Some Grant County PUD customers

eligible for new power bill discount

By Lynne Lynch

Herald staff writer

EPHRATA - Grant County PUD is now offering a new 20 percent power bill discount for some disabled customers considered among the poor.

The program is expected to serve about 150 people, many of whom aren't able to work because of their disabilities, said Dorothy Harris, the utility's spokeswoman.

A family of four with a yearly income of $30,975 and receiving certain federal medical benefits would qualify for the program.

Two customers have applied for the program. Customers should know the same day they apply if they qualify for the discount, she said.

The program began Thursday after recent approval by commissioners.

The state Department of Revenue gives a 50 percent tax credit to Grant PUD to pay for the discount. The tax credit is part of an incentive program designed to prompt other utilities to also offer the discount, she said.

As a result, Grant PUD expects to pay about $15,300 annually for the program instead of the full cost of $30,600, she added.

While there is a financial impact to the utility, Grant PUD commissioners believed it was minor because of the benefits of providing lower rates, she said.

Already, the utility offers a 20 percent discount to about 450 low-income senior citizens through a separate program that began last year, she said.

For more information, call 509-766-2505 or 1-800-422-3199.