PRESS RELEASE  (April 1, 2020)

In February 1998, MW&L established a Customers Helping Customers (CHC) Program, funded entirely by
donations from customers and employees. The program was designed to help customers overcome a temporary
time of crisis by providing money to pay their utility bills. In 2007, MW&L instituted a matching program whereby
MW&L matched funds donated to the CHC program up to $20,000 annually from the electric fund. Since the
program began in 1998, over $400,000 has been disbursed to aid households in need.

With the current COVID‐19 event affecting so many families locally, both the City and MW&L wanted to do more
to help.

On March 27, 2020, MW&L pledged the following:
–  Authorization of additional matching funds up to $20,000 from the water fund, bringing the total
maximum donation to $40,000 for 2020.
–  Increased the maximum assistance amount per household from $125 to $250.
–  Maximum monthly disbursement from the fund was increased from $3,000 to $6,000.
–  The frequency that a household can qualify for assistance was reduced from 18 months to 13 months.

The City of McMinnville, as the owner and operator of the City’s sewer system, recognize and support the effort
to assist customers facing a financial hardship, especially during this difficult time and also wanted to help. The
City has generously pledged matching funds up to $20,000 from the sewer fund.

This means that for every $1 donated to the fund, $4 will go to help a household pay their utility bill!
Mayor Scott Hill said, “This important program will help many of our neighbors get through this difficult time. The
City and Water & Light are proud that so many customers and employees are willing to help those in need.”

LOW RATES – RELIABLE SERVICE – HOW CAN YOU HELP?

You can help by either making a monthly or one‐time donation in any amount. Every dollar counts!
100% of your contributions go to helping families in need with no hidden costs or fees to administer the
program.

If you would like to make a contribution, please visit our website at https://www.mcpower.
com/account/customers‐helping‐customers/ or call 503‐472‐6158 for more information.

Together we can make a difference!

For further information regarding this press release, please contact Community Relations Coordinator Trena
McManus at (503) 435-3113.

PO Box 638 | 855 NE Marsh Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128
503-472-6158 | mc-power.com

WATER AND LIGHT COMMISSION: SCOTT A. HILL, Mayor | TOM TANKERSLEY, Chair | ED GORMLEY | PATRICK FUCHS | JODY CHRISTENSEN
JOHN C. DIETZ, General Manager
TRENA MCMANUS, Clerk