Portland General Electric assistance programs.
Find financial assistance for paying utility bills from Portland General Electric. There are payment plans, government grants from LIHEAP, utility deposit help (to turn on electricity) and more. PGE works with struggling households, in particular the elderly or disabled on a fixed income, to try to find a solution. Find details below and how to apply for PGE assistance programs in Oregon.
The company can help lower income Oregon customers pay their utility, summer cooling, heating and energy bills. The utility works with a number of non-profit agencies, government programs, and they also offer their own assistance programs. While funding is limited, and unfortunately all families will not be able to receive help, PGE always recommends that customers call them as soon as possible to learn about all options that may be available to them.
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is funded by the federal government and is available for qualified low income PGE Oregon families. A one time cash grant can help clients pay their Portland General Electric utility bill. Most of the funding is provided during the winter for heating and gas bills, but some money can also pay cooling and air conditioning bills during the summer.
A number of income requirements need to be met. The exact amount of your grant will depend on your income level, the number of people in your household, and your heating or cooling source. Priority is often given to Oregon seniors, the disabled and households with young children under six as these individuals are considered most at risk if they were to lose power. LIHEAP can be provided in a crisis too, if someone has a disconnection notice or if they are going to run out of heating fuel. More on Oregon LIHEAP.
Portland General Electric participates in Oregon HEAT. This program is run by a private nonprofit organization, and the agency is focused on helping low-income customers who are faced with a crisis pay their winter heating and gas bills. Funding comes from PGE, donations and other utility companies. In addition, a number of other tax deductible donations, including from PGE customers, help pay for Oregon HEAT. All money goes to provide one-time grants, and aid is distributed through a number of community nonprofit organizations and charities.
Oregon Energy Assistance Program is a statewide law and is mandated by the state. This resource is a year-round financial assistance program funded by an electric meter charge that all customers need to pay. For example, all PGE customers (regardless of their income) pay a monthly meter charge to support this program. Priority for funding from OEAP is given to customers who may be in danger of disconnection and who are faced with an emergency.
PGE Payments Plans - With the weak economy it is understood that some people have lost their jobs, or have had a reduction in income. So Portland General Electric is committed to offering solutions to as many customers as possible. They strongly encourage all customers to call and ask for information on payment plans, fee waivers, and other assistance. The phone numbers are 503-399-7717 in Salem Oregon, 503-228-6322 in Portland, or dial toll free at 800-542-8818.
Weatherization is another federal government resource. Depending on your total household income and number of family members, households may be qualified for free residential weatherization services. The goal is to help people save money on their heating, gas, and utility bills by helping PGE customers conserve energy.
Many of these financial assistance programs, including LIHEAP, weatherization and HEAT, are administered by local non-profits and community action agencies. Portland General Electric partners with many of these organizations. Apply for assistance from any one or more of the following non-profits. Priority is given to families with children, the elderly, and qualifying limited and fixed-income residents of Oregon.
- Clackamas - Clackamas County Social Services, dial 503-650-5640
- Marion/Polk - Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action, 503-588-9016 or dial 866-299-4216
- The Salvation Army - 503-585-6688. They have multiple locations across Oregon.
Multnomah County resources
- Self Enhancement Inc., NE Portland Oregon, 503-240-0828
- Human Solutions, Rockwood/SE Powell offices, phone 503-405-7877
- IRCO - Asian Family Center, 503-235-9396
- Impact NW, SE Portland, main phone number is 503-988-6020
- Native American Youth and Family Center, NE Portland, phone number 503-972-2463
- The Salvation Army, Multnomah County and Portland, 503-239-1264
- Neighborhood House, NW/SW Portland, 503-246-1663
- Washington Community Action, Beaverton/Hillsboro offices, telephone 503-615-0771
- Yamhill Community Action, McMinnville (YCAP) 503-472-0457 x140
Phone number for PGE programs
Portland General Electric customer service can be reached at 800-542-8818. Call them to learn about payment arrangements and assistance programs.
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