West Nyack, NY — Veolia North America has announced the launch of New York State’s first-ever Water Affordability Program, an initiative aimed at assisting New York’s most financially vulnerable residents.
The program, part of Veolia’s four-year rate plan, offers qualified customers bill discounts of up to 25% on water services and includes other benefits, such as enhanced rebates on certain water-saving appliances.
Veolia is currently responsible for over 500,000 residents covered in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, and Tioga counties. The program is being launched in part to alleviate the financial strain on households struggling to cover basic expenses.
“Losing a job, raising a family, unexpected medical bills. There are so many reasons we can find ourselves behind on affording basic services,” said Chris Graziano, Regional President of Veolia’s New York operations. “That’s why we want to make sure we provide as much access as possible to the assistance customers need, when they need it most.”
The program automatically enrolls residential customers who previously received aid from the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) for the first year. It also opens eligibility to those who have participated in other utility affordability programs within the last year or have received assistance through government programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), among others.
An Economic Lifeline for Struggling Households
Veolia’s Water Affordability Program comes at a time when many families continue to grapple with financial challenges. Local leaders and organizations have expressed cautious optimism about the initiative’s potential impact. Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the program for offering “much-needed fiscal relief” but encouraged eligible residents to take full advantage of the 25% discount on offer.
Echoing similar sentiments, the United Way of Rockland County and the United Way of Westchester and Putnam highlighted the importance of providing economic relief for basic utilities like water. According to Steve Papas, President and CEO of the United Way of Rockland County, “Between Westchester and Rockland, there are 52,055 households living in poverty and 130,620 ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households who are living paycheck to paycheck. This program is vital so our neighbors do not need to decide between getting food or affording water.”
Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, added, “Help with basic utilities continues to be one of the most sought-after needs of people calling our 211 Helpline. That’s why we’re delighted to support Veolia and their first-in-the-nation effort to provide real economic assistance to thousands of families.”
Program Details and Eligibility
The program is being administered by NJ Shares, an organization that will manage the enrollment process. Residents who believe they may qualify are encouraged to apply online or contact NJ Shares directly. Customers enrolled in the program will need to reapply annually to continue receiving benefits.
Veolia’s new initiative stands as a pioneering effort in New York State, one that is likely to draw attention from other utility providers looking to implement similar affordability measures. While the program has been met with positive feedback from community leaders and organizations, the real test will be in its execution and whether it can provide meaningful, long-term relief to struggling households.
For more information or to apply, residents can visit Veolia’s website.