Ruralite - December 2003
A newsletter for customers of Klickitat PUD

As the weather gets colder, and your thoughts turn to the holidays, don't forget that winter heating bills are also on the way. For some unfortunate families, these higher bills are a cause for concern. Klickitat PUD is ready with options for our customers, for giving and receiving.

Customers age 62 or over, who have total household incomes of $15,000 or less, are encouraged to visit Miriam at White Salmon Senior Services (509-493-3068) or Eric at Goldendale Senior Services (509-773-3757) and apply for our Low Income Senior Discount. Eligible seniors receive 10% to 40% off their six winter bills.

Also, any customer at 125% of the poverty level or worse can receive 10% off of their power bills for December through March billings, if they keep current on their bills. Customers who think they meet these requirements are encouraged to contact the Klickitat-Skamania Development Council (800-755-1192) to sign up.

For that hard-to-shop-for person on your Christmas list, give a PUD gift certificate. They are convenient and especially helpful to our customers during the winter months. Just stop by either the Goldendale or White Salmon office, make a payment on their account, and ask for a gift certificate to include in their Christmas card. Gift certificates are available all year long and can also be used as birthday gifts, get-well gifts or just because. If you would rather a payment be anonymous, we can meet that need as well.

Operation Warm Heart and Operation Round Up continue to be a great way to make a contribution. Last winter, 95 families received help on their winter bills in emergency situations. 42 families were single parents, 33 were senior citizens and 20 were low-income families who were about to fall through the cracks. Operation Warm Heart was started to help the low income and working poor in emergency situations. Recipients sometimes make matching payments, or donate back to the fund when they are able, which helps keep the fund available to more customers.

Klickitat PUD customers can donate in three ways: a small amount added to your PUD bill each month, a one-time donation of any amount, or have you bill "rounded up" to the nearest dollar and the difference is added to the fund.

Last year, KPUD customers donated almost $15,000 to the fund as a deduction to their utility bill, with PUD employees donating more than $1,000. If you would like to warm someone's heart, and their home, this winter, you can fill out this form, or stop by one of our offices to find out just how easy it is.

Operation Warm Heart, Operation Round Up Three options: Please add $1 $2 $3 $5 $____________ to my monthly bill. I am enclosing a one-time contribution of $______________ Please "Round UP" my monthly utility bills to the nearest dollar and place the difference into the Operation Warm Heart fund to help needy families. NAME: _______________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________ PHONE:_________________________ ACCOUNT No.__________________________ SIGNATURE:___________________________________________________________ Thank you! Your contribution is very much appreciated and much needed!