It is inarguable that the supply of water is a growing industry, with respect to need and cost. Clean, accessible, water is necessary for human existence. As with most necessary commodities, the supply of clean water can be costly. Because of rising costs, and stagnant income growth, some consumers have difficulty making payments for water service, and are subject to service interruption for non-payment. Florida has no rules, laws, or regulations, which prohibit or otherwise restrict or limit a utility’s ability to interrupt utility service for delinquency or non-payment. However, NMB Water and The City of North Miami Beach recognize localized economic struggles which plague some members of its service territory, and the impact that these struggles have on the ability of customers to make payments for water service.
The impact of the inability to make payments, and retain service, is not limited to individual customers or households; the utility is also impacted. Lost and or delayed revenue impact the ability to cover the cost of operation. It also causes increases in labor costs to address delinquent accounts, to include an uptick in telephone and walk-in, customer consults, as well as service interruptions and reconnects. In addition, every water meter that is locked represents loss revenue to the utility.
Therefore, a localized approach to customer payment assistance is not just a necessary act of compassion, but also a vital business process. We Care to Share, addresses both.
We Care to Share is a proposed program to assist families and individuals pay utility bills with the City of North Miami Beach. This program will be funded by concerned customers of NMB Water Utility, who contribute freely to assist families in crisis.
We Care to Share will provide customer assistance for approved applicants that are in crisis and or otherwise meet the established program requirements. Customer assistance is limited to a once per year award not to exceed $300.00.
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