Savannah opens stormwater bill relief for low-income households within city limits

Savannah, Georgia, residents struggling to pay stormwater utility fees may get help through a partnership between the City of Savannah and the Economic Opportunity Authority.

The assistance is available for eligible low-income households within city limits.

Here's what to know

Only Savannah households that meet the program's eligibility rules can receive the assistance.

According to WTOC, applicants must live in Savannah, have an active residential utility account, and have household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.

@wtoc11 Stormwater fee assistance available through City of Savannah #wtoc #localnews #stormwater #savannah #sav ♬ original sound - WTOC11

A past-due balance does not automatically disqualify someone. But to get help with stormwater fees, applicants must already be on a payment plan.

Residents must apply by scheduling an in-person appointment at the Economic Opportunity Authority's EOA Kyler building on West Anderson Street.

The appointment line opened Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. WTOC noted that each applicant must bring a current utility bill, a picture ID, and proof of income.

Even though an assistance program is getting underway, some commenters on the TikTok post expressed frustration with the process, with one noting: "Savannah need new leadership, they just add fees like it's nothing. Inflation is at an all-time high and they tax the people to death and then add more fees."

Another pointed out an inaccessible factor regarding the need to schedule an in-person appointment, writing: "In person? Open those applications online."

Where can I learn more?

For more on rising utility costs and bill relief, similar programs and debates are unfolding elsewhere. They cover water and sewer rate increases, conservation rebates, and other efforts to lower household utility bills.

• In Cumberland, Maryland, officials approved water and sewer bill hikes despite resident pushback.

• In California, a utility expanded cash incentives to revamp homes and cut water use.

• In Illinois, officials proposed a utility rebate program for families struggling with monthly bills.

• In Alabama and Georgia, homeowners scrambled after grants meant to slash utility bills were canceled.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.