Mason County PUD 3 has several assistance programs available to help those in need. Here is a summary of those programs:
Project Share
Project Share is an assistance program started in 1983 to assist low-income customers, as certified by Community Action Council, with their electric bills. The program is a joint effort of Mason PUD 3, the Community Action Council (CAC), local churches, interested citizens, and PUD 3 customers.
Through the generosity of donors last year, more than 330 low-income families (as certified by CAC) were helped with a $175 payment on their account.
All contributions to the Project Share fund are allocated to qualified low-income customers of PUD 3 and there are no administrative costs.
To find out if you qualify, contact the CAC at 360-426-9726 or visit their website.
Senior & Disabled Discount
PUD 3 offers a low-income discount for senior citizens. Seniors, age 61 and over; who are permanent, year-round customers of PUD 3; and whose annual income is $35,000 or less may qualify. The discount amounts to the removal of the daily system charge. A senior citizen form is available from the PUD.
The PUD also offers a discount for low-income disabled persons, which also removes the daily system charge. To qualify, the PUD account must be in the name of the disabled person. The customer cannot live in federally subsidized housing and must be a permanent, year-round customer of the PUD. Call the Community Action Council at (360) 426-9726 to schedule a qualification appointment.
Federal Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)
Through the Community Action Council customers may also qualify for Federal LIHEAP funds. Assistance amounts are determined by household size, income, heat source and the previous year’s energy usage and are based on availability of funds.
The program usually begins in the fall and continues until all funds are committed. Contact the CAC at 360-426-9726 for further information. Eligibility requirements are also available on CAC’s website.
Low to Moderate Income Weatherization
The PUD has a long commitment to helping its customers save energy and enjoy the comforts provided by the efficient use of electricity. If qualified, the PUD will pay 100% of low/moderate-income residential insulation and accompanying duct sealing projects.
To get started, schedule a FREE pre-insulation inspection with a PUD 3 conservation technician to find out which insulation measures your electrically heated home is eligible for, by calling (360) 426-0777. Be sure to mention that the household may qualify for low/moderate-income weatherization.
Payment Arrangements
If a customer is experiencing financial difficulties and is unable to pay their electricity bill, they may contact PUD 3 by telephone or visit one of the PUD offices to make reasonable arrangements for payment.
The key to satisfactory credit arrangements is clear communication regarding the difficulties being experienced and a commitment to work with the PUD in taking care of the unpaid balance.
PUD 3 customer service representatives are willing to work with all customers and specialize in referring customers to assistance agencies such as the Community Action Council of Mason County that may be able to provide financial aid.