Energy Assistance Programs

We understand that sometimes it can be difficult to pay your energy bills. Help may be available through a variety of resources.

Find community resources

Local community organizations can help with bill payment assistance for our customers. You can find income guidelines and information about where to apply below.  If your income has been impacted recently, you may qualify, the requirements are based only on your last 30 days of income. Funding is limited so it’s important to apply before it runs out.

If you’re working with a community organization to apply for assistance, let us know! It’s important we’re aware that you’re in the process of getting help so we can provide additional time if needed.

Below are the income guidelines for LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and OEAP (Oregon Energy Assistance Program).

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible families and individuals pay their energy bills. 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.

Income Guidelines (Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington and Yamhill counties)

Income guidelines change every October. See portlandgeneral.com/iqbd for the latest information.

*Income means all household income before any deductions

Size of family unit

1

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$2,785.58

Size of family unit

2

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$3,642.67

Size of family unit

3

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$4,499.75

Size of family unit

4

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$5,356.83

Size of family unit

5

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$6,213.92

Size of family unit

6

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,071.00

Size of family unit

7

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,231.75

Size of family unit

8

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,392.42

Size of family unit

9

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,553.17

Size of family unit

10

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,713.83

Size of family unit

11

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$7,874.50

Size of family unit

12

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$8,035.25

Size of family unit

Each additional member

LIHEAP/OEAP monthly income last 30 days*

$160.75

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.

The following organizations distribute the funding from sources listed above. Please call the agency in the county where you live.

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.

Looking for help with your phone or internet bill? The Oregon Public Utility Commission’s Oregon LifeLine program reduces the monthly cost of phone or broadband service for qualifying low-income Oregon households.


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.

Oregon Energy Fund income guidelines   are slightly higher than those listed above.

Learn about PGE resources

Income-Qualified Bill Discount

Our Income-Qualified Bill Discount program  provides ongoing, monthly help with your PGE bill that’s in addition to any other assistance you may be getting from us or other agencies. 

Set up a payment plan

To help get your account current, you can pay off your PGE bill over an extended period instead of all at once by setting up a Time Payment Arrangement. Call 503-228-6322 (or 800-542-8818) to speak to a customer service advisor. We're here to work with you on extensions or payment plans.

Request more time

You can request a payment extension 24/7 by logging in to your account or calling our automated phone system.

Change your due date

If you need to change the day your bill is due each month, you can do that by logging in to your account or calling us. Please note that it will take a full billing cycle for any change to take effect.

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.

Control your bill

Explore our Energy Savings section to learn how you can use less energy, including no-cost and low-cost changes you can make yourself.

Energy Tracker can help, too

Use our free, online tool for renters and homeowners to see when and how you use electricity, analyze your bill and get a custom savings plan.

Get tax help with CASH Oregon

Find out how to file taxes for free, learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit, and see if you qualify for free tax help.

We're here to help!

Please call 503-228-6322 (or 800-542-8818) to speak to a customer service advisor from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can assist you in 200+ languages.

If you need more time to pay your bill, you can request a payment extension online.