Washington residents can earn money this month with a simple tap of the phone screen or a click of the mouse. The Washington Families Clean Energy Credits Grant Program will provide up to 675,000 Washington households with $200 off their electric bills, thanks to the Climate Commitment Act (CCA).
According to the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Clean Energy Credits program is supported by $150 million from the CCA. The credits are designed to help low- and moderate-income families cover their energy costs.
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The ministry said there was enough funding for about 20 percent of all residential electricity customers in the state, with priority given to those considered low-income earners.
“For a family of four living in the lowest cost of living areas of the state, that equates to a qualifying household income of $72,000, and up to $135,000 if funding allows,” the Commerce Department’s website states. “In areas like Seattle, Everett and Vancouver, the qualifying income for a four-person household increases to $110,950, and up to $226,050 depending on available funds.”
The Spokesman-Review in Spokane reported Sunday that the program has already provided $200 loans to 50,000 low-income families in Eastern Washington. In addition, more than half of northeastern Washington counties received automatic approval.
Elisanne McCutchen, 63, of Chewleah, who has a disability, told the Spokane media outlet that she was automatically approved for the loan and was able to pay off her utility bill for this month as well as a previous arrears.
“I’m disabled and elderly, and that means I can’t work overtime or, you know, earn extra money anywhere. I have to budget for everything,” she said, according to The Spokesman-Review.
Residents can apply for a loan and check if they qualify at WACleanEnergyCredits.com.
Utility companies have different procedures for applying for the loan
However, each utility company requires different information. For example, Seattle City Light requires the account number, billing address, and billing zip code, while Tacoma Public Utilities offers the application on the TPU website. Tacoma residents can apply here. They will need their account number, as well as the service address, service city, service state, and service zip code.
The Snohomish County PUD also directs customers to its website. Snohomish County residents can apply here. They will need their account number, as well as their name and email address.
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But don’t wait! The deadline to apply for the loan is September 15th.
The Ministry of Commerce said citizens can check their electricity and gas bills for further information.
Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X Here and send her an email here.
