On July 21, California Water Service Company (Cal Water) launched the Cal Water Cares Grant Program to assist customers who have experienced some hardship. Partnering with local community-based organizations, such as the Salvation Army, Cal Water customers will receive assistance in applying for the grants and meeting the eligibility criteria, which includes a total gross household income at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Additionally, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis for customers who face economic hardships, such as unemployment, but do not meet the income guidelines.
The grant program is limited to residential customers at risk of having their service terminated or who have their service terminated and have a balance of at least $100 on their water utility bill. Prior to receiving a grant of up to $200, customers will need to have demonstrated they made a concerted effort to pay at least $75 toward their bill in the last 90 days. For customers 62 years of age or older, the payment is reduced to $50 in the last 90 days.
The program will be administered by Dollar Energy Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization and one of the largest hardship funds in the U.S.
