LIHEAP Program Dates
Heating: December 1 - April 30 (October 1 start for seniors and disabled)
Crisis: Year-round
State
Low-Income Rate Assistance
Oregon Energy Assistance Program
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
Emerald PUD
ERAP
Emerald's Rate Assistance Program assists low-income seniors (60 years or older) and disabled households with bills. Letters are sent from Lane County to those who qualify. www.epud.org/billassist.aspx?section=com
AFP (Arrearage Forgiveness Program)
A one-year case management program that helps with energy and money management. If a customer stays current with electric bills for one year, the arrearage they entered the program with is forgiven.
541-746-1583
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
Universal Service Plan
This program provides low-income seniors and disabled customers with weatherization services and bill co-payments. At the successful end of the program, EWEB will forgive any arrearage on the customer’s bill. The Human Services Commission administers the program
541-684-5821 www.co.lane.or.us/HSC/energy.htm
Low-income customers may also be eligible for the Deposit Guarantor program, which provides assistance for half of a qualifying customer’s account deposit (not to exceed $300). Anyone who is accepted into the Deposit Guarantor program must also participate in EWEB’s Customer Care Plus. www.eweb.org/about/community/low-income.htm
Military assistance
This is a special, limited-duration program for military personnel who are called to active duty and serve overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan or in support of those military actions. Families of eligible military personnel may receive up to $300 in bill-payment assistance per 12-month period. Call Customer Relations Manager Chuck Dalton at 484-2411. www.eweb.org/about/community/low-income.htm
City of Ashland
Utility discounts are available to Ashland residents over the age of 65 who qualify as low income. They receive a 20% to 30% discount on City utilities (water, wastewater, and electric).
541-488-5342 www.ashland.or.us/Page.asp?NavID=110
Senior and Disabled ALIEAP
Six-month program provides a 50% discount on the electric bills of seniors and disabled.
541-488-5342
Low-Income and Military ALIEAP
Three-month program provides a 50% discount on the electric bills of low-income and military households.
541-488-5342
Columbia River PUD
The Special Waiver Program
Waives the $7 monthly customer charge for families
who meet the
low-income requirements from the State of Oregon.
503-397-0590
Email: custsvc@crpud.org www.crpud.net/residential/specialwaiver
NW Natural
Gas Assistance Program (GAP)
GAP collects funds from NW Natural shareholders, employees, customers and other businesses to help pay the heating bills of families and elderly residents in the Northwest who experience difficulty in making ends meet. Local community action agencies screen limited and fixed income individuals and families for eligibility and disperse the funds. Community Action Agencies
800-422-4012 www.nwnatural.com/services/
Salem Electric
Winter Heating Assistance Program
Available to members whose household income does not exceed the income guidelines and whose main heating source is electricity. Priority is given to seniors (age 60 and over) and disabled persons (those receiving or having applied for monetary benefits for their disability). Seniors and disabled persons may begin applying in December, all others apply in January. Home visits are available for seniors and disabled persons.
503 362-3601 www.salemelectric.com/services/winter_heat.aspx
Low-Income Energy Efficiency
Energy Smart
Oregon HEAT provides low-income households with energy conservation education and hardware to reduce energy use through its Energy Smart program. This pilot project takes a holistic approach to meeting household needs by lowering energy bills to make them more affordable. Energy Smart will also identify the best ways to promote and encourage energy conservation education.
503-612-3790 or find a contact by county www.oregonheat.org/programs.htm
Pacific Power
Community Energy Project, Inc. of Multnomah County
Provides senior and disabled citizens with energy education and energy-efficient measures.
1-888-221-7070 www.pacificpower.net/Navigation/Navigation1356.html
Portland General Electric
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/
Columbia River PUD
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance Program
Provides weatherization services at no cost to households at or below 60% of Oregon's median income, whose primary source of space heating is electricity. Weatherization measures include upgrading insulation levels in attics, walls and floors, sealing ductwork, wrapping water pipes and replacing windows.
503-366-5470 or email: experts@crpud.org www.crpud.net/residential/efficiency/li-weatherization
Emerald PUD REACH
Provides weatherization services for low-income households, as well as bill co-payments. It is designed to help low-income customers develop better bill-paying and budgeting skills. Customers receive a home visit and a home assessment to determine what weatherization measures and bill-payment arrangements are appropriate. Lane County Human Services Commission administers the program.
