DEPARTMENT: Department of Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
2015 REAP and WARM Program Agreements
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes an agreement with the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership, Inc. for the issuance of utility assistance credits in a projected amount of $1,000,000.00 for the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) utility assistance program, and authorizes an agreement with CPS Energy for the issuance of utility assistance credits in a projected amount of $75,000 for the Project Winter Assistance Relief Mobilization (WARM) program through December 31, 2015.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
In 2002, the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and CPS Energy established the Residential Energy Assistance Partnership (REAP) as a method to help local economically disadvantaged families needing utility assistance. Specifically, REAP provides direct utility bill credits to income qualifying CPS Energy ratepayers living within the city limits and Bexar County. REAP funds are raised locally, financed by donations from CPS Energy ratepayers and trust investment income, and are specifically allocated to help residents in need throughout the San Antonio community.
WARM funds also provide utility assistance benefits for qualifying low income City of San Antonio and Bexar County residents. WARM was established in 1982 and is funded entirely by interest earned from the $7.5 million Project WARM Trust.
The City's Department of Human Services administers REAP and WARM credits through the Family Assistance Division on an appointment basis or as needed through emergency referrals from the community. Community Services Specialists are funded through the City's general fund to support CPS bill assistance to screen and certify participants to determine program eligibility. Eligible participants must be at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines ($29,813...
Click here for full text