RAPID CITY, SD – Rapid City utility customers are reminded they may apply for a reduction of their monthly utility charges through the city’s Utility Rate Relief Program. The program has been administered by the Public Works Department for over a dozen years.
The Utility Rate Relief Program is designed to lower the monthly utility expense for senior citizens and people with disabilities in the Rapid City area of South Dakota. The city recently updated the program to simplify the qualification process.
To qualify for the updated Utility Rate Relief Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: they must be 65 or older or disabled as defined by the Social Security Act; they must fall below the “very low income” limit criteria outlined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Rapid City Metro Area; the applicant must be the person who is responsible for payment of the utility bill directly to the City; the property must be the applicant’s primary residence.
If an applicant is qualified, the rates charged for utility services billed to them will be reduced by 25 percent. This rate reduction is valid for a period of two years or until the renewal date set by the Public Works Director. New applications are accepted at any time. However, renewal requests for current participants must be received by April 30 of odd numbered years to remain on the program.
For more information and an application, residents of the Black Hills area can visit https://www.rcgov.org/departments/public-works/water-division/urr-587.html, call the City’s Public Works Support Services at 605-791-5577, or email their request to PW.CitizenSupport@rcgov.org.
