PORT ANGELES – Clallam County Public Utility District is considering the first changes to its low-income senior and disabled discount program in 13 years.

But Clallam PUD commissioners want the staff to take a closer look at the county’s demographics to see the potential impact of the discounts on other ratepayers.

“It’s a zero sum game,” said Clallam PUD commissioner Hugh Haffner, noting any discounts for one class of ratepayers must be paid by another.

Clallam PUD Treasurer Joshua Bunch said the eligibility amounts for the district’s low-income senior and disabled program haven’t changed since 1994.

The proposed changes are based upon federal poverty guidelines and the city of Port Angeles’ utility discount program.

It would cost about $50,000 annually, he said.

Bunch said the current discounts for the disabled or for those more than 62 years old are 25 percent for income levels up to $12,000 annually, and 15 percent for income levels up to $18,000.