AUSTIN – Low-income residential customers who are enrolled in the City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) can expect additional discounts on their monthly bill starting November 1. The newly reduced water and wastewater rates, which are among the best in the nation for CAP participants, were introduced as part of the Austin Water’s push to make water service more affordable.

“Being able to reduce our CAP customer rates is certainly a source of pride for the utility,” said David Anders, Assistant Director Austin Water – Financial Services. “But this is just one of the many ways that the utility has been able to deliver for Austinites – offering not just affordable rates but also increased financial assistance for customers in need.”

Low-income residents who benefit from the customer assistance program will receive an average of $48 in additional savings per year on their water bills. Cumulatively, the water and wastewater rate reductions add up to $576,000 in savings for low-income Austinites annually.

For eligibility requirements or information about additional assistance offered through the City of Austin Customer Assistance Program, customers can contact City of Austin Utilities at (512) 494-9400.

Improving Affordability

The discounted Customer Assistance Program (CAP) water and wastewater rates were made possible thanks to the utility’s multi-year efforts to find savings through cost containment, debt management and innovations in technology and processes. Cost savings are then passed along to customers in the way of rate reductions, rebates, and financial assistance for customers in need of plumbing repairs and more.

For more information about how Austin Water is making water service more affordable, please visit http://austintexas.gov/page/making-water-service-more-affordable
 

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