FAQ Billing Assistance Program

No, the billing assistance program can’t be applied to past bills. The program starts in June 2026. The discount will apply to your monthly utility bill after your application is approved.

If you have a past bill that you need assistance with, please call Chelan PUD at (509) 661-8002 and we'll help you find options that fit your situation.

 

After you submit your application, reviewers will check it. You may need to provide proof of your income eligibility, such as:

● Documentation of all income earned in the past month for everyone in your household OR

● A current award letter from one of the following programs:   

• SNAP (food stamps) / Basic Food
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Medicaid / Apple Health
• LIHEAP
• Head Start / Early Head Start
• Lifeline (phone/internet discount)
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) / Public Housing
• USDA Rural Development - Section 502 Direct Home Loans
• USDA Section 521 Rental Assistance
• USDA Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant (HPG)
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair Program
• National School Lunch Program
• TANF
• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
• Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Examples of proof:

● For income: pay stubs; written statement from employer; Social Security or pension statements; self-employment records

● For government assistance programs: benefits letter or statement

 

A household includes all individuals living at the same address whose utility costs are paid together — either directly through a shared utility bill, or indirectly through rent.

If your application is under review, Promise will send you an approval or denial via email or text message. If approved, Promise will automatically share your enrollment with Chelan PUD and you will receive the discount within the next two billing cycles. If you do not see your discount after two billing cycles, please call Chelan PUD at (509) 661-8002.

If you already receive the low-income senior or disabled discount through Chelan PUD, you will automatically move to the new program. You do not need to re-apply.

If you receive other assistance, such as Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program, you're eligible to apply for Chelan PUD's billing assistance program as long as you meet the income requirements.

It might be a scam if:

• They demand credit card or bank information.
• They ask for payment with cash, a wire transfer, a prepaid card, or GreenDot card. We don't accept GreenDot cards for payment.
• They call in the evening or on the weekend. We only call on weekdays, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

When in doubt, hang up and call us!

• Chelan PUD switchboard – (509) 663-8121
• Nights and weekends - 1-877-783-8123

The discount moves with you as long as your account number stays the same. As soon as possible, please notify Chelan PUD of your new address by calling (509) 661-8002.

Customers may remain on the program as long as their household is eligible. Customers must reapply every two years.