Water Department

NEW! Caring Contact Program

To reduce the chance of disconnection of utility services the City of Independence gives you the opportunity to register a third party, such as a relative, friend, clergy member, or supportive social services agency, as a Caring Contact. This program is specifically for our customers that may be elderly, have a disability, long-term illnesses or mobility challenges. The person you select will be notified in the event of a pending disconnection or other crucial billing alert, so they can help you manage your utility account. The Caring Contact program is voluntary and can help you if you are hospitalized, away from home for extended periods of time, or homebound. 

The person(s) you select is not financially responsible for paying your utility bill and this program will not prevent shut off if the bill remains unpaid. They do not have the ability to make a payment arrangement for you, but we can help them understand the options available to prevent disconnection.

Please note that the Caring Contact program does NOT guarantee continuous electrical service or shield customers from disconnection for non-payment of utility bills.

How it Works:
  • You designate anyone you like- a relative, friend, clergy member, or social service agency to be your third party “Caring Contact.”
  • In the event we must notify you that service will be discontinued because of past-due bills, your Caring Contact will be notified by phone and email.
  • They can then bring the problem to your attention and perhaps offer aid or advice.
  • The contact person or agency is not financially responsible for the overdue bill, nor will this notification by itself prevent disconnection of service.
  • If you would like to take advantage of this program, simply fill out the application, sign, and mail it back to us. The return envelope is provided for your convenience.
    • Please let your designated Caring Contact know that you have named them.
  • The program will remain in effect for as long as we serve you or until we receive a request to discontinue it.
    • Please notify us of any changes or new choice of designated contact.
How to get started:

You can download a Caring Contact Program form here or request one be mailed to you by calling (816) 325-7930.

Caring Contact Enrollment Form

Completed forms can be returned in the follow ways:

  • Mailed to: City of Independence Utilities, c/o Customer Service 17221 E. 23rd S. Independence, MO 64057
  • Dropped-off at any of the City’s overnight drop boxes: City Hall, 111 E. Maple Ave Independence Utilities Center, 17221 E. 23rd S.
  • Delivered to the Utilities Center in person.

Bill Payment Assistance Programs

IRAP

The IRAP program has been in existence for over 20 years.  The program pays ½ of the customer’s utility bill on a continuing basis.  Over the last several years funding has been increased to help meet the demand of higher bills along with the ever-growing aging population that could use the assistance. 

Eligibility requirements are:

  • Income cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (About $24,000 for a family of 2.)
  • Customer must be over 62 years of age or disabled.
  • Customers are re-certified annually

The program is administered by Community Services League (CSL) and the funds for the program are budgeted and provided by the Independence Power and Light Department.

 

I-Share

The I-Share program has been in existence for over 20 years.  The program pays the customer’s utility bill as a one-time assistance.  Over the last several years funding has been increased to help meet the demand of higher bills along with the ever-growing population that could use the assistance. 

Eligibility requirements are:

  • Income cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (About $24,000 for a family of 2.)
  • Customer must be utility account owner
  • Customer is eligible for I-Share assistance once a year

The program is administered by Community Services League (CSL).  The funds that are donated to the I-Share program are matched by the Independence Power and Light Department.

 

Home Weatherization

You may be able to lower your utility bills by making improvements to your home. Community Services League offers assistance to qualified people, including senior citizens, who want to make such home improvements as adding weather stripping around doors and windows, adding insulation, etc. For information, contact Community Services League at 254-4100.

 

Sanitary Sewer Discount

The City of Independence offers a one-dollar discount to qualified persons who receive social security or similar retirement benefits. For more information, contact Utilities Customer Service at 325-7930. To qualify:

  • Your water use must be between 100 and 400 cubic feet per month during winter months, and
  • You must provide proof that you receive social security or similar retirement benefits at age 62 or over.
 
Late Fee Waiver

The City of Independence may waive the late fee for customers who have social security or similar retirement benefits as their sole source of income. To find out if you qualify, contact Utilities Customer Service at 325-7930.

 

Need assistance paying your utility bill?

If you need assistance paying your utility bill, please contact Utilities Customer Service as soon as possible. It is much easier for our staff to work out a payment plan with customers who are current on their payments, rather than trying to find ways to make arrangements when the bill is already delinquent.

 

Bill Round-up Program

Did you know that by rounding up your utility bill each month you can make a difference in the life of your neighbors? By rounding up your bill to the nearest dollar you can make a difference right here in Independence.

How it works: Utility bills are rounded up to the next highest dollar each month. For example, if a month’s bill is $52.71, it is rounded up to $53, with 29 cents going directly into the I-Share fund. A monthly donation may be as little as a penny or as much as 99 cents. You can also contribute a flat dollar amount each month.

How the money is distributed: The money from the Bill Round-up program is added to the existing donations in the I-Share program. Customers can contact Community Services League to apply for this utility payment assistance program.

How do City of Independence residents sign-up to donate: Residents can contribute to the program on a one-time or monthly basis by asking the customer service representative to round-up their bill to the nearest dollar or flat dollar amount.  

How is assistance from the Bill Round-up program applied for? Customers can contact the Community Services League to apply for utility assistance by calling 816-254-4100 or visiting their offices on 404 N. Noland Rd.

Download the form here. 

Mail completed forms to Customer Service at PO Box 410 Independence 64051-0410. Or you can drop them off with Customer Service in person.