City of Fresno
Processing Time: Applications will be processed within 7–10 business days of receipt. Approved credits will be reflected in the next billing cycle.
Questions? Call us at (559) 621-6888
Due to limited funding and in the interest of equity, applicants must apply each year on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be submitted by May 31 of each year. Affordability credits will be issued for a 12-month period from July to June to qualified applicants. If all qualified applicants are enrolled and the budget is not depleted, additional applications will be accepted until all affordability credits are utilized. For additional information, call (559) 621-6888.
The Affordability Credit Program offers financial assistance to qualified low-income water and residential solid waste utility account holders. To qualify, account holders must self-certify that they qualify for PG&E's California Alternate Rates for Energy ("CARE") Program, one of Fresno County Human Services Programs, or have an annual maximum household income equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Eligible account holders who can demonstrate financial eligibility will receive a credit up to $5 per month for water service and up to $5 per month for residential solid waste service, for a total credit of $10 per month, or $120 in a 12-month period. If the account holder does not receive or pay for both utility services, they will only receive the relevant credit for the service which they receive.
The Affordability Credit Program is funded with an annual appropriation of $1 million of non-ratepayer funds to provide financial assistance to approximately 8,333 customers per year. The source of the funding is revenue collected by the City as late payments and delinquency charges.
Title. The financial assistance program for qualified low-income water utility account holders will be referred to as the Water Affordability Credit Program (WACP) and the program for qualified low-income residential solid waste utility account holders will be referred to as the Solid Waste Affordability Credit Program (SWACP). Combined, the programs will be referred to as WACP/SWACP.
Objective. The objective of the WACP/SWACP is to provide financial assistance to account holders based on demonstrated financial need.
Purpose. The WACP/SWACP is intended to support the City's Department of Public Utilities' Customer Care Policy regarding service affordability as stated in its Financial Management Plan document.
Maximum Monthly Credit. The credit will be valued at $5 per month for each service. If an account holder does not have an active account with water or solid waste services, the amount of the monthly credit will be adjusted accordingly.
Funding Amount & Source. The WACP/SWACP will be funded with an annual appropriation of $1 million. The source of funding is revenue collected by the City Utility Billing and Collections Division (UB&C) as late payments and delinquency charges (Revenue Code 35103 — Penalties), which are exempt from the requirements of Proposition 218.
Qualifying. To qualify, an account holder must self-certify that they qualify for PG&E's CARE Program or one of Fresno County's human services programs (SNAP, WIC, NSLP, or Medi-Cal), or have a household income equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
Enrollment. Account holders must submit an application to UB&C. If approved, the WACP/SWACP will be applied to the account holder's utility bill for the next billing period, with the credit appearing on the next bill.
Term of Affordability Credit. Due to limited funding and in the interest of equity:
Audits. The Department reserves the right to perform audits of the WACP/SWACP. On a periodic basis, UB&C will select a random sample of account holders who will be asked to provide proof of continued eligibility.
Water Conservation Encouraged. On a periodic basis, the Administration will review water consumption records of WACP/SWACP participants. If a participant has an annual average monthly water consumption rate greater than 18 HCF per month, the Department's Water Division staff may offer a voluntary water efficiency assessment.
Qualified persons will see the credit on the front of their utility bill.