Energy Bill Discounts Available for Low-Income Oregon Households
Posted on October 11, 2022 by Kate Ayres
Tags, Energy, General Interest
Oregon households can now find some relief through monthly bill discounts from their energy utilities. These interim bill-discount programs from Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power, NW Natural, Avista Utilities, and Cascade Natural Gas are in place or are rolling out by November 1.
With the winter heating season quickly approaching, Oregonians will be spending more time indoors. Cold weather means heating our homes to comfortable levels and heating bills., Winter power bills provide an extra challenge for low-income customers that are already facing decisions around paying for their energy bills or paying for other household necessities. These new energy bill discounts will help ease this challenge for low-income households.
Who Qualifies for Energy Bill Discounts?
The discount programs are available for customers at or below 60% state median income (SMI). When signing up, eligible customers will provide their monthly or annual income and household size. Eligibility requirements, by income and household size, can be found on the Oregon Housing and Community Services’ website.
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
PGE’s Income-Qualified Bill Discount became available to eligible customers in April. To date, over 30,000 eligible customers have enrolled in the program. The program offers a monthly bill discount of 15-25% for eligible customers. You can find out more information about the program on PGE’s website, which includes links to informational PDFs available in 13 languages.
Eligible customers can apply through PGE’s online application or by calling (503) 228-6322. Customers can also apply by scheduling an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.
Pacific Power
Pacific Power’s Low-Income Discount was released on October 1. Eligible customers will provide their income and household size and will receive a 20% or 40% monthly bill discount.
Eligible customers can sign up through the utility’s online application or by calling the customer service line at 1-888-221-7070. Customers can also apply by scheduling an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.
NW Natural
NW Natural’s Bill Discount Program will be available by November 1. Qualifying customers can receive a monthly energy discount between 15-40%, based upon their income and household size.
Eligible customers can sign up by going online or calling the utility’s customer service line at (800) 422-4012. By November 1, NW Natural will have an online application form on the NW Natural website and customers will also be able to apply by scheduling an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.
Avista Utilities
Avista’s My Energy Rate was released to eligible customers on October 1. The program consists of two components, a monthly energy bill discount ranging from 15-90%, and an arrearage assistance program to help relieve past-due balances on customer accounts.
Eligible customers can call Avista’s customer service line to sign up at (800) 227-9187. Customers are also able to sign into their energy accounts and go to the My Energy Rate page for information and sign-up instructions. Customers can also apply by scheduling an appointment with their local Community Action Agency.
Cascade Natural Gas
Cascade’s Energy Discount Program was released on October 1. Eligible customers can receive between a 15-95% discount on their monthly energy bills, based on their income and household size.
Eligible customers can call Cascade to sign up for the program using the customer service number (888) 522-1130 or fill out the online application on Cascade’s website. Customers can also apply by scheduling an appointment with a local Community Action Agency.
Permanent Bill Discount Programs Are on Their Way
The bill discount programs are a result of the 2021 Energy Affordability Act and are a great first step in addressing the energy burden of low-income households across the state. CUB has worked with stakeholders on implementing these meaningful discounts. There may be improvements after further research and data are collected from their implementation and the Public Utility Commission’s investigation.
CUB will continue working with advocates and utilities as investigations continue and programs are improved to ensure that the permanent programs address the energy burden of Oregon’s low-income residents.
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01/18/24 | 1 Comment | Energy Bill Discounts Available for Low-Income Oregon Households