Rate Increase FAQ
Are there any programs to assist low-income households with these increased costs?
SLVWD has a Rate Assistance Program (RAP) for low-income households, which currently provides a $15/month subsidy. To qualify, ratepayers must show that they are enrolled in PG&E’s CARE program, pay the residential water bill, and receive the water bill in their name. Here is the link with more information regarding how to apply: https://www.slvwd.com/customer-service/webforms/rate-assistance-program
SLVWD requires that bills be in the name of the property owner, so renters are ineligible.
FSLVW is advocating for increases in the RAP subsidy to roughly match the proposed annual increases in the fixed portion of the bill for the five-year rate study period. In January the SLVWD Board of Directors will consider this proposal and others to increase the RAP if and when new rates are adopted and at the start of the 2025 fiscal year on July 1, 2024. Under
Proposition 218, revenue from customer water rates cannot be used to pay for rate assistance programs. The limited amount of non-ratepayer revenue limits the size of the RAP the District can provide.
SLVWD is investigating other avenues beyond the RAP for assisting low-income renters.
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