Utility bill relief funding still available, City of Austin customers urged to act now
October 2, 2020
Additional utility relief funding, approved by the Austin City Council in April, is still available to those in need
of financial assistance. To date, City of Austin Utilities has provided more than $6 million to more than 10,500
customers who needed help paying their utility bills due to COVID-19 and more funding is obtainable. Customers are
urged to seek assistance now to avoid collection activities.
As City of Austin Utilities begins a phased-in approach to standard collection processes, we want to continue to help
as many customers as possible. In addition to financial aid, City of Austin Utilities is offering a new, more
flexible payment option that allows customers to pay outstanding balances over a longer time. Customers can spread
their payments over 36 months, instead of the standard 24-month payment arrangement. If customers have a past-due
bill, we encourage them to act now to avoid late-payment fees and maintain services without interruption. Late fees
will resume beginning in November and disconnections for non-payment are expected to resume in early 2021.
"City of Austin Utilities has many options available to help customers during this difficult time, but we need them
to contact us so that we can provide assistance," said Elaine Veselka, vice president of Customer Account Management.
"We know our customers are facing hardships and we want to help them avoid accumulating large, unpaid balances."
Customers who need help beyond a payment plan are encouraged to contact us to review other available payment options
and assistance programs. The City of Austin Customer Assistance Program (CAP) helps utility customers
facing temporary and long-term financial difficulties, as well as those with serious medical problems. The Utility
Bill Discount Program and the Plus 1 Financial Support Program provide direct, targeted relief to the most vulnerable
customers experiencing hardship in paying utility bills. A 10-15 percent reduction in electric, water and wastewater
rates for customers enrolled in the City of Austin’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) will continue for the entirety
of fiscal year 2021.
The City also wants to alert customers that there are utility scammers who may try to trick them out of money and
personal information. The scammers often try to dupe people by telling them their utility bill is past due and that
their utilities will be shut off if they don’t make an immediate payment. The City will never demand immediate
payment over the phone and will not threaten to shut off your utilities over the phone. Find out how to spot a utility
scam and how to protect yourself.
Please contact City of Austin Utilities as soon as possible to pay your balance or enter into a payment arrangement
at 512-494-9400. To see if you qualify for bill assistance, visit AustinBillHelp.com https://www.financialsupportplus1.com to
learn what options may be available if you have been impacted by COVID-19 and are having trouble paying your utility
bills. The City is committed to working with customers during this difficult time.