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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Oregon

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Oregon

Last updated: September 2025

If you need help keeping the lights, heat, water, or internet on, use this guide now. Every program and office linked below is official or a trusted statewide nonprofit, and each section ends with a Plan B if the first option doesn’t work.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in Oregon Today

If a shutoff notice is on your door or your power is already off, act in this order.

  • Call your utility right now: Ask for a crisis hold, a medical certificate hold if someone has a serious health condition, and enroll in the income‑based discount. Use PGE IQBD, Pacific Power LID, and NW Natural Discount. For medical holds, cite OAR 860‑021‑0410 and ask the rep to note it. (portlandgeneral.com)
  • Use weather/air‑quality protections: Ask the rep if a Heat Advisory, freeze below 32°F, or AQI ≥100 applies in your area. If yes, disconnections are paused and you may request reconnection during the event under OAR 860‑021‑0407 and PUC guidance. (law.cornell.edu)
  • Call for backup: If the utility won’t pause the shutoff, call the PUC at 1-800-522-2404 via PUC Consumer Center and file an online complaint. Contact 211info for same‑day appointment openings, and ask your local agency for LIHEAP “crisis” processing. (oregon.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the utility for a same‑day written payment plan under OAR 860‑021‑0415, request supervisor review, and send a brief email to puc.consumer@puc.oregon.gov using PUC Contact with your account number, notice date, and medical/weather details. If the service was disconnected within 72 hours of a qualifying event, ask for reconnection per OAR 860‑021‑0407. (oregon.public.law)

The Programs That Move Fastest for Oregon Families

Oregon has three buckets of help that move the needle fastest: bill‑discounts from utilities, state/federal energy grants, and emergency local funds. Use all three if you can.

Utility bill‑discount programs you can start today

Most programs take only minutes to apply and don’t require document upload on day one.

  • PGE Income‑Qualified Bill Discount: Apply online through PGE IQBD for 15–80% off. PGE expanded the top tier to as high as 60% and now shows up to 80% on the customer page; it stacks with LIHEAP/OEAP. (portlandgeneral.com)
  • Pacific Power Low‑Income Discount (LID): Apply at Pacific Power LID using Oregon’s 60% State Median Income (SMI) limits. Discounts generally range up to 40% and can pair with LIHEAP/OEAP. (pacificpower.net)
  • NW Natural Bill Discount: Use NW Natural Discount; Oregon customers can get 15–85% off monthly gas bills. Their newsroom update notes a 30‑day processing window and the new higher tiers. (nwnatural.com)
  • Avista My Energy Discount (natural gas in parts of Southern/Eastern OR): Learn more at Avista My Energy Discount and confirm eligibility at the PUC Consumer page. (myavista.com)
  • Cascade Natural Gas Oregon Energy Discount Program (EDP): Apply online via Cascade EDP; discounts can reach 95% with arrearage relief up to 90%. No paperwork is required to start. (cngc.com)
  • Idaho Power Bill Discount (Eastern OR): Apply at Idaho Power Oregon Assistance; tiers are 10%, 25%, or 70% based on energy burden and SMI. Call 1-800-488-6151 for help. (idahopower.com)
  • EWEB (Eugene) Customer Care Credit: If you have EWEB power or water, apply for a $280 annual bill credit at EWEB Customer Care; “Fast Track” can post in 5 business days with LIHEAP/SNAP proof. (eweb.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If the online form fails or you’re denied, call your utility and ask to apply by phone. Use the PUC Consumer Services line at 1-800-522-2404 via PUC Consumer Center for help getting into the discount program or setting a payment plan. (oregon.gov)

State and federal energy grants

These programs pay your utility directly. You usually apply through your local Community Action Agency (CAA).

