City enhances Mesa CARES Utility Assistance Program to help residents with delinquent utility accounts during pandemic

September 15, 2020 at 10:34 am

The City of Mesa is increasing the budget for the Mesa CARES Utility Assistance Program from $1 million to $8 million to help residents who have delinquent utility accounts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, which is from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, will be used to pay off delinquent account balances for eligible residents using City electric, gas, water or solid waste services or utility service from Salt River Project (SRP) or Southwest Gas.

"We know many residents are still being severely impacted financially by the pandemic," Mayor John Giles said. "The increased funding for the Utility Assistance Program will help them avoid their utilities being disconnected if they apply for help."

Customers of the City, SRP and Southwest Gas with delinquent accounts who were impacted by COVID-19 can apply for assistance through MesaCAN (Mesa Community Action Network) to pay off open balances from March to October. They must be Mesa residents and meet specific income qualifications.

"Our goal is to let our residents know they can get help with their delinquent accounts. We want to work with them to get through this challenging time by offering this expedited safety net, but they need to take action soon" City Manager Chris Brady said.

Residents with delinquent accounts will receive door hangers at their homes to inform them that delinquent utility disconnects are pending. Beginning Oct. 1, those residents will receive recorded phone calls explaining their accounts are eligible for disconnect and it is their last opportunity to pay or apply for assistance.

The City of Mesa suspended utility shut-offs March 9 to all Mesa utility customers with delinquent accounts.

For more information on applying for utility payment assistance, visit www.mesaaz.gov/MesaCARES and click on the "Residential Utility Assistance Program" link.

Public Information and Communications
Contact: Kevin Christopher
Tel. 480-644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov