PITTSBURGH, Feb. 2, 2005 (PRNewswire) -- Across the state, Pennsylvania American Water's H20 - "Help to Others" Program®, a customer assistance program, is keeping water - a life-sustaining resource - flowing for customers who have fallen on difficult financial times.
In 2004, Pennsylvania American the program provided financial assistance to 10,371 households. In existence for over a decade, it's administered by the $1 Energy Fund and Conservation Consultants Inc. -- both based in Pittsburgh. The program offers grants to qualified customers, a 50% discount on Pennsylvania American Water's monthly service charge, water-saving devices, and information on how to use water wisely. Up to $60,000 per year contributed by customers is matched, dollar for dollar, by Pennsylvania American Water.
In 2004, 9,808 individuals enrolled in the H20 Program received the half off discount on their monthly service charge, with 563 individuals received grants to assist in paying water bills. The average grant in 2004 was $220.
"For more than 10 years now, Pennsylvania American Water has been a good neighbor to customers in need," said Robert M. Ross, president of Pennsylvania American Water. "Contributions made to the H20 - Help to Others Program by customers and by the company ensure that individuals and families in need can receive water service - a daily essential -- during hard times. Quality water is a resource no one should have to do without."
Senior citizens, single women who are heads of households, and others on fixed incomes are examples of customers who benefit from Pennsylvania American program.
The program provided a Fayette County resident and Pennsylvania American Water customer some minor plumbing repairs in the customer's home, such as repairing bathroom and kitchen sink faucets and replacing a leaking bathtub faucet.
"I am so happy and appreciate the water-saving devices and the repairs made at my home," the customer said. "This is the first time anyone has gone above and beyond to help me. My monthly water bill has now been cut in half because of the repairs I wouldn't have been able to afford on my own. Thank you," added the customer.
Those who wish to contribute to Pennsylvania American Water's H20 - Help to Others Program can do so by adding a donation to their monthly Pennsylvania American water bill payment. Donations can be a one-time gift or can be a regular addition of $1, $3 or $5 to the customer's monthly water bill charges.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides reliable, quality water and wastewater service to over 2 million people in the Commonwealth. The company owns and operates 38 water treatment facilities, three wastewater facilities and approximately 8,900 miles of pipeline to serve customers in over 368 communities in 35 counties.
With a history of over 100 years, American Water (www.amwater.com) provides high-quality water, wastewater, and other related services to over 18 million customers in 29 states and three Canadian provinces. American Water is part of RWE Thames Water.
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