Local utility customers no doubt remember the Enron scandal. The energy company, which contracted with local utilities like the Snohomish County PUD, was charged with artificially manipulating energy costs to drive up profits. Meanwhile, customers paid inflated utility bills that were as much as 100 times the previous average charges.

In a settlement negotiated by the Washington State Attorney General's office with various energy companies related to the 2000-2001 crisis, PUD will receive a grant of $641,644 to support low-income energy assistance programs.

More than $6.2 million will be distributed statewide, designated specifically for programs that provide assistance for low-income households that don't always qualify for existing programs.

In 2004 the local utility received a $3 million settlement from the suspect energy companies, which was also dedicated to low-income energy assistance.

"This support will help many families who are struggling in our tough economy this winter," said PUD General Manager Steve Klein.

The funds are earmarked to assist local consumers that may not qualify for low-income assistance under other programs, but have incomes between 125 percent and 200 percent of the poverty level. That equates to about $27,000 to $44,000 in annual income for a family of four.

In addition, the grant will provide safety net funding of energy bill vouchers for households that may be experiencing temporary hardships.

The PUD is still finalizing contracts with local agencies to assist with energy assistance programs. The utility will release additional information about how customers can apply for assistance once all the details are in place.

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