Austin community members can support Austin ISD and other local school districts by adding a few dollars to their utility bills. The added money goes to school districts, parks and libraries or to individuals experiencing extraordinary emergencies such as loss of job or medical emergencies.
The donations are made possible by a City of Austin utility bill donation program. Last year, city council members refined the programs listed on consumers' utility bills.
The voluntary contributions check-offs include:
- Public School Energy Assistance – Donations to be divided between the eight independent school Districts that receive City of Austin utilities. Funding will be divided based on the electricity used by each district as a percentage of the total usage by all. Donations will be used for utility bills and related needs.
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP) – Donations will provide emergency utility bill assistance for customers experiencing extraordinary emergencies such as loss of job or medical emergencies.
- Parks and Libraries – Donations to be divided between the two programs. The Parks and Recreation Department will use funding to provide after school and summer camp activities to disadvantaged children. Donated funds also will allow the planting of new trees to help beautify and shade the community. Austin Public Libraries will use funding to expand the inventory of highly sought digital materials.
For more information, please visit the Austin Energy website to read the 2013 press release.