Hey Everett, Was Your PUD Bill A Shocker?

Many people are experiencing sticker shock when they see their PUD bill for the past month.

If you got sticker shock from your PUD bill there may be help available.

The unusually cold weather over the past month or so means your PUD bill will likely be substantially higher than usual. The PUD wants you to know there is a discount program available for people based on their income. The program currently provides 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.

Click to enlarge the chart.

Currently, 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 ($30,375 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 $28,349. Income thresholds are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see the discount section on the PUD website. You can also download an application form at this site.

The PUD website also has a great explanation of the increase to your winter bill as well as suggestions on ways to save energy and therefore money during the winter.