UCAN is conducting an application process for qualified non-profits to use the access to utility bills to solicit money for the independent oversight of the City Water and Sewer departments.

Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, as set out in Paragraph 12 of the settlement, Michael Shames has commenced a search for a non-profit organization that would be offered to the Court as eligible to avail itself of access to water/sewer bills, as per Paragraph 12 of the settlement. He has tentatively established the following criteria for eligibility for access to the City bills:

* $250K initial budget for staffing and inserts
* 501(c)(3) status
* Experience with rate case or financial review of utility operations
* An identified staff person who will oversee consultants/experts hired with the solicitation monies
* An adequate accounting system to confirm intake and expenditures of money raised by the solicitation
* Some public track record so as to have sufficient credibility
* No conflicts of interest with the City e.g. truly independent status

If your organization meets these criteria, please write to Mr. Shames establishing how you meet those criteria and expressing interest in representing consumers using the settlement bill access. Mr. Shames can be reached at:

UCAN
3100 Fifth Ave. Suite B
San Diego, CA 92103

or

mshames [at] ucan [dot] org

Deadline for submissions currently is March 15, although that may change.