541-682-3383
www.co.lane.or.us/HSC/energy.htm#REACH
Eugene Water & Electric Board Customer Care Plus
Designed to help income-eligible customers save energy and manage their utility bills. Qualifying customers have access to a menu of services including weatherization (increasing levels of insulation and sealing buildings against air leaks), appliance upgrades or replacements, energy conservation education, and heating system inspections and improvements. To apply visit one of the following agencies and fill out an application:
St. Vincent de Paul Society, 450 Hwy 99 North, Eugene
Celeste Campbell Senior Center, 155 High Street, Eugene(for customers 60 years and older)
Catholic Community Services, 1025 G Street, Springfield (for customers living in the Springfield/McKenzie area)
Lane County Human Services Commission, 125 East Eighth Avenue, Eugene
Mail applications to: Lane County Human Services Commission, 125 East Eighth Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401. Call Lane County Human Services Commission for more information at 682-3378. www.eweb.org/about/community/low-income.htm
Idaho Power
Idaho Power provides financial assistance to Idaho and Oregon Community Action Partnership (CAP) agencies to help cover the cost for weatherization of electrically heated homes of qualified customers.
Baker County, call 541-963-3186
Harney and Malheur Counties, call 541-573-6024 www.idahopower.com/pdfs/customerservice/WeatherizationBrochure.pdf
Lane Electric Cooperative
Members who qualify for low income funds (LIEAP qualified) are eligible for a grant of up to $1,500 for qualifying weatherization measures in their home. This opportunity is available to single or multi-family residences provided some permanently installed electric heat exists in the dwelling. (Property owners of rentals will need to make a 50% contribution to any project.) Eligible measures include: ceiling, floor, and wall insulation, HVAC duct insulation & sealing, door and window caulking & weatherstripping, and general air sealing.
541-484-1151 www.laneelectric.com/weatherization.htm
Salem Electric
Weatherization
Residential customers (homeowners and renters) with permanently-installed electric heat whose household income does not exceed the income guidelines may qualify for free weatherization. Eligible measures include: ceiling, floor, wall, and duct insulation, caulking and weatherstripping, and air sealing improvements. Incentives for window replacements are also available.
503 362-3601 www.salemelectric.com/services/winter_heat.aspx
Emergency Charitable Assistance
Please note these charitable funds are last resort emergency funds with limited resources and limited times of operation.
Oregon HEAT
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. Oregon HEAT 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. Oregon HEAT also has a recovered oil program and helps households pay for all fuels such as propane, gas and wood.
503-612-3790 or find a contact by county www.oregonheat.org/programs.htm
Avista Utilities
Project Share
A community program supported by shareholders, customers and employees. The funds are forwarded to community action agencies, which work with each family. Grants are available to those in need without regard to their heating source. Contact your local community action agency. www.avistautilities.com/community/assistance/pages/share.aspx
Blachly-Lane County Cooperative Electric Association
Blachly-Lane Energy Share (BLES)
The program is designed to offer assistance to members who do not not qualify for other types of relief. The Salvation Army administers the program.
541-688-8711
Canby Utility Board
Energy Assistance Program
Customers with a 24 hour disconnect notice may apply for funds once per year for over-due electric bills. Maximum payments are $150.
503- 266-1156
Cascade Natural Gas
Winter Help
Funded through donations from Cascade Natural Gas customers. The funds are targeted for low-income households at risk of disconnection. Assistance is delivered as a once-a-year credit to Cascade Natural Gas accounts. Eligibility is determined by household income. Contact local agency.
Central Electric Cooperative
Project Helping Hand
Funded by CEC members to help needy customers with their electric bills when they encounter overwhelming financial difficulties.
Bend 541-389-1980
Redmond 541-548-2144
Sisters 541-549-5698
Prineville 541-447-5321
Madras 541-475-3266
Email Customer Service customerservice@cec-co.com www.centralelectriccoop.com/about/helping_hand/helping_hand.html
Central Lincoln People's Utility District
SOS Program
Contributions from customers are turned over to local service agencies for distribution to PUD customers who need assistance with their electric bills. Please email questions. 541-265-3211 www.clpud.org/sosprogram.html
City of Ashland
Heat and Roundup
One-time help for customers, based on need and availability of funds. Maximum bill credit of $160.
