This is a uniquely difficult time for many Pittsburgh residents. We appreciate that so many customers and stakeholders took the time to share their concerns at the public hearings held by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) in early July.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) held six consecutive public hearings to provide customers with an opportunity to share their thoughts about the rate proposal filed by the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority (PWSA) on March 6, 2020. 

The hearings were held at 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm on July 7th, 8th, and 9th where thirty-one people, most customers, testified in a format to meet all social distancing requirements. Their comments were heard by members of the PUC and other state departments as well as representatives from PWSA. 

Most speakers are concerned that the downturn in the economy and the increasing unemployment rate due to COVID-19 make the timing of a rate increase difficult to bear. Many speakers also expressed an interest in seeing more customer assistance programs available to provide greater protections for our most vulnerable customers. 

Your testimony is on record with the PUC and it will be considered while they continue to deliberate on our rate filing.  

PWSA is making every reasonable effort to provide customers with the support they need to pay their water and sewer bill. 

Our proposal includes a more generous bill discount program, expands awareness about our customer assistance programs through outreach and education, and includes other provisions that will make it easy for customers to qualify for customer assistance. If the PUC approves our proposal, income eligible households will receive a 100 percent reduction in monthly fixed charges and we will also establish a PWSA staff team that can work one-on-one with financially vulnerable customers.

We currently offer the following Customer Assistance Programs:

• Bill Discount Program that provides a 75 percent reduction on fixed monthly charges.
• Cash assistance grants up to $300 per year for customers at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.
• Suspension on water shutoffs for customers at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level. This program is typically in place from December 1st through March 31st, but due to COVID-19, has been extended.
• Free private lead line replacements for customers at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level.
• Payment plans are available for those that need help paying down past balances.

To make it easier for customers to apply, many of the requirements for these programs have been waived. Our rate proposal includes several recommendations to expand our Customer Assistance Programs. 

Customers facing an unexpected financial hardship are encouraged to contact Customer Service by calling (412) 255-2423 and press 5 to learn if these programs can help.