Georgetown to help pay residential utility bills to those affected by COVID-19

The city of Georgetown is making a final push to help residents affected by COVID-19 pay utility bills through the city’s COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program, according to an Aug. 12 news release.

“We realize some of our neighbors need support and might not have other resources available to them,” Mayor Josh Schroeder said in the release. “If you need assistance paying your bill, please let us know. We are here to help as many people as we can.”

The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program will offer up to $1,500 to residential utility customers who have past due balances and who can show their income has been affected by the pandemic, it said.

Assistance is available to all qualifying city of Georgetown utility customers, including those who live in the extraterritorial jurisdiction. Customers who received assistance in 2020 may still qualify for additional assistance, the release said.

Applications must be submitted by Sept. 30 as financial assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Council authorized $1 million in May 2020 to aid customers affected by the pandemic who do not qualify for other low-income assistance programs. Only 10% of the COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program will go toward people who qualify for other assistance. Funding for the program comes from unanticipated income and special revenues in both water and electric utilities.

The city still has more than $900,000 in funding available. As of July 23, the city has provided $84,396.79 to help a total of 217 customers, the release said.

The city partnered with Opportunities for Williamson and Burnet Counties to administer the program, the release said.

More information about the program and applications are available on OWBC’s website or by calling 512-930-3460.