Across the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania American Water's H2O - Help to Others Program, a customer assistance program, is keeping water flowing for customers who are experiencing difficult financial times.
In 2005, 4,500 individuals were enrolled in the program to receive a 50% discount on the monthly service charge portion of their water bills. Additionally, 452 individuals received grants to assist in paying water bills last year. Grant dollars totaling $123,280 were distributed; the average grant was $273. Assistance was provided across Pennsylvania American Water's 35-county service territory.
The program provides a 50% discount on Pennsylvania American Water's monthly service charge, grants up to $500 per year to qualified customers, water-saving devices and information on how to use water wisely.
In existence for more than a decade, the H2O - Help to Others Program is administered by the $1 Energy Fund and Conservation Consultants, Inc. - both headquartered in Pittsburgh. The program offers support to individuals who desire to be customers in good standing but whose financial situation may jeopardize that standing.
Beyond providing grants and discounts, the program encourages participants and their families to use water more wisely in order to reduce consumption, resulting in lower water bills. Senior citizens, single women who are heads of households and others on fixed incomes are examples of customers who benefit from Pennsylvania American Water's H2O - Help to Others Program.
Program funding is made possible by a corporate contribution from Pennsylvania American Water, which matches customers' donations. For 2006, Pennsylvania American Water has increased its corporate contribution/customer contribution match from $60,000 to $100,000; up to $200,000 in aid will be available.
"The H2O - Help to Others Program is a one-of-a-kind assistance program among water utilities in Pennsylvania," said Pennsylvania American Water president Daniel W. Warnock. "The number of customers assisted annually underscores the need for the H2O - Help to Others Program. Need will likely increase as individuals and families face high heating costs this winter. Now is the time to respond by increasing our corporate contribution so that more customers in need may receive aid."
One customer from suburban Pittsburgh who recently enrolled in the program said, "I never imagined that I would need a program like the H2O - Help to Others Program, but it has been a life-saver. After my father died, and my mother's health was severely debilitated by a stroke, I had to quit my job so that I could provide around-the-clock care for my mother. Our household income diminished severely, and although our home appeared to be well-maintained, no one had a clue about our financial situation. Money was - is -so tight, and we discovered a leaking commode that was wasting large amounts of water and causing serious water damage in the house. Several sinks were leaking, too, causing elevated water bills. I want to be a good customer and to pay my bills on time. The H2O - Help to Others Program was a blessing. It helped me to get our water-wasting problems under control, which lets me better manage my monthly water bill and keep current with payments. The monthly service charge discount is a benefit, too. While I never expected that I'd need a customer assistance program, I'm glad the H2O Program is available, and I'm glad for its representatives who treated me kindly and with respect. I look forward to the day when I will no longer need this support and can give back to the H2O - Help to Others Program with my contribution."
Those who wish to contribute to Pennsylvania American Water's H2O – Help to Others Program can do so by adding a donation to their monthly Pennsylvania American water bill payment. Donations can be a one-time gift or can be a regular addition of $1, $3 or $5 to the customer's monthly water bill charges.
Source: Pennsylvania American Water