Timeline reality: In many counties, non‑crisis energy payments take about 3–6 weeks to reach the utility and appear on your bill. Charitable funds note similar timelines. Apply early and ask your utility for a hold while payment posts via Oregon Energy Fund FAQ and EWEB processing times. (oregonenergyfund.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility to note “third‑party pledge pending.” Keep proof of your appointment and application. If shutoff proceeds, call the PUC at 1-800-522-2404 via PUC Consumer Center and request a pause while your grant posts. (oregon.gov)

Quick Tables You Can Use

Core Oregon utility help at a glance

Program Who it helps Typical benefit How to apply
LIHEAP (OHCS) Households ≤60% SMI 250–250–750 heat/cool; crisis up to $750 Apply with your CAA via CAPO Find Services; learn more at LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (oregon.gov)
OEAP PGE and Pacific Power customers facing shutoff Crisis electric help; varies by county Contact your CAA via CAPO; see OEAP Fact Sheet. (oregon.gov)
Oregon Lifeline Phone/internet discount for low income 15.25phoneorupto15.25 phone or up to 19.25 internet; extra $25 on Tribal lands Apply online at Discounted Service or Free Service; call 1-800-848-4442. (oregon.gov)
PUC Consumer Services Any Oregon utility customer with a dispute Stop/appeal disconnection; complaint help Call 1-800-522-2404; review disconnection rules and weather moratorium. (oregon.gov)

Electric utility discounts (investor‑owned and major public)

Utility Discount Where to apply Customer service
PGE 15–80% off monthly bill PGE IQBD 1-800-542-8818 via PUC utility list. (portlandgeneral.com)
Pacific Power Up to 40% (LID) Pacific Power LID 1-888-221-7070 via PUC. (pacificpower.net)
Idaho Power (Eastern OR) 10%, 25%, or 70% Oregon Assistance 1-800-488-6151 via PUC. (idahopower.com)
EWEB (Eugene) $280 annual credit EWEB Customer Care 1-541-685-7000 via EWEB Contact. (eweb.org)
Salem Electric $185 one‑time (typical) Salem Electric Member Assistance 1-503-362-3601 via Salem Electric. (salemelectric.com)

Natural gas bill discounts

Provider Discount range Where to apply Notes
NW Natural 15–85% NW Natural Discount Newsroom confirms up to 85% and 30‑day processing. (nwnatural.com)
Cascade Natural Gas Up to 95% + arrearage help Cascade EDP Requalify every 24 months; easy phone enrollment. (cngc.com)
Avista Income‑tiered gas discount Avista My Energy Discount No paperwork to apply; call 1-800-227-9187. (myavista.com)

Water and sewer bill help hot‑spots

City/Provider Program Where to apply Phone
Portland Water Bureau Bill discounts, crisis vouchers Apply for Water Financial Assistance 1-503-823-7770. (portland.gov)
Eugene (EWEB) Water leak repair + Customer Care EWEB Assistance 1-541-685-7000. (eweb.org)
Salem Utility Rate Relief (elderly/disabled) + emergency help Salem Utility Payment Assistance 1-503-588-6099. (cityofsalem.net)
Bend Low‑Income Water/Sewer discount City of Bend Assistance 1-541-388-5515. (bendoregon.gov)
Medford Water Referrals to ACCESS, SVDP, Salvation Army Medford Bill Assistance 1-541-774-2430. (medfordwater.org)

Oregon shutoff protections you can cite on the phone

Protection What it does Source
15‑day and 5‑day written notice rules Utilities must provide 15‑day and 5‑day notices before disconnection; tenants get special notice OAR 860‑021‑0405 and OAR 860‑021‑0326. (oregon.public.law)
Severe weather/AQI moratorium No shutoffs during local Heat Advisory; freeze or winter storm; and AQI ≥100 OAR 860‑021‑0407 and PUC guidance. (law.cornell.edu)
Medical certificate hold Prevents shutoff if health would be endangered; must follow with written confirmation OAR 860‑021‑0410 and LII summary (telecom). (oregon.public.law)
Time‑payment agreements If you sign a payment plan, the utility cannot disconnect OAR 860‑021‑0415 and PUC Consumer Center. (oregon.public.law)

LIHEAP and OEAP in Oregon — What You Need, When to Apply, and How Fast It Pays

Most important step first: Contact your county’s Community Action Agency today to reserve an appointment for grant help. Use OHCS Utility Help for the statewide program description, find your local office on CAPO Find Services, and keep checking 211info Utility Assistance for open slots. If you’re in Eugene, EWEB confirms LIHEAP funds release monthly starting early November. (oregon.gov)

