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. If your income has been impacted recently, you can still qualify; the requirements are based only on your last 30 days of income. Additional funds are available due to COVID-19, however it’s important to apply before these new funds run out.
Three local programs offer bill-payment assistance to qualified customers who meet the income guidelines.
Below are the 2020 income guidelines for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), OEAP (Oregon Energy Assistance Program) and the Energy Assistance Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Income guidelines (Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas and Yamhill counties) – LIHEAP/OEAP and Energy Assistance Coronavirus Relief Fund
| Size of family unit | LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days* | New COVID-19 funding last 30 days income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,165.25 | $4,300 |
| 2 | $2,831.50 | $4,920 |
| 3 | $3,497.75 | $5,530 |
| 4 | $4,163.92 | $6,145 |
| 5 | $4,830.17 | $6,635 |
| 6 | $5,496.42 | $7,125 |
| 7 | $5,621.33 | $7,620 |
| 8 | $5,746.25 | $8,110 |
| 9 | $5,871.17 | $8,600 |
| 10 | $5,996.08 | $9,095 |
| 11 | $6,121.00 | $9,585 |
| 12 | $6,245.92 | $10,075 |
| Each additional member | $124.92 | $495 |
*Income means all household income before any deductions
Income guidelines (Marion/Polk counties) – LIHEAP/OEAP and Energy Assistance Coronavirus Relief Fund
| Size of family unit | LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days* | New COVID-19 funding last 30 days income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,165.25 | $3,300 |
| 2 | $2,831.50 | $3,770 |
| 3 | $3,497.75 | $4,240 |
| 4 | $4,163.92 | $4,710 |
| 5 | $4,830.17 | $5,090 |
| 6 | $5,496.42 | $5,465 |
| 7 | $5,621.33 | $5,845 |
| 8 | $5,746.25 | $6,220 |
| 9 | $5,871.17 | $6,595 |
| 10 | $5,996.08 | $6,975 |
| 11 | $6,121.00 | $7,350 |
| 12 | $6,245.92 | $7,725 |
| Each additional member | $124.92 | $380 |
*Income means all household income before any deductions
Oregon Energy Fund income guidelines are slightly higher than those listed above.
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 St. Vincent de Paul |
503-650-5640 503-235-8431 |
| Marion / Polk | Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action The Salvation Army |
503-588-9016 503-585-6688 x4873 |
| Multnomah | El Programa Hispano Human Solutions, Rockwood/East Multnomah County offices IRCO − Asian Family Center Latino Network Native American Youth and Family Center Self Enhancement Inc. |
503-489-6842 503-405-7877 503-235-4932 503-208-2174 503-288-8177 Press “1” 503-713-5590 |
| Washington | Community Action, Beaverton/Hillsboro offices Or visit the Washington County’s Energy Assistance website to apply online. |
503-615-0771 |
| Yamhill | Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP) Or visit the Yamhill County’s Energy Assistance website to apply online. |
503-472-0457 x1483 or Toll-free 855-216-5289 x1483 |
| For additional agencies and resources, contact 211info by phone at 211; text your zip code to 898211; or visit 211info.org to download their free app. | ||
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.
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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