The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) is launching the Bill Relief Program July 1, 2022, to help income-eligible individuals and families in the community lighten the cost of their utility bill. Customers with a total household income of $50,000 or less may qualify for assistance.
Customers with active city water service who apply for the program and qualify will receive a $3 monthly credit applied to their account each month for one year. The credit offsets the 2022 water rate increase, which will be $2.27 per month effect July 1 (assuming an average monthly water use of 5,000 gallons). After one year, customers may have the opportunity to reapply for the program for an additional 12 months. Dollars not used for the utility bill relief credit will be allocated to provide assistance to income-eligible customer in disconnect status.
Who’s Eligible
Eligibility is based on combined annual household income. EWSU customers with a household income of $50,000 or less may qualify for assistance.
How to Apply
- Visit ewsu.com/BillRelief.
- Fill out the application, including EWSU account number and household income.
- Applicants will receive an email verifying the application was received and whether the request was approved or denied.
Program Funding
Funding for the Bill Relief Program is provided by the American Rescue Plan, which provides direct relief to Americans and the economy during and as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Evansville has allocated $4 million in federal funds for up to two years. EWSU is working toward sustaining it as a long-term program, dedicated to offering assistance to individuals and households in greatest need.
Find Out More
To learn more about the Bill Relief Program, visit ewsu.com/ReliefProgram or contact EWSU Customer Service at ewsu.com/contactor by calling 812-436-7846.
Indiana Lifts Water Bill Tax
Also starting in July – unrelated to the EWSU Bill Relief Program – water customers across the state of Indiana will benefit from changes in Indiana utility tax regulations that lift the state tax on water consumption. Beginning July 2022, all EWSU customers will see a decrease in rates and charges on their utility bill. This reduction comes from the amendment to the Public Service Commission Act, submitted by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and passed by the Indiana State Legislature in April 2022. A residential customer who uses an average of 5,000 gallons of water per month will see a $0.46 decrease in their bill each month.
