Discounts still available to low-income Oxnard residents for utility bill

Two years ago, Oxnard began setting aside money to offer low-income residents a discount on their utility bills.

The assistance program is on a first-come, first-served basis but funding remains. Through social media and billing inserts, the city is spreading the message in English and Spanish about the offer.

Every month, residents have an opportunity to attend a sign-up event for the program known as Project Assist.

The next sign up will be on Jan. 16 and 17 at the Oxnard Library in Room B. The bilingual sessions — from 3 to 6 p.m. on Jan. 16 and 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 17 — will allow low-income residents who get a city utility bill to sign up.

MORE:Counties say Southern California Edison, PG&E power shutoffs take toll on safety, finances

Residents who are already registered in another assistance program through their power or gas company can apply. Residents who qualify for Medical or food stamps can also apply. Renters who receive a city utility bill are qualified as well.

Those who attend the sign-up sessions should bring their city utility bill and a copy of their eligibility to another assistance program.

Qualified residents will get $10 off their monthly bill, which covers water, sewer and trash.

Interested ratepayers should attend one of the sessions but Jay Duncan, customer services manager for the public works department, said those who can not make it can call to make an appointment.

"As long as they meet the eligibility, it's a pretty easy process to go through," Duncan said.

Seismologist: How cities respond to major quake will determine whether residents stay

Another set of sign-up sessions will be in February. They will also take place at the downtown library from 3 to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 21.

City utility rates have been increasing significantly starting with a 35 percent hike nearly three years ago and other gradual increases since.

The City Council set aside $100,000 annually for the assistance program. It's enough for discounts to almost 900 families. 

"We're in no danger of hitting the cap," Duncan said.

In the first year of the program, 392 households signed up. In the first half of the second year, 384 have signed up.

MORE:Camarillo building supply store to be demolished for low-income housing

"We're obviously going to pass that and then some," Duncan said.

Residents who enroll must sign up again every year.

Duncan said programs like these typically have a slow start.

"It takes time to get the word out," he said.

Funding for the program comes from overdue utility fees.

For more information about the assistance program, call the customer services manager at 805-385-8387.

Cafe Society:Discounts, adventure on menus during restaurant weeks in Ventura County