For More Information Contact:
Lance Robertson, 984-4716
Eugene Water & Electric Board

Nov. 30, 2007

EWEB launches Customer Care donation campaign

The Eugene Water & Electric Board has launched its annual Customer Care donation campaign to raise additional funds for low-income bill-payment assistance.

This EWEB-funded program, formerly known as Energy Share, provides low-income customers with up to $200 a year to help pay utility bills. The assistance is given in the form of a bill credit. More than 4,000 households are helped annually.

EWEB customers will receive a brochure in their December bill, urging them to donate to Customer Care. A radio ad being aired on local stations asks customers to “round up” their bill to the next $10 or $20 increment. Customers also can donate by calling EWEB at 484-6016 during normal business hours.

In previous years, generous customers have donated up to $170,000, which supplements the roughly $1.5 million that is budgeted each year through electric and water rates to help low-income customers. EWEB’s level of commitment makes its low-income assistance program one of the most generous in the nation, on a per capita basis.

EWEB also has a program for the families of active-duty military personnel, as well as a robust low-income energy weatherization program. The City of Eugene and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission also provide funding, since customers can receive assistance for any charge on their EWEB bill.