Federal relief package passed by House of Representatives includes critical funding for utility customers impacted by coronavirus pandemic.

San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is commending the historic $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill passed by the United States House of Representatives on Friday that included $500 million for utility customers struggling to pay water and wastewater bills.

“With the House passage of this bill, we are truly at a watershed moment and I want to thank President Biden and Speaker Pelosi for their tremendous leadership on this effort,” said SFPUC Acting General Manager Michael Carlin. “As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans across the nation are struggling more than ever to deal with the economic fallout of this deadly virus. This funding package provides vital relief programs, including help for families to pay their water and wastewater bills.”

The $500 million included in the COVID-19 stimulus package would be allocated to states, with details still to be determined.

With passage by the House of Representatives, the bill will now go to the United States Senate, which is expected to consider the relief package over the next two weeks.

In the wake of the pandemic, the SFPUC has embarked on a series of ratepayer assistance efforts to help customers impacted by COVID-19. At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, The SFPUC suspended water and power shut offs due to late payments, postponed liens and collections and waived late fees. The agency also expanded its Customer Assistance Programs to provide eligible residents with discounts of 15 percent off their water bills and their 35 percent off their wastewater bills. Small business and nonprofit organizations are also eligible to receive 20 percent off their water and wastewater bills.

As always, payment programs are available for customers who need more flexibility paying their utility bills. Customers can learn more about available bill relief programs at sfpuc.org/billrelief.

About the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) is a department of the City and County of San Francisco. It delivers drinking water to 2.7 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, collects and treats wastewater for the City and County of San Francisco, and generates clean power for municipal buildings, residential customers, and businesses. Our mission is to provide our customers with high quality, efficient and reliable water, power, and sewer services in a manner that values environmental and community interests and sustains the resources entrusted to our care. Learn more at www.sfpuc.org.

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