Low-Income Rate Assistance
- Oregon's restructuring legislation requires its two investor-owned electric companies to collect $10 million per year, beginning in 2000, for low-income electric bill payment assistance. The funds are administered by the state LIHEAP office and must be expended in the service area of the electric company from which the funds are collected. Income eligibility for the electric assistance funds is the same as for LIHEAP, 60 percent of state median income.
1-800-453-5511 or local agency contacts
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
- Utility restructuring legislation established a 3% Public Purpose Charge (PPC) to be collected from the state’s two investor-owned electric companies. About 13% of the PPC, about $7.8 million, is earmarked for low-income weatherization, distributed through the state weatherization agency network. Collection of these funds began March 1, 2002.
Local agency contacts - Community Energy Project
Helps low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities conserve energy in their homes. PGE provided seed money to help launch the Community Energy Project years ago and continues to financially support CEP through grants that are used to purchase weatherizing materials. CEP also holds weatherization workshops and provides attendees with water-conserving showerheads and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
503-284-6827
www.communityenergyproject.org/
Emergency Charitable Assistance
- HEAT Oregon
A statewide fund designed to prevent disconnection of utility service during inclement weather by providing bill payment assistance to low-income households in emergency situations. HEAT Oregon works with social service and other agencies across the state to screen requests for assistance from customers of Pacific Power, PGE and West Oregon Electric Cooperative.
Find a local contact for assistance.
www.heatoregon.org/
