Pennsylvania American Water is expanding its customer assistance program offerings to include higher income level thresholds for discounts related to water and wastewater service.

A fourth tier has been added to the H2O income-based assistance program. It now will include customers with incomes ranging from 151% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, the utility said in a news release. Previously, the bill discount program consisted of three tiers, which encompassed households making up to 150% of the poverty income guidelines.

The expansion of eligibility means an estimated 55,000 additional customers will be eligible for discounted service. Depending on a customer’s household income, they may now receive discounts of 30% to 90% off monthly water and wastewater bills, versus 30% to 80% before the expansion, the water company said.

Additionally, the company launched the Arrearage Forgiveness Program on Oct. 1, which forgives $25 of participating customers’ past-due balance when they make a current monthly bill payment in full, plus a $5 co-payment.

The program expansions come about a year after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the sale of the Butler Area Sewer Authority to Pennsylvania American Water, a transaction awaiting its closing date. The commission also approved a rate increase for Pennsylvania American Water on July 22, which became official Aug. 7.