Seattle Mayor Ed Murray on Thursday announced changes to the city’s Utility Discount Program, saying the modifications should result in more families enrolling.
The city will partner with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission to automatically enroll customers who live in subsidized housing and who qualify for the program based on their annual income.
There are about 5,000 such households in Seattle, according to the mayor.
The city also will allow households on food stamps to enroll in the Utility Discount Program without providing additional proof of income, a current requirement that can make the application process more difficult.