Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Oregon

Where to start in Oregon

Start with the problem that could hurt your family first. A shutoff notice, no heat, no cooling during extreme heat, or a child’s medical need should move ahead of a normal past-due bill.

Use Oregon’s broader help pages too. If the utility bill is one part of a bigger crisis, open the Oregon help guide, the emergency help page, and help with bills for other starting points.

Quick help table

LIHEAP and OEAP in Oregon

Oregon has two main energy assistance programs listed by OHCS: the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program, or OEAP. LIHEAP can help with home energy costs and may also connect eligible households to heating system repair or replacement and weatherization. OEAP is for low-income electric bill help for Portland General Electric and Pacific Power customers who are at risk of disconnection.

You do not apply to OHCS for a direct household payment. OHCS says local Community Action Agencies administer Oregon’s LIHEAP and OEAP services. Local agencies can set intake steps that fit their county, so one county may use online forms while another may use phone, mail, drop boxes, or scheduled appointments.

If you live in a rural area or cannot drive far, ask for remote application options. OHCS says people who cannot visit an agency office can request alternative application methods, which may include phone, mail, or home visits.

2026 Oregon energy assistance income guide

For Program Year 2026, OHCS lists energy assistance eligibility at or below 60% of Oregon’s State Median Income. Gross income means income before deductions. Use this table as a starting point, then confirm with your local agency because documentation and local practices can vary.

If your income changes month to month, ask the local agency how they count it. Do not guess. Some offices want recent pay stubs, benefit letters, unemployment details, child support proof, or self-employment records.

Utility discount programs you should ask about

Bill discounts are different from one-time grants. A grant may help with an old bill. A discount can lower future monthly bills if you qualify and stay enrolled. Many Oregon investor-owned utilities have income-qualified discounts.

For Avista, Cascade Natural Gas, and other regulated utilities, start with the utility and the PUC Consumer Center. The PUC’s assistance list includes links and customer service phone numbers for major electric and natural gas utilities.

Oregon shutoff protections

Oregon has utility disconnection rules, but they do not erase every bill. The safest path is to call early, get the name of the person you speak with, ask for the rule or program being used, and write down the date and time.

The Oregon rule on severe weather says electric and natural gas utilities must pause involuntary disconnection for nonpayment in certain severe weather events, including severe air quality, extreme heat, and cold events. The rule also says the moratorium remains in effect for 48 hours after the qualifying severe weather event ends for residential customers. Read the current severe weather rule before you rely on it.

The PUC also announced stronger customer protections for customers of Oregon’s investor-owned utilities, including rules tied to financial hardship, medical needs, severe weather, reconnection costs, and payment time. Because some temporary actions have end dates, confirm what applies to your account today.

Water, sewer, phone, and internet help

Water and sewer help is usually local. If you are in Portland, check Portland water help. If you are an EWEB customer in Eugene, check EWEB assistance. Other cities, water districts, and private systems may have their own discounts or payment plans, so call the number on your bill.

For phone or internet, Oregon Lifeline may lower a qualifying household’s phone or high-speed internet cost. The Oregon PUC says Oregon Lifeline can provide up to $20.25 off phone service or up to $24.25 off high-speed internet, and Tribal Lifeline may provide an extra discount for eligible residents on federally recognized Tribal lands. Start at Oregon Lifeline.

The federal Affordable Connectivity Program is not a current monthly discount. The FCC says ACP ended because Congress did not provide more funding, and households stopped receiving ACP discounts effective June 1, 2024. Check the FCC ACP page before trusting ads that claim ACP is still open.

Weatherization can lower future bills

If your bill is high because the home is drafty, the heating system is unsafe, or cooling costs are hard to manage, ask about weatherization. OHCS says weatherization services may include insulation, energy-related minor repairs, energy education, air leakage reduction, furnace repair or replacement, and duct improvements. The program gives priority to groups that include households with children under 19, people with disabilities, seniors, high residential energy users, and households with high energy burden.

Start with OHCS weatherization and your county agency. Renters may need landlord permission for work inside the home.

Documents and details to gather

Gather documents before you call if you can. Do not skip calling because you are missing one paper. Ask the office what can be sent later.

• Utility account number and a photo or PDF of the bill.
• Shutoff notice, reconnection notice, or past-due balance.
• Photo ID or other identity documents the agency accepts.
• Names and birth dates for household members.
• Gross income proof for adults, such as pay stubs, benefit letters, or unemployment records.
• Rental agreement if utilities are included in rent.
• Medical certificate information if someone’s health depends on service.
• Safe phone number, email, and mailing address for follow-up.

If you are also short on food, health coverage, or child care, do not wait until the utility problem is solved. Use Oregon food help, Oregon TANF help, Medicaid guidance, and child care help as separate doors.

If you are denied, delayed, or overwhelmed

Ask for the reason in writing. If an agency is out of funds, ask when to check back and whether another partner serves your ZIP code. Oregon Energy Fund says it works through partner agencies around the state, and its process can take several weeks, so start early when possible. Use Oregon Energy Fund to look for partner agencies.

If your bill is part of a housing crisis, also use Oregon housing help. If you need local food, clothing, diapers, or family support while waiting, use Oregon community support and the local resource guide. If you live outside a metro area, check rural Oregon help.

If you think your utility is not following Oregon rules, contact the PUC Consumer Center. If the issue is tied to eviction, custody, abuse, or another legal problem, read Oregon legal help and contact a qualified local legal aid office or attorney.