Accessing Energy Assistance

Energy assistance plays a critical role in keeping Oregon households connected to power. Without it, many families struggling to pay their energy bills would be left without electricity or gas service, causing a cascading effect in their lives. For customers who qualify, several programs can help make energy bills more affordable or provide bill payment assistance.

Types of Energy Assistance Programs

There are three main types of energy assistance programs in Oregon. The programs help households afford their energy bills, stay connected to power, or provide emergency payments in the case of disconnection.

Monthly Energy Bill Discount Programs:
Contact your energy service provider(s) to enroll in an electric or gas bill discount program if you meet the eligibility criteria. This is available for electric customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power. It is also available for gas customers of NW Natural, Avista, and Cascade.

One-Time Energy Bill Payment:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded heating assistance program for all home heating costs, including electricity, natural gas, firewood, propane, pellets, and oil. Typically, this assistance can be used by a household twice a year.

Emergency Shutoff Payment:
If you have received a shutoff notice, there may be assistance available for you! Some utility assistance programs prioritize those who have received shutoff notices.

These assistance programs often require proof of shutoff or a shutoff notice, so be sure to have one in hand when applying. To find these programs, you can use the same tools as you would to find regular assistance programs. Search for emergency assistance or shutoff assistance to find these funds.

Monthly Bill Discount Programs

Oregon households can now find some relief through monthly bill discounts from their energy utilities. The discount programs are available for customers at or below 60% of the state median income (SMI). When signing up, eligible customers will provide their monthly or annual income and household size.

Depending on the utility program, customers will be able to sign up via an online application, calling into the utility, or visiting their local Community Action Agency. Eligible customers with dual-fuel homes qualify for assistance with both their electricity and natural gas providers.

Portland General Electric
503-228-6322
www.portlandgeneral.com

Idaho Power
1-800-388-6040 (toll free)
www.idahopower.com

Pacific Power
1-888-221-7070
www.pacificpower.net

NW Natural
1-800-422-4012
www.nwnatural.com

Avista
1-800-227-9187
www.myavista.com

Cascade
1-888-522-1130
www.cngc.com

How to Access Payment Assistance Programs

In Multnomah County, community action partners (CAPs Agencies) administer energy assistance for one-time payments and emergency shutoff payments.

See if you Qualify
To be eligible for energy assistance, a household income must be at or below 60% of Oregon´s median income. Income levels are based on household income and household size. Households may rent or own their property. A household must also have documented energy costs (a past utility bill).

Documents Needed to Apply

• Identification for all adults (18 years and older)
• Social Security cards for all household members
• Current proof of income (including Social Security benefit letter)
• Most recent energy bill (applicant’s name must be on the account)

Other supporting documents may be required as needed — check with the assistance provider!

Impact NW
10550 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220
www.impactnw.org
(971) 308-7356

Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97220
www.humansolutions.org
(503) 548-0200

El Programa Hispano Catolico
333 SE 223rd Ave #100, Gresham, OR 97030
www.elprograma.org
(503)669-8350

Self Enhancement, Inc.
3920 N Kerby Ave, Portland, OR 97227
www.selfenhancement.org
24/7 Hotline: (503) 713-5590

Latino Network
410 NE 18th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
16515 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97233
www.latnet.org
24/7 Hotline: (503) 208-2174

Native American Youth & Family Center
5135 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97218
www.nayapdx.org
24/7 Hotline: (503) 946-9898

Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization
709 NE 102nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97220
www.irco.org
(503) 235-4932

Ask Your Utility About Spreading Out Repayment
Utilities will have options to spread out payments over multiple months. If you are unable to pay your bill, call customer service for options

Accessing Assistance Can Be Challenging

It is important to note that getting utility assistance can sometimes take a while. The demand for help is often high, and the availability of funds can vary. Many programs have specific funding cycles, which means they might only have money to distribute at certain times of the year. When funds run out, applicants may have to wait until the next funding cycle to receive assistance. This can be frustrating, but staying in contact with the nonprofit or agency and regularly checking the status of their application windows can help.

Local nonprofits play an important role in helping people access utility assistance. They offer support through resource navigation and case management, helping Oregonians with their bills to the best of their ability. Using resources like the 211info database can help people find the assistance they need quickly and efficiently. Reaching out to these organizations can provide valuable support and make managing utility bills a bit easier.

Local Organizations Can Help You Find Utility Assistance

Local nonprofits often provide two main types of help: resource navigation and case management. While both aim to assist individuals and families, they do so in different ways.

Resource Navigation
Resource navigation is like having a guide. A resource navigator helps people find the right programs and services to meet their needs. They might give information on where to get help paying utility bills, how to apply for assistance programs, and what documents are needed. Resource navigators are great at pointing people in the right direction quickly and efficiently. However, they cannot offer direct assistance.

One useful tool for finding utility assistance is the 211info database. This is a free service that connects people with local resources. By dialing 211 or visiting 211info.org, people can get information on various assistance programs, including those for utility bills. The database is easy to use and provides up-to-date information on available services.

Stay Up to Date on Oregon Utility Issues

CUB will continue to advocate for people in Oregon on major utility issues. Sign up for the CUB email list for the latest updates, action alerts, and news on policies that affect the utilities your home relies on.

Donate to CUB

To keep up with CUB, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, and LinkedIn!

• Share this post on Facebook.
• Share this post on LinkedIn.
• Share this post with email.

« Back