OCEANSIDE–The City of Oceanside has created a utility service relief program for businesses that must remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The goal of the program is to support Oceanside’s local business community and provide relief for water, sewer and solid waste utility services by temporarily stopping all utility services and charges.
Oceanside businesses who wish to take advantage of the relief program may complete an online form or contact Oceanside’s Utility Billing Division at (760) 435-3900 and request their account be considered for the “COVID Utility Service Relief Program.” Staff will then begin the verification process to determine if the business meets the qualifications of the program. Qualifying businesses include bars, restaurants and establishments that were identified for immediate closure in the Amended Order of the Health Office of Emergency Regulations of the County of San Diego, dated March 16, 2020. Eligible businesses must be closed to the public and not provide take-out, catering or drive-through services. Businesses that are not eligible for the program may receive utility relief through a reduction in solid waste services and/or right sizing.
“The City of Oceanside understands this is a stressful time for our community and businesses,” said Cari Dale, Water Utilities Director for the City of Oceanside, “and we are committed to providing necessary support to our community. Our goal is that the COVID Utility Service Relief Program will offer businesses assistance during this pandemic.”
This program is meant to be temporary and upon rescission of the Health Officer of Emergency Regulation of the County of San Diego’s Order, a customer is eligible to reinstate all utility services. Customers may initiate reinstatement of services by contacting the City’s Utility Billing Division. The City has waived all reinstatement and set-up fees associated with starting or stopping utility services under the COVID Utility Service Relief program. Secure solid waste and recycling containers will remain on-site during the temporary closure.
For more information regarding the program, visit https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/finance/revenue/utility/services.asp