541-488-5342
City of Cascade Locks
Energy Assistance Program
Applicants are eligible for one payment per heating season of $150. Eligibility is determined by LIEAP income guidelines.
541-374-8484 x15
City of Gresham
Utility Customer Assistance Fund
A program to assist water, sewer, and stormwater customers with bill payments. Income eligibility is 150 percent of the federal poverty level or exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances.
503-618-2373 www.ci.gresham.or.us/departments/fms/finservices/utilitybilling/cs.asp
Clatskanie People’s Utility District
Share the Warmth Fund
The fund is run by the P.U.D. through the Community Action Team which will qualify families that need assistance. All donations will go to families in the P.U.D.'s service area.
503-728-2163 www.clatskaniepud.com/Share_the_Warmth.htm
Columbia River Public Utility District
GLOW (Give Light, Offer Warmth)
The fund is used to provide families with emergency bill paying assistance. GLOW is funded entirely through customer contributions and employee fundraisers.
503-397-0590 www.crpud.net/residential/glow
Coos-Curry Electric Cooperative
Round-Up Program
Customer contributions are used to help qualifying individuals pay their electric bills. Members in need of assistance should contact Community Action.
541-469-3155
Douglas Electric Cooperative
Project Help
An emergency low-income energy assistance program, administered by Salvation Army, to help Douglas Electric members with a one-time payment of any heating fuel costs, regardless of whether it is oil, wood, gas or electricity.
541-673-6616 www.douglaselectric.com/services.php#project
Emerald PUD
Helping Hand
A program, funded by contributions, to help pay utility bills. The program is sponsored by Emerald, with the help of the Salvation Army.
541-746-1583 www.epud.org/billassist.aspx?section=com
Eugene Water & Electric Board
Customer Care
Provides financial aid for qualifying low-income customers. Customers-in-need may be eligible to receive up to $200 in bill assistance per year, which is credited directly to their EWEB account. To apply for aid, customers first must schedule an appointment by calling one of the numbers listed below:
St. Vincent de Paul Society: 461-8794
Celeste Campbell Senior Center: 682-5354 (for customers 60 years and older)
Catholic Community Services: 747-8349 (for customers living in the Springfield/McKenzie area) www.eweb.org/about/community/low-income.htm
Hood River Electric Cooperative
Customers Helping Customers
Contributions are available to customers who have not received LIEAP funds during the current winter.
541-354-1233
McMinnville Water & Light
Customers Helping Customers
A program to help needy families with energy assistance that is funded by customer contributions. Individuals interested in applying for Energy Assistance benefits may do so at St. Vincent DePaul of McMinnville.
1-503-472-6216 www.mc-power.com/billassist.aspx
Midstate Electric Cooperative
Operation Roundup®
Funds are allocated for many types of worthy projects in Midstate's service area in Deschutes, Klamath and Lake Counties. Operation Roundup® is administered by the Midstate Electric Charitable Trust, a committee of directors from Midstate's service area that serves on a voluntary basis. Guidelines for awarding this money address special needs for individuals as well as community educational and charitable projects.
To apply for grants contact:
Shelley Miesen
Executive Secretary
541-536-7241
email: smiesen@midstateelectric.coop www.midstateelectric.coop/
Monmouth Power & Light
Customers needing assistance are referred to Community Action. Income qualified customers, at 150% of poverty guidelines, can receive complete payment of their utility bill or have their utility deposit paid.
503-838-3526
Oregon Trail Power & Light
Once per year assistance for any heating source, reconnect fees, deposits or some portion of arrearage. Customers must be at or below 60% state median income and have received LIEAP, if available.
Baker City 523-3616
Burns 573-2666
John Day 575-0161
La Grande 963-3155
Springfield Utility Board
Project Share
Applications for financial assistance are accepted during the winter season (November 1 - April 30). Catholic Community Services, which administers the program for SUB, will help with the application process.
747-8349 www.subutil.com/customer_service/paying_your_bill/payment_assistance
Tillamook PUD
Customer Assistance Program
Customer contributions are matched by Tillamook and administered by Community Action Resource Enterprise (CARE, Inc.) and Senior Service and People with Disabilities.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative
UCARE
A customer-assistance program that allows members to help other members stay warm in the winter. UCARE provides financial assistance to members who have trouble paying their heating bills. It is supported by member contributions, which are matched by UEC.
Hermiston 541-567-6414, Boardman 541-481-2220 or 1-800-452-227
