COVID-19 Response
The Ohop Mutual Light Company Board, in recognition of the economic impact of COVID-19 Pandemic, authorizes the following Customer Support Programs to be activated for our members/customers.
Operation Round Up Financial Assistance
The Ohop Mutual Light Company Board of Directors approved additional funding for the Operation Round Up Program, a relief program established to help our members. The Operation Round Up Program will provide a utility credit of up to $200 for eligible households, usable toward the Ohop Mutual electricity bill.
The eligibility requirements for the Operation Round Up program have been temporarily updated to allow more customers to qualify for bill pay assistance.
Eligibility Requirements
To receive a one-time Emergency Assistance grant, you must:
- Be a current Ohop Mutual Light Company customer
- Use the house you are applying for as your primary residence
- Have an Ohop Mutual Power Bill in your name
- Have a Delinquent Balance
- Show Proof of Income for all Adult Members of the Household
- Verify that your income/source of income has been impacted due to Covid
- Complete an Operation Round Up Application in Full
- Have applied to the LIHEAP Program at Pierce County
- Meet the household net income requirements (listed below)
Income maximums for this grant program have been temporarily increased to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Extended Payment Arrangements
An Extended payment arrangement will be permitted for the payment of delinquent accounts greater than 30 days in arrears that were accrued prior to end of the disconnect moratorium (09/30/2021).
This Extended Payment Arrangement grants customers up to 18 months (based on amount owing) to pay arrearages as a result of a Delinquent Balance directly related to COVID-19.
Late Fees on Past Due balances will be suspended if the current amount is paid by the due date.
Deposit Refund
Members requesting Extended Payment Arrangements, who have existing Deposits on their account, will have their deposit refunded into their account to assist in both a reduction of their Delinquent Balance and a decrease in their Monthly Extended Payment Arrangement Amount.
Renters requesting Extended Payment Arrangements, who have existing Deposits on their account, will need to have their Landlord sign a Deposit Waiver Form to have their deposit refunded into their account.
All customers who receive a Refund of their Deposit must either maintain a credit rating of Good or higher (after the refund) or repay the Deposit Amount Refunded in Installments over the next 6-18 months.
Rate Increase Delay
Due to the Negative Economic Impact the Coronavirus has caused many of our members, the Board of Directors has postponed any rate increases through 2021 to assist our members.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The U.S. federal government offers assistance through its Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps qualifying, low-income households with their heating/energy needs.
You can learn more on the Pierce County Human Services website or by calling 253-798-4328. Remember: Additional funding might be available due to COVID-19 even if you have already received LIHEAP funding this year.
Other Programs
Emergency Rental Assistance – ERAT/ERAP at Pierce County Human Services Community Action Programs – Provides emergency rent to Pierce County residents (including City of Tacoma), including those behind on rent or utilities. Apply online. Must meet income guidelines and be financially impacted by the community response to COVID-19. Funding is supplied by the county, but administered by local, community agencies.
Emergency Financial Assistance at Pierce County Veterans Services – Provides emergency assistance with food, rent and utilities to qualified, indigent veterans and family members. Limited assistance with medical and other miscellaneous services is also available.
Washington Connection offers a fast and easy way for families and individuals to apply for a variety of services such as Food, Cash, Child Care, Long-Term Care, and Medicare Savings Programs. Individuals that are age 65 and older, blind or disabled may also apply for medical assistance. A Disaster Cash Assistance Program (DCAP) was recently approved.
To check for available services, go to the WashingtonConnection.org website.
Washington Healthplanfinder offers healthcare coverage for children, parents/caretakers with children, pregnant women, or adults age 18 to 64 years old. For information regarding available services or to apply for benefits, visit www.wahealthplanfinder.org.
Utilities and Transportation Commission offers information on other assistance that may be available for our members. You may contact them at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or consumer@utc.wa.gov.