Last updated: July 16, 2026
Bottom line
If you cannot pay an Oregon electric, gas, water, sewer, phone, or internet bill, start with the company that sent the bill. Ask for a payment plan, an income discount, a medical certificate option, and the smallest payment needed to stop disconnection. Then contact the Community Action Agency serving your county and search 211info for other local funds.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) supports the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP). The official Oregon energy page says local agencies take applications and approved payments go to the utility on the household’s behalf. OHCS does not send direct household checks or take most applications at its state office.
Energy assistance is available year-round and does not require a shutoff notice or past-due bill. However, county funds, appointments, and processing capacity can run out. Apply early, continue making payments when possible, and do not assume an application automatically stops a shutoff.
For broader program basics, use ASMOM’s LIHEAP and utility guide. The Oregon help guide covers other state assistance.
If a shutoff is close
Call the utility first. Give the shutoff date and ask the worker to review every payment arrangement, discount, weather protection, medical certificate, and pending-assistance option. Get a confirmation number or written terms.
- Electric or gas emergency: Call 911 and the utility for a gas smell, fire, downed line, or immediate medical danger.
- Utility dispute: Contact the PUC Consumer Center at 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 after trying to resolve the problem with the company.
- Local resources: Dial 211 or 866-698-6155. You can also text your ZIP code to 898211 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or search the 211 utility database online.
- Unsafe home: If bill control or shutoff threats are part of abuse, use a safer device when possible and review ASMOM’s Oregon safety guide.
ASMOM’s Oregon emergency guide can help when the utility problem is tied to food, shelter, transportation, or another urgent need.
Where to start
Electric or gas bill
Call the supplier, then contact the correct county Community Action Agency. Ask about LIHEAP, OEAP, fuel funds, and weatherization.
Active shutoff notice
Ask what amount or written plan will stop disconnection today. Tell the agency the exact shutoff date.
Water or sewer bill
Call the city, district, or private water provider. Ask about discounts, payment plans, leak repairs, and local hardship funds.
Phone or internet
Check Oregon Lifeline and provider low-cost plans. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer funded.
Use the Community Action network to find the agency serving your county. CAPO does not take direct applications, so contact the local agency listed for your home address.
Quick reference
| Need | First place to try | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Heating or cooling bill | County Community Action Agency | Funds are county specific and can run out. |
| PGE or Pacific Power shutoff risk | Ask about OEAP and LIHEAP | OEAP only serves eligible PGE and Pacific Power customers. |
| High monthly utility bill | Utility discount program | A discount lowers future bills and may not clear old debt. |
| Medical need for service | Utility medical certificate | A certificate allows a more lenient payment plan but does not forgive the bill. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local water provider | Oregon has no single statewide water program. |
| Phone or internet | Oregon Lifeline | Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
| Utility will not follow rules | PUC Consumer Services | The PUC does not regulate every municipal, cooperative, or water provider. |
LIHEAP and OEAP in Oregon
LIHEAP can help eligible households with electricity, natural gas, oil, propane, wood, pellets, and other home energy costs. OEAP is a separate electric-assistance program for eligible Portland General Electric and Pacific Power customers who are at risk of disconnection because of limited income.
OHCS describes energy assistance as generally one payment per year. A household does not need a shutoff notice or past-due bill to apply. The OHCS energy FAQ warns that an approved pledge can take two or three billing cycles to appear, so keep paying the bill and stay in contact with the utility.
How to apply
- Find the Community Action Agency for the county where the utility account is located.
- Ask which energy programs are open and how the agency accepts applications.
- Complete the application and submit every requested document.
- Keep an appointment confirmation, case number, email, or upload receipt.
- Tell the utility that an application is pending and ask whether it can place a pledge note on the account.
If transportation, disability, work hours, or child care makes an office visit hard, ask for a phone, mail, online, or other accessible application method. ASMOM’s Community Action guide explains how local agencies work.
Applying does not stop shutoff
Only the utility can confirm whether service is protected. Continue following any payment plan until the company says the account is safe.
2026 Oregon energy income limits
Program Year 2026 uses gross household income at or below 60% of Oregon State Median Income. Gross income means income before taxes and deductions. The local agency decides which household members and income sources count.
| Household size | Annual gross limit | Monthly gross limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38,385 | $3,198.75 |
| 2 | $50,196 | $4,183.00 |
| 3 | $62,006 | $5,167.17 |
| 4 | $73,817 | $6,151.42 |
| 5 | $85,627 | $7,135.58 |
| 6 | $97,438 | $8,119.83 |
| 7 | $99,652 | $8,304.33 |
| 8 | $101,867 | $8,488.92 |
| Each extra person | +$2,215 | +$184.58 |
Income changes can make screening confusing. Ask which review period the agency uses for wages, self-employment, child support, unemployment, Social Security, disability benefits, TANF, and other income. Do not decide that you are over the limit without asking.