  • Eligibility: Oregon uses 60% State Median Income (SMI) for LIHEAP 2025. OHCS posts the exact income table by household size; households can rent or own. See the published table at OHCS Utility Help and national profile at LIHEAP Clearinghouse Oregon. (oregon.gov)
  • Benefits: Typical heating or cooling help runs 250–250–750; crisis can add up to $750. Amounts vary by county and fuel type. Confirm current caps on LIHEAP Clearinghouse and with your local office. (liheapch.acf.gov)
  • Processing time: Non‑crisis assistance often takes 3–6 weeks to post to your bill, based on statewide charity timelines and local utility confirmations. EWEB’s “Fast Track” posts in ~5 business days for its own Customer Care credit when you provide proof. Check your utility portal for third‑party payments after you apply at Oregon Energy Fund and EWEB Customer Care Info. (oregonenergyfund.org)
  • Required documents: Picture ID, Social Security numbers (or alternative ID if allowed), last 30–60 days of gross income for adults, current bill or fuel receipt, and landlord info if utilities are included. Your county’s checklist is posted through OHCS Utility Help, and 211info lists local intake steps at 211 Utility Page. (oregon.gov)
  • Tips to speed it up: Ask your utility to place an account “hold due to pending pledge,” upload every page of income proof, and keep your phone on for callbacks. Use the CAA’s email upload or portal from CAPO Find Services, and check 211info Availability for cancellations. (caporegon.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a CAA is out of funds, call another local partner, like Oregon Energy Fund’s directory, or ask your utility for its own discount and a payment plan. If shutoff is still pending, call 1-800-522-2404 via PUC Consumer Center and ask for assistance. (oregonenergyfund.org)

Internet and Phone Help — Oregon Lifeline and ACP Status

Most important step first: Apply for Oregon’s Lifeline to lower monthly phone or high‑speed internet costs. Use the discounted option at Oregon Lifeline Discounted Service or the free option where available at Lifeline Free Service; call 1-800-848-4442 for help or a paper form at Lifeline FAQ. (oregon.gov)

  • What you get: Up to 15.25offphoneorupto15.25 off phone or up to 19.25 off high‑speed internet; Tribal households may get an extra $25. Apply online and expect up to 60 days for the credit to appear; free service providers are listed on the state page. Read details at Discounted Service and Free Service Option. (oregon.gov)
  • ACP update: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped taking new enrollments February 7, 2024, and funding ended after spring 2024 unless Congress renews it. See the FCC’s wind‑down notice and webinar page at FCC ACP Wind‑Down and FCC Webinar. (fcc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your internet or mobile provider about “low‑income” plans apart from ACP, and re‑apply to Oregon Lifeline if your status changes. If a carrier refuses to apply your Lifeline credit after approval, contact PUC Consumer Services and reference your Lifeline approval letter. (oregon.gov)

Local Water and Sewer Help — Where to Apply in Your Area

Most important step first: Call your city or water district and ask for a discount, crisis voucher, or a payment plan. Then ask your local Community Action Agency about any water hardship funds. Start with 211info Utility Assistance, check your city page below, and keep proof of pending help.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask about a longer payment plan and a leak‑adjustment review. If your utility won’t work with you and you’re a PGE/Pacific Power/NW Natural customer too, ask your electric/gas utility for a bigger discount to free up cash for water. Keep checking 211info for small, local church funds. (211info.org)

Longer‑Term Bill Relief — Weatherization, Rebates, and Solar Within Reach

Most important step first: Get weatherization and upgrade help if you qualify. These cut bills for years and are often free.

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you’re over the income limit by a little, ask about “near‑income” tiers and community solar subscriptions through Solar Within Reach. If you rent, ask your landlord to contact your CAA for weatherization; many programs cover rentals. (energytrust.org)

County‑Level Variations You Should Know

Multnomah (Portland metro): Energy aid is first‑come, first‑served and runs through six nonprofits; the county directs you to 211info Energy. For water and sewer discounts, apply at Portland Water Assistance and check for Smart Discount updates at Program FAQ. (multco.us)

Marion/Polk (Salem): The City of Salem runs Utility Rate Relief for older adults and disabled households; call 1-503-588-9016 and review Utility Payment Assistance. Energy aid is centralized through MWVCAA on 211info. (cityofsalem.net)

Deschutes/Crook/Jefferson (Central Oregon): City of Bend discounts are handled by NeighborImpact; start with Bend Assistance Programs. Check PGE or Pacific Power discounts too: PGE IQBD or Pacific Power LID. (bendoregon.gov)

