Utility bill assistance (March 8, 2016)
Richard Rorex’s recent letter to the editor expressed the opinion that a $10 annual increase in water bills would be too much for those on a fixed income. Granted, no one enjoys paying more for anything, but if that level of increase really threatens your budget, you need to know that Liberty Apple Valley offers a California Alternative Rates for Water (CARW) program, which offers income-qualified customers a $7.46 per month discount on their water bill. This is similar to the California Alternative Rates for Energy (CARE) program offered by Southern California Edison.
Liberty Apple Valley also offers a Military Family Relief Program, which provides extended payment terms to those families experiencing reduced income due to a call to active duty military service.
I found this information on Liberty Apple Valley’s website. Those interested can call 760-247-6484 for details.
As for the Town of Apple Valley seizing Liberty Apple Valley because of this rate increase, keep in mind that state law prohibits municipalities from offering programs such as CARW, so low-income water users would no longer have this option. That would have much more negative impact on more Apple Valley residents than the rate increase, especially if it’s still the case that 25 percent of ratepayers in Apple Valley are currently taking advantage of this program.
— Greg Raven is Co-Chair of Apple Valley Citizens for Government Accountability, and is concerned about quality of life issues.
Published: Daily Press