This year, 6,345 households across the Commonwealth have received financial assistance from Pennsylvania American Water's H20 - Help to Others Program.
The H20 - Help to Others Program, administered by the $1 Energy Fund and Conservation Consultants, Inc., offers grants to qualified customers, a 20 percent discount on Pennsylvania American's monthly service charge, water-saving devices, and information on how to use water more wisely. Up to $60,000 per year contributed by customers is matched, dollar for dollar, by Pennsylvania American Water.
In 2003, there were 5,624 individuals enrolled in the H20 Program's monthly service charge discount program. Grants to assist in paying water bills were received by 703 individuals. The average grant in 2003 was $167.
"For more than 10 years now, Pennsylvania American has been a good neighbor lending a hand of support to customers in need. Contributions made to the H20 Program by customers and by the company ensure that individuals and families in need can receive water service – a daily essential – during hard times," said Pennsylvania American Water CEO and President Robert M. Ross."Pennsylvania American is the state's only water utility to partner with the $1 Energy Fund to provide such an assistance program," Ross said. "Quality water is a resource no one should have to do without." Senior citizens, single women who are heads of households, and others on fixed incomes are examples of customers who benefit from Pennsylvania American's H20 Program.
An 80-year-old customer in Homestead, Pa., was helped by the H20 Program this year. Leaky faucets in both her kitchen and bathroom were repaired – eliminating water waste, which impacts a customer's bill. "I am so happy to be helped by the program, and I will keep all of you in my prayers," this customer commented.
Another senior customer from the Pittsburgh suburb of Jefferson Hills shed tears as she expressed gratitude for a visit by H20 Program representatives this fall to check for leaks and to replace worn faucets. "In my entire life, no one has every done any thing for me totally free of charge," this customer said. "I have raised two disabled children. My daughter died a few years ago, but my son, who is deaf, still needs my support. I'm a widow myself, but I still want to help my son and maintain the home my husband built for me. It's so hard with a limited income."
Those who wish to contribute to Pennsylvania American Water's H20 - Help to Others Program can do so by adding a donation to their monthly Pennsylvania American water bill payment. Donations can also be made online, via the $1 Energy Fund website, at www.dollarenergy.org.
Pennsylvania American customers who think that they might be eligible to receive assistance should contact the $1 Energy Fund, toll-free, at 1-888-282-6816.
Source: Pennsylvania American Water
