In the coming year, Snohomish County Public Utility District expects its energy assistance programs to help more than 17,000 senior citizens and low-income customers struggling with their electric bills. The programs currently provide reductions of 20 percent, 40 percent, or 60 percent off PUD electric and water bills. The discount percentage that a customer receives depends on their income level.

As of Oct. 1, 2013, the low-income discount is available to PUD customers who have a household annual income that is below 125 percent of the federal poverty level ($29,438 for a family of four). Also eligible for discounts are senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older and have a combined disposable annual income of less than $27,381.

For an application or more information about the PUD’s assistance programs, customers should visit www.snopud.com (click on “Your Account”) or call Customer Service at 425-783-1000.

PUD also offers the following additional assistance programs:

Project PRIDE: Administered by the local chapter of the American Red Cross, this program raises voluntary contributions from PUD ratepayers. The money goes to low-income customers who need help with their bills. For more information, call the Red Cross at 425-252-4103.

Helping Hands: This program receives donations from PUD employees to help low-income senior citizens with their electric bills. The program is funded in a variety of ways, including employee payroll deductions, a holiday bazaar fundraiser and book fairs. For more information, call PUD Customer Service at 425-783-1000 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).