligible for assistance according to the requirements of the programs, a credit will be applied directly to the customer’s utility bills, according to Guess.

For the CWWAPP, drinking water arrears will be prioritized. If funds remain, the Water Board will set a process for wastewater arrears.

Guess told the Committee that while the assistance programs are being implemented, PWP will not impose further penalties and or disconnect services for the past due accounts.

As of June 30, 2021, more than 10,500 local customers who have fallen behind on payment by more than 60 days. The amount of unpaid utility bills has reached over $8.2 million, according to PWP.

The department said its participation in the financial assistance programs will help improve the City’s financial position by reducing outstanding accounts receivable.

According to Guess, the funding the PWP will receive and the timeline of the implementation of the programs are still unknown.

Meanwhile, aside from the federal funding, the PWP also offers a number of bill assistance support programs for low-income customers.

Eligible customers are also encouraged to apply to other federal and state assistance programs through the Housing Is Key, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program, among other programs. For more information regarding assistance programs, visit https://www.PWPweb.com/BillAssistance.