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California American Water Seeks Bill Relief for Customers Financially affected by COVID Pandemic

SAN DIEGO (January 31, 2021) – California American Water has filed an application with the State Water Resources Control Board to help provide financial support to customers who were unable to pay their water bills during the coronavirus pandemic. The funding will enable the utility to forgive past-due balances incurred by its customers between March 2020 and June 2021.

California American Water requested $6.8 million in relief for customers across its California service areas. The company anticipates receiving final approval by the State Water Resources Control Board around the first of the year. Customers do not have to apply for debt forgiveness. If approved, California American Water will apply any credits to affected customers’ accounts within 60 days after receiving funding from the state, which is expected to arrive by February 2022.

“As we continue to see the effects from the ongoing pandemic, we understand that our customers may still be struggling financially,” said Kevin Tilden, President of California American Water. “We hope this debt relief will ease some of the burden our customers face as a result of the COVID emergency.”

This relief is another step California American Water has taken to provide financial aid to its customers. Customers with remaining balances pre-dated to the pandemic or have accrued after June 15, 2021, can utilize interest and penalty-free payment plans or extensions, preventing them from experiencing disruptions in service after the moratorium on disconnections for non-payment expires. Eligible customers can also enroll in California American Water’s Assistance Program, which provides qualifying customers a discount on their monthly service charge.

California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 880,000 people. Information regarding California American Water’s service areas can be found on the company’s website www.californiaamwater.com.


Media Contacts

Evan Jacobs

Northern California External Affairs Manager

707.495.6135

evan.jacobs@amwater.com