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

March 11, 2009

EWEB offers $200 bill credits for jobless customers

Unemployed customers of the Eugene Water & Electric Board now may tap into $1 million that is available through the utility’s Community Care fund.

Community Care is a $4.4 million effort to provide assistance to thousands of customers struggling during the economic crisis. Starting this week, qualifying customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills due to job loss or other factors can access these funds.

Customers who are currently receiving unemployment insurance payments can apply to receive a $200 credit on their electric bill. The $1 million in funding will help up to 5,000 customers. The $200 per customer jobless benefit will aid those who have not already received low-income assistance since Oct. 1, 2008.

In addition, Community Care is providing a $30 rebate to all residential customers, starting with bills being mailed this week. The rebate is aimed at helping customers who may have had hours or pay reduced, but who aren’t unemployed and don’t qualify for EWEB’s existing low-income programs. Customers will have the option of donating their rebate to EWEB’s low-income assistance programs. A brochure in customers’ next monthly bill will include a tear-off donation postcard that can be mailed or included in customers’ bill payment.

EWEB also expanded several existing programs, such as the low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs.

Applications and eligibility requirements for the jobless benefit and other assistance, as well as more information about Customer Care, are available on EWEB's website.