Winter Garden to Cut Utility Bills 90% for Low-Income Seniors | The Locally Times
The city program provides a one-year reduction on utility base charges for qualified residents, with applications for the 2026-2027 cycle closing on May 1.
The City of Winter Garden will offer a 90% reduction on the base charges of monthly utility bills for eligible senior residents through its 2026 Utility Bill Assistance Program. According to a city announcement from January 12, 2026, the one-year savings will apply to bills from May 2026 through April 2027. The program requires annual reapplication, and the deadline for the upcoming cycle is May 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The application period began on January 5, 2026. ## Program Eligibility and Requirements To qualify for the assistance, an applicant must be at least 65 years old, or 62 years of age and receiving Social Security benefits. City records state the applicant must have been a continuous resident of Winter Garden for the 12 months immediately preceding their application date, and the city utility bill must be in their name. Eligibility is also income-based: the gross household income for all members cannot exceed 60% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. The city’s announcement specifies these figures are based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Guideline published on January 17, 2025. Applicants must submit an application with proof of income for the entire household, such as a 2026 Social Security Benefit Statement or a 2025 Federal Income Tax Return. Applications are available at the Winter Garden City Hall Reception Desk at 300 W. Plant Street. ## Application Details and Missing Information The 90% reduction applies only to “base charges,” but the city announcement does not define which specific fees fall into this category. According to the program details, the city will only send notifications to applicants who do not qualify for the assistance. The announcement does not specify how successful applicants will be informed of their enrollment. For more information, to confirm income eligibility, or to obtain an application, residents can visit City Hall or contact the Utility Billing Customer Service department at 407.656.4100.