Nov. 04, 2009
PGE customer donations critical to help Oregon HEAT this winter
Donations will help thousands of families with energy assistance
TUALATIN, Ore. — Portland General Electric and Oregon HEAT are working together this season to help an unprecedented number of Oregonians needing energy assistance.
In November, PGE will include donation envelopes in customers’ billing statements. PGE customers may use the envelopes to make donations directly to Oregon HEAT, which uses the funds to assist low-income households with their electricity. Donations are spent in the local communities from which they come.
Tualatin-based Oregon HEAT is a nonprofit organization that works year-round with 30 local social service agencies around the state to distribute funds to families in need. Roger Rees, Oregon HEAT executive director, said the economic downturn has left the organization with a shortfall of funding to assist an unprecedented number of people needing energy assistance.
“Tough economic times have had a sweeping impact on low‐income Oregonians, and we’re challenged now more than ever to help the tremendous number of families in need. Our partners and supporters are vital to addressing this problem,” Rees said.
“There are a record number of Oregonians struggling financially right now, and many need help paying for critical services such as utilities,” said Dave Robertson, vice president of public policy at PGE. “Because assistance requests are even greater this year, participation in this program is vital for those in need. PGE is proud to be a longtime supporter of Oregon HEAT and appreciate all they do for our customers.”
To make a donation, PGE customers can use the donation envelope included in their November billing statements. They can also call Oregon HEAT at 503-612-3790 or visit www.oregonheat.org.
Last year, Oregon HEAT distributed $552,000 to help almost 6,300 individuals in PGE’s operating area. PGE employees and customers make up a large part of Oregon HEAT’s total contributions, donating almost $245,000 last year. PGE also supported the organization last year with contributions totaling almost $572,000, including cash and in-kind donations of office space, telephones, and other assistance.
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About Portland General Electric Company
Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 814,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit our Web site at PortlandGeneral.com
About OregonHEAT
Celebrating its 20th year, Oregon HEAT is an independent nonprofit organization founded to help low-income Oregonians become more energy self-reliant. In partnership with community agencies throughout the state, Oregon HEAT provides energy assistance and advocates access to energy resources for low-income Oregonians. Oregon HEAT's primary program objective is to prevent disconnection of utility service by providing bill payment assistance to low-income households in emergency situations. Oregon HEAT: www.oregonheat.org, 503-612-3790, or PO Box 127, Tualatin, Ore. 97062.
For more information, contact:
Roger Rees, PGE,
503-612-3790
Elaina Medina, PGE,
503-464-8790