Income-qualified utility discounts
Bill discounts are separate from LIHEAP. An eligible customer may use both when the program rules allow it. Apply directly with the utility and report household or income changes as required.
| Utility | Current program | What it may provide |
|---|---|---|
| Portland General Electric | PGE bill discount | 15% to 80% off qualifying monthly energy use, based on household income |
| Pacific Power | Pacific Power discount | An ongoing discount based on household income; re-enrollment is normally required every two years |
| NW Natural | NW Natural discount | 15% to 85% off monthly Oregon gas bills for qualifying households |
| Idaho Power | Idaho Power discount | A 10%, 25%, or 70% monthly discount based on income and energy burden |
Avista and Cascade Natural Gas also have income-qualified assistance. Use the PUC Consumer Center page for current program links and telephone numbers. Municipal utilities, cooperatives, and public utility districts set their own programs, so call the provider listed on the bill.
Ask for two kinds of help
Ask for both a one-time energy payment and an ongoing bill discount. One can help the old balance while the other reduces future bills.
Oregon shutoff protections
Oregon Public Utility Commission rules apply mainly to investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities. Municipal utilities, electric cooperatives, and many water systems may use different rules. Ask the provider or PUC whether a protection covers your account.
Severe weather
The current severe weather rule pauses covered nonpayment disconnections during qualifying severe air quality, extreme heat, off-season cold, and winter cold events. The moratorium continues for 48 hours after the event ends for residential customers. A customer disconnected within the prior seven days may ask the utility to make its best effort to reconnect service.
Medical certificate
A household member under a medical professional’s care may qualify for the medical certificate program when loss of electric or gas service would seriously endanger health. The medical professional sends the certificate to the utility. It can allow a more lenient payment plan or a new arrangement after financial hardship.
A medical certificate does not forgive the balance and does not stop disconnection if the customer fails to keep the payment arrangement. It also does not apply to water utilities under the general PUC program.
Notice and payment plans
Regulated electric and gas companies must provide required notices before shutoff and cannot disconnect for nonpayment on the day before or on a weekend or national holiday. Regulated utilities other than telephone companies must offer time-payment arrangements, usually for the past-due amount. Ask for the exact dates and terms in writing.
Water and sewer help
Water assistance is local. Call the city, district, landlord, or private provider and ask about payment plans, income discounts, crisis credits, leak adjustments, and repair help. The PUC regulates only a small part of Oregon’s water systems.
- Portland: The Portland water program offers bill discounts and other help for eligible sewer, stormwater, and water customers.
- Eugene: The EWEB assistance page says its Customer Care application is open as of July 16, 2026. Eligible customers may receive a $280 credit once per calendar year while funds remain.
- Other areas: Ask the provider whether a high bill can be reviewed for a hidden leak, estimated reading, billing error, or payment plan.
Water programs can change quickly. Confirm current amounts and availability before relying on a credit.
Phone and internet help
Oregon Lifeline lowers the cost of qualifying phone or high-speed internet service. The current Lifeline discount page lists up to $19.25 per month for phone service and up to $24.25 for qualifying high-speed internet. Tribal residents may qualify for an additional discount.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. The customer must use a participating provider and may need to recertify eligibility. ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains applications and other low-cost options.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024 because Congress did not provide more funding. Be careful with advertisements that claim ACP is currently accepting applications.
Weatherization can lower future bills
Weatherization may help when high energy use comes from poor insulation, air leaks, ducts, or an unsafe heating system. The OHCS weatherization page says local agencies complete an energy audit and choose work based on the home’s condition and available money.
Possible services include insulation, energy-related minor repairs, energy education, air-leak reduction, furnace work, and duct improvements. Households with children, older adults, people with disabilities, high energy use, or high energy burden may receive priority. A waitlist is possible.
Renters can ask, but the agency may need owner permission. Weatherization is not an emergency repair service and does not promise a new furnace, heat pump, or air conditioner.
Documents and information to gather
Do not delay an urgent call because one item is missing. Ask what can be sent later. ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you keep clear copies.
| Information | Examples | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Utility account | Full bill, account number, provider, shutoff notice | Shows the balance, address, and deadline. |
| Household members | Names, birth dates, and requested identity records | Used to set household size. |
| Income | Pay stubs, benefits, unemployment, child support, self-employment | Shows whether the household meets income rules. |
| Housing | Lease or landlord statement | Shows who is responsible when utilities are included in rent. |
| Medical need | Provider information and completed certificate | May support a medical payment arrangement. |
| Water problem | Leak report, repair estimate, high-bill history | May support an adjustment or repair program. |
| Application proof | Case number, appointment, upload receipt, email | Shows the utility that help is pending. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a shutoff notice. Oregon energy help does not require one, and early applications are safer.
