Task force weighs boosting emergency utility assistance to $400K–$500K a year

Staff detailed the emergency utility assistance program's evolution and current operation, recommending the task force consider a recurring utility contribution of $400,000 to $500,000 per year for 2027–28. The program began with donations in 2016, was increased during COVID and later scaled back; staff noted the per-account cap and partner referral processes.

A staff presenter summarized the recent trend: "in the last rate cycle, we were at about $400,000 or we were at $400,000, which was $350 per account." The presenter said the program helped 837 customers in 2023 and about 1,000 customers year-to-date through August, and added that the $350 cap often does not fully cover arrears. Staff described partner referral relationships with the Salvation Army and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency and said Salem Housing Authority Section 8 clients may be pre-qualified.

Task force members asked staff to run multiple options (maintain $400K, increase to $450K or $500K) and to show how different per-account caps would affect the number of customers served. Staff noted applicants must re-qualify annually and that the program's reach depends on total fund size and per-account limits.