Expansions to NW Natural’s Bill Discount Program

Households across Oregon are struggling to pay their utilities. Keeping up with rising energy costs can put significant financial strain on families. Thankfully, NW Natural is expanding its bill discount programs in Oregon to provide gas customers with some relief.

Beginning November 1st, 2024, natural gas customers in Oregon can now enroll in NW Natural’s Bill Discount program. This program provides a monthly bill discount to qualified residential customers.

Who Qualifies for the Bill Discount Program

• Households with incomes at or below 60 percent State Median Income (SMI)

Customers do not need a social security number to apply or qualify. Customers may also self-certify their income, meaning you do not need to provide income documentation when applying. However, the Company may contact you in the future to confirm your income information. You can determine if your income and household size is at or below 60% SMI here.

Discount Rate

NW Natural customers could receive a monthly discount of 85, 50, 30, or 15% on their monthly bills. Discounts depend on your household income, household size, and percentage of income going toward energy bills, which is called a household’s energy burden. Customers will receive a monthly bill discount at one of the following tiers:

Tier 0: Household income at or below 15% SMI receive an 85% bill discount
Example of Who Qualifies: A family of four earning below $17,698 per year will receive an 85% bill discount

Tier 1: Household income 16-30% SMI receive a 50% bill discount
Example of Who Qualifies: A family of four earning between $17,698 to $35,395 per year will receive a 50% bill discount

Tier 2: Household income 31-45% SMI receive a 30% bill discount
Example of Who Qualifies: A family of four earning between $35,395 and $53,0931 per year will receive a 30% bill discount.

Tier 3: Household income 46-60% SMI receive a 15% bill discount
Example of Who Qualifies: A family of four earning between $53,093 to $70,790 per year will receive a 15% bill discount

The discount only applies to new bills after enrollment. This means that depending on where you are in the billing cycle when you enroll, the discount may not be reflected on the next bill you receive but will be reflected on the following bills.

NW Natural agreed to create a new debt forgiveness program that will help low-income customers who struggle with recurring bill debt that leads to spiraling energy costs. NW Natural will be working with community-based organizations in a collaborative process to develop the program, which will roll out in 2025.

Check Your Eligibility

There are multiple ways to apply for the program. You can check your eligibility using NW Natural’s online eligibility tool with your gross annual household income and the number of people in your home. If eligible, you can apply using their online enrollment form.

You can also apply by downloading and completing a PDF application. Once completed, you can email the PDF to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or mail it to the following address:

NW Natural Bill Discount
250 SW Taylor St.
Portland, OR 97204

For questions about the application process, you can call NW Natural’s customer service line at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012, Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hearing impaired individuals can use 711.

Customers can also contact their local Community In Action agencies and someone can assist them in applying.

Receive Assistance

Once enrolled, customers can expect to remain on the program for two years, unless they have any updates to income or household size that they update with NW Natural. After two years from enrollment, or from a customer update to household size and income with the utility, NW Natural will begin a re-enrollment process, requesting customers to go through the enrollment process again.

Customers who have received energy assistance should look for emails and direct mail about the program, sign-up details, and future re-enrollment requests.

CUB Applauds Bill Discount Programs Expansions

CUB commends NW Natural for expanding its bill discount program. We expect NW Natural’s new discount levels to help financially burdened Oregonians receive much-needed bill assistance. This bill discount program is a step in the right direction, but more must be done to help struggling customers.

As this program expansion rolls out, CUB will work closely with other energy advocates to facilitate a strong program that works for the people who need it most. This includes ensuring that signing up and staying in the program is easy and accessible.

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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.

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