Everett, WA – In the coming year, Snohomish County Public Utility District expects its energy assistance programs to help more than 17,000 senior citizens and low-income customers struggling with their electric bills. The programs currently provide reductions of 20 percent, 40 percent, or 60 percent off PUD electric and water bills. The discount percentage that customers receive depends on their income level.

As of October 1, 2014, the low-income discount is available to PUD customers who have a household annual income that is below 125 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,813 for a family of four). Also eligible for discounts are senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older and have a combined disposable annual income of less than $27,792.

For an application or more information about the PUD’s assistance programs, customers should visit www.snopud.com (click on “Your Account”) or call Customer Service at 425-783-1000.

Additional Assistance Programs:
Project PRIDE: Administered by the local chapter of the American Red Cross, this program raises voluntary contributions from PUD ratepayers. The money goes to low-income customers who need help with their bills. For more information, call the Red Cross at 425-252-4103.

Snohomish County Office of Weatherization & Energy Assistance: A weatherization program provides home energy conservation assistance to eligible homeowner and renter households. An energy assistance program offers assistance in paying the heat bill for eligible households on a one-time per heating season basis. For more information, call 425-388-3880. Camano Island customers should call the Opportunity Council at 1-800-317-5427.

Northsound 211: This service, accessed by calling the 211 telephone number, connects local residents to health and human services in the community. Need help finding rent assistance, job training, volunteer opportunities, food, shelter, or support groups? These are just some of the hundreds of social services 2-1-1 can help people access.