Help for heating bills in Oregon.
There are a number of programs that help struggling people in Oregon pay their winter heating costs. Charitable and/or government funds can help prevent disconnections of heating service in Oregon during inclement weather. Many social service agencies work closely with energy companies and non-profits to try to provide low income families the help they need during difficult periods. Find a list of local and statewide Oregon heating bill assistance programs.
Non-profit programs in Oregon that help pay heating costs
One of the main programs available is the Oregon Energy Fund, formally known as the HEAT program. It is administered by a non-profit organization that operates in cities and counties across the state. The program works with government agencies, social service organizations, and other groups in order to assist low income residents who are faced with an emergency, such as those who are about to have their heat shut off during the winter.
- Staff from the non-profit Oregon Energy Fund work closely with all energy and gas companies, including West Oregon Electric Cooperative, Cascade Natural Gas, Pacific Power, and Portland General Electric (PGE) as well as government agencies. They process and screen applications, and can disburse financial aid to qualified lower income households. The non-profit also administers a recovered heating oil program. Other aid can help households pay for all fuels such as heating oil, propane, gas and wood.
- The non-profits also offer education and information on conservation as well. A key is also working with community partners to provide low-income households, seniors, and others with the tools they need for self-reliance over the mid to long term. As while the OR Energy Fund can provide some funds to pay for winter heating costs, that is a short term solution. Long term the applicant needs to save money on their heat and/or increase their income. This can often best be met via free conservation education and energy resources.
- The Oregon Energy Fund (OEF) relies heavily on contributions from people as well as businesses in the community. It provides individuals the opportunity for neighbors to help neighbors and to provide kindness and warmth to the less fortunate. The money that is donated to the organization will be used to help people in need pay their winter heating and natural gas bills. About 90% of what is donated goes directly to helping households.
- The Oregon Energy Fund program and the agencies it partners with help people meet their needs during challenging times. The non-profit also works with dozens of statewide partner agencies and charities. All these organizations strive to help seniors, the disabled and low-income Oregonians with emergency heating bill assistance. Learn more on Oregon Energy Fund to help pay heating costs.
Many energy companies in Oregon have non-profit foundations. These companies also offer programs that are partly funded by donations from customers. A common name of one resource is Customers Helping Customers, and these programs are often available for paying heating bills if you have not received any other funding from government resources. Other versions or names can include Helping Hand, which is offered by Emerald PUD, or Share the Warmth. Call your energy provider to inquire.
Another non-profit in the Portland Oregon area is the Community Energy Project (CEP). The organization provides consumers with free workshops on weatherization services. Some people may be given grant money from CEP to help them keep their heat on. While more limited, they will also try to coordinate and pay for free energy conservation measures to your home, including safety repairs. Most of this support is targeted at low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Families with children can also often enroll. Dial (503) 284-6827.
- Additional support from CEP in the form of water conservation services may also be offered to qualified lower income seniors and people with disabilities in Oregon. This serve also ramps up during the winter, when people are faced with excessive heating costs. The non-profit Community Energy Project also works with non-profit organizations, utilities, foundations, government agencies, and corporations.
Winter heating bill assistance from government benefits in Oregon
Other heating bill assistance programs in Oregon are known as the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) as well as weatherization (which helps people reduce their heating costs). Most of these are funded by the federal government. The number of residents that can be assisted is limited.
- OEAP can provide energy education, emergency heating bill assistance from a government grant, and also referrals to other services. Documentation will always be needed as part of the application process, including proof of income, information on all household members, and more. Limited funds and grants are available and disbursed on a first come and served basis. Call your local community action agency in Oregon for financial assistance, or CSC office.
The state mandated emergency resource for seniors, families with kids or the disabled in a crisis is Oregon Energy Assistance Program. Customers who are faced with a disconnection are given priority. This is the state’s version of LIHEAP, and it can assist eligible homeowners as well as renters with paying their energy bills. Some of the main beneficiaries for immediate help from OEAP are households with children under the age of six, seniors, and the disabled.
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