Lane (Eugene/Springfield): Use EWEB Customer Care for a 280credit.SpringfieldUtilityBoardcustomerscanrequestupto280 credit. Springfield Utility Board customers can request up to 225 via SUB Project SHARE. (eweb.org)

Jackson/Josephine (Medford/Grants Pass): For water help, call partners listed on Medford Water Assistance. For gas, check Avista Discount or NW Natural Discount. (medfordwater.org)

Eastern Oregon (Malheur/Harney, Baker, etc.): Idaho Power offers an Oregon Bill Discount at Idaho Power Oregon Assistance; Project Share can add up to $450 via Project Share Info. Apply for LIHEAP through Community in Action. (idahopower.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to check nearby counties for appointment openings on 211info, and ask your utility to add you to the discount program while you wait for grant funding. (211info.org)

Diverse Communities — Targeted Tips and Resources

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Use Lifeline to lower phone or internet costs at Oregon Lifeline, energy discounts at PGE IQBD and Pacific Power LID, and ask 211 for allied community partners via 211info. Request privacy protection when sharing documents. (oregon.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request a medical certificate hold with your electric/gas utility using OAR 860‑021‑0410, apply for discount programs at NW Natural Discount or Cascade EDP, and keep PUC Consumer Services at 1-800-522-2404 on standby via PUC Consumer Center. Ask for large‑print forms. (oregon.public.law)

Veteran single mothers: Your local CAA can connect you to utility help and the VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families through CAPO, apply for energy aid at OHCS Utility Help, and contact 211 for veteran‑specific referrals through 211info. (caporegon.org)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can qualify for discounts without a Social Security number at some utilities; EWEB explicitly doesn’t require SSN for its $280 credit at EWEB Customer Care. Use Oregon Lifeline for phone/internet help and ask your CAA about acceptable ID types on OHCS Utility Help. TTY 711 is available via PUC Contacts. (eweb.org)

Tribal‑specific resources: Tribal households may receive expanded LIHEAP and Lifeline benefits. Check your tribe’s program, such as Grand Ronde LIHEAP, Siletz LIHEAP, or Klamath Tribes Energy Programs. Tribal Lifeline adds $25/month via Oregon Lifeline. (grandronde.org)

Rural single moms with limited access: Call your utility to set up a payment plan and enroll in discounts; for Eastern Oregon use Idaho Power and check Community in Action. Pair with Energy Trust Community Partners to reach mobile intake teams. (idahopower.com)

Single fathers: All programs above are gender‑neutral. Use OHCS Utility Help, your utility’s discount such as Pacific Power LID, and Oregon Lifeline. Ask for language access or TTY 711 through PUC Contacts. (oregon.gov)

Language access: Ask for translated forms and interpreter help. Lifeline provides multilingual apps at Oregon Lifeline Apps; Portland, Eugene, and Salem offer Spanish and more through Portland Water Assistance, EWEB Contact, and Salem Utility Billing. (oregon.gov)

Resources by Region — Where Single Moms Usually Find Fastest Help

Portland Metro (Multnomah/Clackamas/Washington): Use 211info Utility Assistance for the latest openings, apply for PGE IQBD or Pacific Power LID, and request water/sewer help at Portland Water Financial Assistance. (211info.org)

Willamette Valley (Salem/Albany/Corvallis): Start with Salem Utility Payment Assistance, apply for OEAP/LIHEAP with OHCS, and ask your electric provider about discounts via PUC consumer page. (cityofsalem.net)

Central Oregon (Bend/Redmond/Prineville): City discounts run through Bend Assistance Programs; apply for utility bill discounts at PGE IQBD or Pacific Power LID. (bendoregon.gov)

Southern Oregon (Medford/Ashland/Grants Pass): For water, contact partners on Medford Water Assistance. For gas, check Avista Discount or NW Natural Discount. For power, see Pacific Power LID. (medfordwater.org)

Eugene/Springfield: Apply for EWEB Customer Care and SUB Project SHARE, then add Lifeline for phone/internet. (eweb.org)

Eastern Oregon (Ontario/Baker/La Grande): Pair Idaho Power Bill Discount, LIHEAP via Community in Action, and Oregon Lifeline. (idahopower.com)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reality Check — What To Expect This Year

