Bill-payment assistance programs
We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to pay your energy bills. Help may be available through a variety of resources.
Three local programs offer bill-payment assistance to qualified customers who meet the income guidelines below.
Funding is limited
Even if your income falls within the required limits, there is no guarantee that you will receive assistance.
You do not need to apply for help from a specific program; the agency you contact will determine which program, if any, you may qualify for.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible families and individuals pay their energy bills in winter. The program opens to the general public in December, but special outreach is provided in October and November to seniors, the disabled and households with children under age six.
Oregon Energy Assistance Program
OEAP is a year-round assistance program funded by a state-mandated charge added to all PGE customers’ bills.
Oregon Energy Fund
Oregon Energy Fund is a private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps customers struggling to pay their winter utility bills. It’s funded by donations from partnerships with PGE and other utility companies, as well as from private individuals. One-time grants are distributed through community nonprofit organizations.
Income guidelines
Below are the 2018 income guidelines for LIHEAP and OEAP (eff. Oct. 1, 2017). Oregon Energy Fund income guidelines are slightly higher than those listed below.
| Size of family unit | Gross annual income | Gross monthly income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,095 | $1,924.58 |
| 2 | $30,201 | $2,516.75 |
| 3 | $37,308 | $3,109.00 |
| 4 | $44,414 | $3,701.16 |
| 5 | $51,520 | $4,293.33 |
| 6 | $58,626 | $4,885.50 |
| 7 | $59,958 | $4,996.50 |
| 8 | $61,291 | $5,107.58 |
| 9 | $62,623 | $5,218.58 |
| 10 | $63,956 | $5,329.66 |
| 11 | $65,288 | $5,440.66 |
| 12 | $66,620 | $5,551.66 |
| Each additional member | $1,332 | $111.00 |
Where to apply for assistance
The following organizations distribute the funding from sources listed above. Please call the agency in the county where you live.
| County | Organization | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Clackamas | Clackamas County Social Services |
503-650-5640 |
| Marion / Polk | Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Toll-free number outside of Salem The Salvation Army |
503-588-9016 x300 866-299-4216 503-585-6688 |
| Multnomah | Human Solutions, Rockwood/SE Powell offices Impact NW IRCO − Asian Family Center Native American Youth and Family Center Self Enhancement Inc. |
503-405-7877 503-988-6020 503-235-4932 503-288-8177 x322 503-240-0828 |
| Washington | Community Action, Beaverton/Hillsboro offices | 503-615-0771 |
| Yamhill | Community Action, McMinnville (YCAP) Toll-free number |
503-472-0457 x1480 855-216-5289 x1480 |
| For additional agencies and resources, contact 211info by phone at 211; text your zip code to 898211; or visit 211info.org. | ||
Weatherization and energy efficiency assistance
If you meet the income guidelines for bill-payment assistance, you may also be eligible for free residential weatherization programs.
If you earn too much to qualify for weatherization assistance, you may be able to participate in the Savings Within Reach program from Energy Trust of Oregon.
This program offers special incentives to help moderate-income homeowners make energy efficiency improvements.
PGE options
Preferred Due Date lets you choose a due date for your PGE bill that works best for you.
If you have fallen behind on your PGE bill, there may be payment terms that can help you catch up. Please call PGE Customer Service so we can work together on a solution:
- Portland: 503-228-6322
- Salem: 503-399-7717
- Elsewhere: 800-542-8818
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