PITTSBURGH \u2014 Pittsburgh Water is making it easier for some in-debt customers to get back on track. <\/p>\n
The water company says it\u2019s improved its Arrearage Forgiveness Program, allowing eligible customers to have their existing past-due balance forgiven over 24 months by paying their current monthly charges. The program removes a previous requirement of making payments toward current charges and a payment plan for the past-due balance. <\/p>\n
Now, each month a customer makes their required current payment, 1\/24th of their past-due balance is forgiven. Customers who complete the program can have their entire past-due balance eliminated. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis program gives our customers a more manageable way to move beyond past-due bills and focus on what they owe today,\u201d Pittsburgh Water CEO Will Pickering said. \u201cWe\u2019re committed to helping the people we serve and making sure our assistance programs work for the families who need them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Other features of the enhanced program include avoiding interest and the ability to make catch-up payments. <\/p>\n
The program is available to residential customers living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Those already in the program were transitioned to the updated version on Sept. 1. Customers enrolled in the company\u2019s Bill Discount Program who have eligible past-due balances were automatically enrolled. <\/p>\n
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