New Renter Utility Relief Program Eases Financial Burden for Utility Customers
New Renter Utility Relief Program Eases Financial Burden for City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy Customers
March 20, 2024 - On Friday, March 22, St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch will announce a $3 million allocation of federal dollars to fund a Renter Utility Relief Program that will help St. Pete renters pay past due electric, sanitation, and water bills from the City of St. Petersburg and Duke Energy. Funds will be applied directly to the recipient’s utility account balance, covering up to 18 months of utility bills.
Announcement of Renter Utility Relief Program
Friday, March 22, 2024
10 a.m. at Enoch D. Davis Center, 1111 18th Ave. S.
Mayor Welch will be joined by Melissa Seixas, President of Duke Energy Florida; Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council; and Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, President/CEO of the Pinellas County Urban League. The announcement coincides with the recent award of $2.35 million in federal appropriations through the Community Project Funding process, secured by U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor.
"The Renter Utility Relief Program is a tangible example of how federal dollars impact our local community," said St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch. "For St. Pete residents experiencing personal hardship, we are eager to offer this program as a solution that can ease the financial burden caused by past due utility bills. We are pleased to work alongside our community partner, Duke Energy, and serve as a resource to other organizations supporting those in the greatest need."
“At Duke Energy, we understand our customers continue facing increased financial demands in all parts of their lives,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We are proud to work alongside community allies, like the City of St. Petersburg, and other assistance agencies, to provide support for St. Pete residents.”
About the Renter Utility Relief Program
The $3 million of federal monies for the Renter Utility Relief Program will go towards helping eligible St. Pete renters pay past due electric, sanitation, and water bills from the City and Duke Energy. Awarded funds will be applied directly to the recipient’s utility account balance, covering up to 18 months of utility bills. The Renter Utility Relief Program is a continuation of funding allocated by the Department of Treasury during COVID-19 formerly known as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program which dispersed $7,233,710 between April 2021 and July 2022 to assist St. Pete households in need. More about the Renter Utility Relief Program can be found at stpete.org/UtilityRelief.
Eligibility Criteria
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Applicant is a renter within St. Pete city limits or a landlord whose utility costs are part of a rental agreement
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Renter has experienced financial hardship from COVID-19 (inflation is sufficient)
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Renter is at risk of housing instability or homelessness
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Renter household is at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) – AMI information can be found at www.stpete.org/incomelimits
How to Apply
Applicants will use an online portal via the City of St. Petersburg website to apply for assistance for both City of St. Petersburg utilities (water, trash, recycling) and Duke Energy utilities (electric):
About the Federal Community Project Funding Awards
In addition to the Department of Treasury-funded Renter Utility Relief Program, the City has been awarded $2.35 million for two projects through the federal Community Project Funding process: $1.5 million for improvements to the Enoch D. Davis Center and $850,000 for the Deuces Rising affordable housing development. The City is grateful to U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor for advocating for affordable housing and community investment, and securing federal support for both projects.
Enoch D. Davis Center: $1.5 million will be used for assessments, initial design, planning, permitting, and technical services for improvements to the 18,000 sq.ft. facility. The multi-service, multi-generational center requires improvements to meet the changing needs of the growing community. This project is a priority due to the aging facility needing substantial renovations and investment to serve a historically under-resourced community in south St. Pete.
Deuces Rising Townhomes: $850,000 will be allocated to the Deuces Rising Affordable Housing project, a first-of-its-kind, transformational housing and commercial development project in South St. Pete. As part of the project, the City will be constructing 24 townhomes to be sold to qualified first-time homebuyers based on their income and other factors. A dozen units will be reserved for households earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining half will be slated for residents earning 120% or less of the AMI.