The 2023-2024 Low Income Elderly discount program (Senior Discounts), assisted 347 Klickitat PUD customers with approximately $71,000 in discounts extended and was overall very successful. 

The programs offers customers 62 years of age or older discounts; previously those discounts ranged from 5% to 35% depending on annual household income.  The 2024-2025 program discount structure was overhauled in order to expand the income threshold level, which is expected to help up to 250 additional customers.  In order to maintain the funding cap of $75,000 and improve equitable distribution of discounts among customers, percentage discounts were largely replaced with lump sum monthly discounts. 

Our customer base with the greatest need at 100% federal poverty level (FPL) qualifies for a discount of the basic fee ($23.83) plus 15% of their usage.  Previously we limited discounts to the 200% FPL, but extended the threshold to the 80% area median income to reach more customers that have struggled qualifying for assistance.

The changes to the discount structure will effect customers differently depending on their usage patterns.  Higher usage customers will not see the discounts they previously saw with the move away from percentages; however, Klickitat PUD has programs available to help low income customers decrease usage with conservation efforts.  

Below is a chart that identifies the income thresholds associated with each discount level:   

Klickitat PUD is grateful for the continued partnership with Klickitat County Senior Service, who qualifies customers for this program.  Senior services in coordination with Washington Gorge Action Programs, Yakama Nation and Klickitat PUD will host the following community enrollment events to bring all senior low income assistance opportunities together to provide one-stop assistance opportunities.