The Board will receive comments on the proposed expansion of the Lifeline Program to tenants as described. Comments on the proposed expansion of the Lifeline Program to tenants should be submitted, in writing, no later than Friday, April 16, 2004, to Linda R. Manley, Secretary to the Board, 5000 Overlook Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20032 or by emailing your comments to "Lmanley@dcwasa.com."

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY
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NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

The Board of Directors of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority ("the Board"), pursuant to the authority set forth in Section 216 of the Water and Sewer Authority Establishment and Department of Public Works Reorganization Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-111, §§ 203(3), (11) and 216; D.C. Code §§ 34-2202.03(3), (11) and 34-2202.16, Section 6(a) of the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act, approved October 21, 1968 (82 Stat. 1206; D.C. Code § 2-505(a), and in accordance with 21 DCMR Chapter 40, hereby gives notice of its intention to amend Chapter 41 of the Water and Sanitation Regulations to expand the Customer Assistance Program to tenants. Final rulemaking action shall be taken in not less than thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice in the D.C. Register.

I. Timing of Final Action on Proposed Rulemaking

No final action will be taken on the Rulemaking Proposal described in this notice until after each of the following events has occurred:

1. A public hearing is held to receive comments on the proposed rulemaking. A hearing is scheduled for Thursday April 1, 2004, at the Council of Governments, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., Washington D.C. 20002, First Floor Conference Room;

2. The public comment period on this rulemaking expires; and

3. The Board of Directors takes final action after public comments are considered.

II. Rulemaking Proposal

EXPANSION OF THE LIFELINE PROGRAM TO TENANTS

DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM

The proposed Lifeline Program for tenants would exempt the first Four Hundred Cubic Feet (4 CCF) per month, of water consumption by eligible tenants from water service charges. No exemption would be provided for Sewer Service Charges. The current program only provides an exemption for homeowners. The proposed Lifeline Program for tenants would commence June 1, 2004 or as soon thereafter as practicable. Recommendations of eligibility would be made to the Authority by the District of Columbia Energy Office and would be based upon the general household income criteria described below:

The following rulemaking action is proposed:

Title 21 DCMR, Chapter 41 RETAIL WATER AND SEWER RATES, is amended as follows:

1. By adding a new Section 4102 "CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM" to read as follows:

4102 CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

4102.1 LIFELINE PROGRAM FOR HOUSEHOLDS AND TENANTS

(a) Eligible households and tenants will receive an exemption from water service charges of the first Four Hundred Cubic Feet (4 CCF) per month, of water consumption.
(b) No exemption will be provided for sewer service charges.
(c) Participation in the Lifeline Program is limited to single-family owner-occupied primary residential accounts and individually metered tenant accounts.
(d) Eligibility is determined by the District of Columbia Energy Office (DCEO), and will be based upon the following DCEO Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Federal income guidelines, as periodically updated:

Household Size Household Annual Income

1 $13,470
2 $18,180
3 $22,890
4 $27,600
5 $32,310
6 $37,020
7 $41,730
8 $46,480

For households with more than eight members, an additional $4,710 will be added to the Household annual income for each additional member.