Community Care takes aim at economic crisis
The Eugene Water & Electric Board has launched an effort to provide assistance to thousands of customers struggling during the current economic downturn.
Earlier this year, the utility’s elected Board of Commissioners set up a $4.4 million fund to give bill credits to up to 5,000 customers who are unemployed and to boost funding for low-income, weatherization, small business lighting and other programs. In addition, every residential customer received a $30 rebate in March or April, with an option of donating that money to help more limited-income customers.
Together with existing programs, EWEB is funneling more than $7 million back into the community during 2009 to help those in need. This is an unprecedented level of financial assistance by a local utility or
government entity during a time of need.
Funds remain available in the jobless-assistance portion of Community Care. If you are unemployed and have not received low-income assistance since Oct. 1, 2008, you may qualify to receive a $200 bill credit. Certain eligibility requirements apply. For example, customers must currently be receiving unemployment insurance payments to be eligible.
EWEB also continues to allocate funds monthly to help customers who have a limited income. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
Applications and eligibility requirements for the jobless benefit and other assistance, as well as more information about Community Care, are available on the website, by email or by calling EWEB Customer Service at 541.484.6016.
This article was originally published in the Summer 2009 issue of EWEB’s Pipeline.
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