New Jersey American Water
New Jersey American Water is a state subsidiary of American Water, the nation’s largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. Founded in 1886, American Water now employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater services, and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and in Ontario, Canada. American Water operates as regulated utilities in approximately 1,600 communities in 16 US states, including New Jersey, where the utility serves approximately 2.7 million people.
New Jersey American Water offers vulnerable households a range of options to make water rates more affordable. Their comprehensive assistance program H2O Help to Others includes payment assistance and discounted rates for qualified applicants. To qualify for the program, customers must have annual incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, and must fulfill at least 50 percent of the payment terms. Customers who receive Social Security benefits or Medicare coverage are also eligible to receive a discount off the monthly DSIC charge, which is based on meter size.
New Jersey American Water works with customers who are having trouble paying bills to ensure that they find the right assistance option. A variety of payment arrangements can be made depending on the situation, including: paying at least 25 percent of the bill within 48 hours of calling; paying the remainder of the bill according to an agreed-upon schedule; and paying all future bills as they become due. Customers can be granted up to $500 to help pay for their indoor water use, and can also receive a 100 percent discount on their monthly fixed service charge for water.
In 2015, NJ American Water provided $65,169 in assistance grants to 258 households. Approximately 5,950 customers are currently enrolled in this program.