Chelan PUD Expands, Improves Discount Program

​By Russ Alman, Communications Director  --

​The Chelan Public Utility District (CPUD) has launched a new bill assistance program, providing a 25% discount for ALL income-qualified households in Chelan County.

The previous CPUD discount program was only available to low-income seniors and disabled customers. The qualifying income levels were static and did not adjust based on the size of the household. Qualifying customers received monthly discounts of $11-$13. 

The CPUD saw an opportunity to expand their program to help more of the community. “As we all know, costs are increasing for everyone out there, from living expenses, fuel... you name it. So we're all feeling that pinch,” said Cathy Melton, Customer Service Program Analyst at the CPUD.

As a result, the CPUD has changed the structure of their bill assistance program. Instead of just seniors and disabled customers, every household in the county may qualify for a 25 percent discount if they meet specific income levels. These adjust based on the number of people in the household. Any household can apply and check to see if they will qualify. 

If you already receive a CPUD low-income senior or disabled discount, you will automatically be rolled over to the new program and do not need to reapply. However, with this new program, the discount will increase. 

According to the CPUD website, “Households with a combined income below the greater of 80% of the Chelan County area median income or 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify for assistance.” Melton recommends that customers use the table on the CPUD website or the online application form to verify eligibility.

The program is run entirely by the CPUD and is not tied to any other state or federal programs, which streamlines the qualification and distribution process.

To see if you qualify for the new discount program and to apply, visit f-cc.link/cpudpromise. Because the qualifying income levels are fluid based on number of members in the household, this is the easiest method. In addition, customers may call the CPUD at (509) 661-8002 or visit the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council at 1700 N Wenatchee Ave. for assistance filling out the online application.

The program uses a third-party, nationally recognized partner organization called Promise to process applications and distribute funds. “A lot of people are going to receive a text message from Promise, encouraging them to go to a secure portal where they can answer a few questions and most people will get an answer right away on whether they qualify or not,” Melton said.

As a reminder with all text messages, if you are unsure of the sender or are uncomfortable responding to an unsolicited message, visit the CPUD website directly at f-cc.link/cpudpromise or call their customer service number at (509) 661-8002. Do NOT send any sensitive information through an email. The CPUD will never ask you for personal information through an email or phone call. If in doubt, call the CPUD office directly.
“If you have applied for our discount programs in the past and were denied, apply again because we have really changed the structure of the program and many more households will be eligible,” Melton said.