Title
Authorization to Enter into Agreement with Salt River Project to Access and Utilize SRP's Client Portal (Ordinance S-50913)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with Salt River Project (SRP), to allow Human Services Department (HSD) access to SRP’s web-based client account portal. Access will allow staff to make payment guarantees for qualified SRP customers and/or enroll qualified SRP customers in a monthly electricity bill discount program. Access to the portal is necessary to review customer account details needed to determine eligibility and provide emergency utility assistance to low income Phoenix households. There is no impact to the General Fund. Further request the City Council to grant an exception to Phoenix City Code section 42-18 to allow for indemnity, assumption of liability, and limitation of liability pursuant to Phoenix City code section 42-20 for public entities.
Report
Summary
SRP has developed and maintains a website portal containing limited information regarding customers of SRP of the purpose of facilitating financial assistance from social service agencies and manages enrollment of qualified customer accounts. The City of Phoenix utilizes SRP's website portal to enroll SRP customers in the monthly electricity bill discount program only if HSD performs the required income verification of its clients. Staff are requesting an exemption to Phoenix City Code 42-18 as SRP is a public agency providing this service at no charge. HSD served 414 SRP customers in the first six months this fiscal year, which will increase to 800-900 customers annually.
This item has been reviewed and approved by the Information Technology Services Department.
Contract Term
This agreement shall commence on or about May 26, 2024, and will continue until terminated.
Financial Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. SRP does not charge a fee to access their client portal.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.