- Assuming a pledge posts quickly. OHCS says it can take two or three billing cycles.
- Calling the wrong county. Energy funds and intake are county specific.
- Skipping the utility discount. A one-time payment does not reduce future monthly charges.
- Breaking a medical payment plan. The certificate does not protect service if the arrangement is not kept.
- Paying a grant finder. Public and nonprofit utility applications should not require a referral fee.
- Ignoring other bills. Food, housing, and child care help may free money for utilities.
If help is denied, delayed, or the shutoff is wrong
Ask for the reason in writing. A local agency may deny or close a request because of missing proof, income, the wrong county, a duplicate annual benefit, or exhausted money. Ask whether you can correct the file, reapply, or use an agency complaint process.
If your utility will not fix a billing, payment-plan, notice, or disconnection problem, ask for a supervisor first. Then contact the PUC Consumer Center. The PUC can help with investor-owned electric and gas utilities, telecommunications providers, and some water systems, but it does not control every Oregon utility.
Use ASMOM’s benefits problem guide to track dates, documents, and calls. The Oregon legal guide lists civil legal help when the utility issue overlaps with housing, disability, debt, or another legal problem.
Backup options if the first program is closed
The Oregon Energy Fund works through more than 30 partner agencies. Enter your county or ZIP code to find the local partner and current application route. Assistance is not guaranteed and depends on partner funds.
- Food: Use ASMOM’s Oregon SNAP guide so grocery money does not have to cover utilities.
- Cash and child care: Check the Oregon TANF guide and Oregon child care guide when work and care costs are driving the crisis.
- Health: Use the Oregon health guide when medical costs are reducing money for bills.
- Housing: The Oregon housing guide covers rent, shelter, and housing stability.
- Local support: The Oregon community guide lists food, clothing, family, and nonprofit resources.
Phone scripts
Calling the utility
“Hello, I have a past-due balance and a shutoff date of [date]. What payment or written plan will stop disconnection, and can you screen me for a bill discount, weather protection, or medical certificate?”
Calling Community Action
“Hello, I live in [county] and need help with [electric, gas, oil, propane, wood, or pellets]. Are LIHEAP, OEAP, or crisis applications open, and what documents and application method do you require?”
Calling 211info
“Hello, I live in ZIP code [number] and have a utility problem. I already called the utility and Community Action. Can you search for energy, water, charity, food, and housing help that is taking requests?”
Calling the PUC
“Hello, I tried to resolve a billing or disconnection problem with my utility. Can Consumer Services tell me whether the company is regulated by the PUC and help me understand the next complaint step?”
Resumen en español
Si no puede pagar la electricidad, el gas, el agua, el teléfono o internet en Oregon, llame primero a la compañía. Pida un plan de pago, descuento por ingresos y la cantidad necesaria para evitar el corte.
Para ayuda con energía, contacte a la agencia Community Action de su condado y pregunte por LIHEAP y OEAP. La ayuda está disponible durante el año y no necesita tener aviso de corte, pero los fondos y citas pueden terminar. También puede llamar al 211 o enviar su código postal al 898211.
Durante ciertos eventos de calor, frío o mala calidad del aire, las compañías reguladas deben pausar algunos cortes. Si una necesidad médica depende del servicio, pregunte por un certificado médico. El certificado no elimina la deuda y debe cumplir el plan de pago.
Frequently asked questions
Can single mothers get utility help in Oregon?
Yes. A household may qualify for LIHEAP, OEAP, a utility bill discount, a payment plan, water help, Oregon Lifeline, weatherization, or local nonprofit funds. Each program has separate rules.
Is Oregon energy assistance open year-round?
OHCS says energy assistance is available year-round and does not require a shutoff notice or past-due bill. Local appointments and county funds may still be limited.
Do I apply for LIHEAP through Oregon ONE?
No. Oregon LIHEAP and OEAP are normally handled by the local Community Action Agency, not the Oregon ONE benefits portal or a direct OHCS household application.
Can severe weather stop a utility shutoff?
Covered electric or gas utilities must pause nonpayment disconnections during qualifying severe air quality, extreme heat, and cold events. The residential moratorium continues for 48 hours afterward.
Can a medical certificate protect service?
A qualifying medical certificate can support a more lenient electric or gas payment plan. It does not forgive the bill or protect service when the agreed payment arrangement is not kept.
Is ACP still available for internet bills?
No. The federal Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. Oregon Lifeline and provider low-cost programs may still help qualifying households.
Last updated: July 16, 2026. Next review: October 16, 2026.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 16, 2026, next review October 16, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.