Assistance from Pacific Power in Oregon.
Financial assistance programs are administered directly by Pacific Power, or they can refer families to other local resources and non-profits across Oregon. They partner with federal government agencies and programs (such as LIHEAP), state resources (including Oregon HEAT) and they administer their own payment plans and solutions. The company also works with energy assistance organizations in Oregon and across the region as indicated below. Learn more on the main Oregon Pacific Power programs.
A leading non-profit agency that operates in the state is Oregon HEAT. This program is offered and funded from donations from businesses, members of the community, and even some matching grants by various energy providers, including Pacific Power.
It is an emergency fund, and may be able to provide energy bill assistance to qualified low income and struggling residents using donated funds. To learn more or to apply for this service, dial 503-612-6300. The program works off contributions, and they are always needed.
To donate to the Oregon HEAT program, you can contact the non-profit that administers it at the number listed above and/or request an energy assistance donation envelope. Any contributions that someone makes go directly to the Oregon HEAT program and not administrative costs. The funds can be used to pay the bills of Pacific Power customers. If you do donate, the money will be considered as charitable donations for tax purposes.
Federal government and state of Oregon energy assistance is primarily offered by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This resource is funded through the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
LIHEAP is a heating and utility bill assistance program that was originally designed to help low-income households with paying home heating bills and possibly cooling expenses during the summer. The local state version that could benefit Pacific Power customers is the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP), which was created by the Oregon legislative and also provides one time energy bill assistance. Both of the programs are administered by local community action agencies.
Oregon Energy Assistance Program/OEAP is funded by a state government mandated electric meter charge that is currently on all account holders. All customers, regardless of their income, need to pay a monthly meter charge to support this program. OEAP is a year-round resource. To be eligible for it, you must meet low income guidelines and priority is given to customers who may be in danger of disconnection.
Oregon Housing and Community Services administers the Low-Income Weatherization Program. This is a little different than some of the other resources in the Pacific Power territory as it is focused on conservation. Applications for this program are also taken by local community action and social service agencies.
Qualified low income families who spend a high amount of their income on their utilities may qualify for free weatherization services. Support is available for income-qualifying renters and homeowners who live in single-family homes, apartments, or mobile homes. A focus is on the elderly, disabled, and families in Oregon that have children.
Based on the homeowners or renters needs, a variety of measures can be installed in their residence as part of weatherization. This includes energy-efficient showerheads, insulation, compact fluorescent light bulbs and more. All of the improvements and energy conservation measures are designed to lower family’s electric bills while keeping your home comfortable and safe to live in.
Applying for help from Pacific Power in Oregon
Pacific Power also offers certain qualified customers with special services, time payment plans, and bill assistance. Any assistance is available solely at their discretion. All aid is available for customers experiencing financial hardships or a crisis. In order to learn more, get questions answered about payment plan eligibility, to apply, or if you are experiencing difficulty making payments, call 1-888-221-7070 to speak to a representative.
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