Metro Council approves $10 million initiative to help those behind on utility bills as a result of COVID-19

Thursday evening, Louisville Metro Council unanimously approved an ordinance from Mayor Greg Fisher that will help thousands of Louisville residents struggling to pay their utility bills because of a COVID-19 related hardship.

The newly approved $10 million Metro COVID-19 Relief Funds will be available to customers in January 2021. Four million of the council’s allocation is dedicated to Louisville Water and Louisville MSD bills.

“We applaud this community effort to support those who have felt the negative impact of COVID-19,” said Spencer Bruce, President and CEO of Louisville Water. “This support is an important step in helping customers get back on their feet and we’re grateful for the opportunity to distribute the funds to those in need.”

The newly approved Metro COVID-19 Relief Funds will be available in January 2021 to Louisville Water and MSD customers who live in Jefferson County. Louisville Water and Louisville MSD are working to create a customer service portal that will serve as an easy pathway to apply for the assistance.

“As our community and the World faces the growing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to help those who are struggling through no fault of their own. We are grateful for the actions of Mayor Fischer and our Metro Council for providing utility payment assistance for our Louisville customers facing economic hardship,” states MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott.

In mid-March, 1,900 customers were behind on their Louisville Water/Louisville MSD bill. As of December 1, 2020 there are 17,700 residential customers in Jefferson County behind on their Louisville Water/MSD bill, with an average outstanding balance of $514 owed.