  • Funding runs out fast: Many counties release LIHEAP funds monthly and they can be gone in days. EWEB notes monthly distributions starting November; charities warn of 3–6 week timelines. Use holds and utility discounts meanwhile. See EWEB page and Oregon Energy Fund. (eweb.org)
  • 211 hours changed: 211info reduced phone hours to Mon–Fri, 8:00–6:00 due to funding cuts; text and email still work off‑hours. Plan calls during open times. Check 211info announcement and use 211info Utility Assistance. (211info.org)
  • Weather and smoke pauses: Heat Advisories and AQI ≥100 pause shutoffs, but you must call and request the protection. Keep the rule handy at OAR 860‑021‑0407 and the PUC Consumer Center. (law.cornell.edu)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Application Checklist — Print or Screenshot

Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

Real‑World Examples (Names changed)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

What to do if this doesn’t work: Rotate through 211 each morning, ask your utility’s community‑fund program for a pledge, and request a 60–90 day payment plan under OAR 860‑021‑0415 while you wait. (oregon.public.law)

Step‑by‑Step — Applying Without Wasting Time

FAQs — Oregon Utility Help for Single Moms

  1. How fast can I stop a power shutoff in Oregon: Call your utility and ask for a payment plan, medical certificate hold, or weather/AQI moratorium; then call the PUC at 1-800-522-2404 via PUC Consumer Center. Refer to OAR 860‑021‑0407 and OAR 860‑021‑0410. (oregon.gov)
  2. Do utility discounts stack with LIHEAP: Yes. PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Idaho Power, Cascade EDP, and EWEB allow discounts in addition to grants. See PGE IQBD, Pacific Power LID, and NW Natural Discount pages. (portlandgeneral.com)
  3. What income counts for LIHEAP 2025 in Oregon: Oregon uses 60% SMI. Check the posted table and month‑by‑month income at OHCS Utility Help and LIHEAP Clearinghouse. (oregon.gov)
  4. How long does LIHEAP take to hit my bill: Commonly 3–6 weeks. Ask your utility for a hold while the pledge posts. See Oregon Energy Fund FAQ and EWEB processing times. (oregonenergyfund.org)
  5. Can I get water help now that LIHWAP ended: Yes—apply for local water/sewer programs like Portland Water Assistance, Salem Utility Relief, or Bend Assistance, and ask your CAA about small local funds. LIHWAP funds are exhausted per OHCS LIHWA. (oregon.gov)
  6. Is there help for rural and frontier counties: Yes—Idaho Power’s Bill Discount applies in Eastern Oregon at Oregon Assistance; CAAs cover all 36 counties via CAPO Find Services. (idahopower.com)
  7. Can I apply if I rent and utilities are included: Yes, but grant amounts and eligibility can change if you don’t have a direct account. Check with your CAA at OHCS Utility Help and ask your city water office about tenant protections. (oregon.gov)
  8. Do I need a Social Security number: Many programs accept alternative IDs, and some utilities don’t require SSN (EWEB notes this for Customer Care at EWEB Customer Care). Ask your CAA via CAPO. (eweb.org)
  9. Is ACP still helping with internet bills: ACP stopped new enrollments and benefits ended after spring 2024 absent new funding; use Oregon Lifeline instead. See FCC ACP Wind‑Down. (fcc.gov)
  10. Who do I call if the utility won’t follow the rules: Call the PUC at 1-800-522-2404 and file a complaint at PUC Consumer Center. Reference OAR 860‑021‑0405 and OAR 860‑021‑0407. (oregon.gov)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Esta sección es un resumen corto hecho con herramientas de traducción automática. Verifique siempre en las páginas oficiales antes de aplicar.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that this guide follows our Editorial Standards, uses only official sources, is updated regularly, but is not affiliated with any government agency and is not a substitute for official guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes are not guaranteed. For corrections, email info@asinglemother.org and we will respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance in Oregon and is not legal advice. Program amounts, eligibility, and processing times change with funding. Always confirm current availability with your utility, local Community Action Agency, or state office before applying. If your health or safety is at risk due to a utility issue, call your provider immediately and contact the Oregon Public Utility Commission Consumer Services team at 1-800-522-2404 for help. (oregon.gov)

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