We understand that sometimes financial situations make it difficult to meet your energy bills — PGE is here to help you.

We work with and direct funds to a variety of energy assistance programs. You’ll find the programs described here along with phone numbers of agencies that distribute the funds.

PGE also offers payment options, such as our Equal Pay plan, that are easier on your budget. For more information, see our Payment Plan Information.

Financial assistance
Here are the three primary programs that offer financial assistance to qualifying limited and fixed-income energy customers.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
This federally funded program distributes one-time annual grants to help eligible households pay their energy bills in winter. In Oregon, the Department of Housing & Community Service receives the federal funds and administers the program through contracts with various social service agencies.

To be eligible, you must meet income guidelines (see box), but you do not have to have a shut-off notice from PGE. Assistance levels vary depending on the type of energy used for your primary heating source, the number of people in your household and whether you currently receive subsidized housing. Special outreach is provided to seniors, the disabled and households with young children under six. This program opens to the general public in December.

Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP)
OEAP is funded by a state-mandated electric meter charge. To assist low-income customers who are in danger of utility service disconnection, all PGE customers pay a monthly meter charge. To be eligible, you must meet income guidelines (see box above) and priority is given to customers who may be in danger of disconnection.

Oregon HEAT
This private nonprofit organization helps low-income customers in crisis situations pay their winter utility bills. Oregon HEAT, which is funded by PGE and other utility companies, as well as donations from PGE customers, distributes one-time grants through a number of community nonprofit organizations. Eligibility is based on income and need.

Where to get help
The following organizations distribute LIEAP, OEAP and/or Oregon HEAT funds to qualifying limited and fixed-income residents. This is the current list; participating organizations may change annually.

County Organization Phone Number   Clackamas Clackamas Co. Social Services 503-650-5640 Sandy Community Action Center 503-668-4746   Marion/Polk Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Or Toll Free outside of Salem 503-588-9016 866-299-4216 The Salvation Army 503-585-6688 St. Luke's St. Vincent de Paul (Woodburn only) 503-981-5011   Multnomah Self Enhancement Inc., NE Portland 503-240-0828 Human Solutions, East Multnomah County 503-548-0217 Human Solutions, Gresham Office 503-988-4531 IRCO – Asian Family Center, All of Multnomah County 503-235-9396 Portland Impact, SE Portland 503-988-6020 St. Vincent de Paul, All of Multnomah County 503-235-8431 The Salvation Army, Downtown, Portland 503-239-1264 YWCA Housing Enrichment Resources, N/NE/NW/SW Portland 503-721-6760 Neighborhood House, NW/SW Portland 503-246-1663   Washington Community Action, Hillsboro 503-615-0771 Community Action, Beaverton 503-615-0772   Yamhill Community Action, McMinnville (YCAP) Toll-free number 503-472-0457 x140 800-945-9992 x140